Transamerica (2005)

DUNCAN TUCKER, OPUS 1

*** 2005. Written and directed by Duncan Tucker. Two Academy awards nominations (song and actress) and Golden Globe earned by Felicity Huffman. A transsexual, on the verge of being operated must drive across the U.S. in the company of his son, a juvenile delinquent. Clichés and clichés. The redeeming and edifying road movie is a common theme of American cinema; just think, for instance about Don Siegel's Two Mules For Sister Sara (cowboy and nun) or Barry Levinson's Rain Man (Special Edition) (yuppie and autistic person). The only original element of TRANSAMERICA is the decision to ask an actress to play a male would-be transsexual. Apart from that, nothing new under the sun. Already forgotten. October 3, 2008

Great Road Trip Film

I was really prepared not to like this film as I have grown tired of Felicity Huffman's pathetic overacting on "Desperate Housewives, " but in this quiet, affecting road trip film she underplays beautifully and accomplishes more by acting less. As Bree, the conflicted pre-op transsexual, Ms. Huffman lowers her voice an octave and wears heavy makeup to make her character authentic. I did think throwing every family dysfunction in the mix was a bit much, but Bree's relationship with her parents who called her "Stanley" was touching and real. A key element to this films success is an impressive soundtrack that adds to the ambience. Watch for the wonderful Grahame Greene in a small role. August 1, 2008

Good movie, misleading title

When I first heard about this I thought it was going to be some sort of documentary on trans people in the US. Last night I watched it with a friend when it came on Lifetime and was pleasantly surprised. I think the title could also have been more descriptive of the actual plot. This movie's depictions of both a transgender person, their family and a sexually abused teenage boy was all very accurate and well done. The movie makers didn't seem afraid to go anywhere, and pulled off intense dramatic moments as well as some comical situations and dialogue. However, I gave it only 4 stars because there were a few scenes and parts of the movie that could have been improved, as well as the title issue. August 1, 2008

A must-see!

"Transamerica" is worth watching solely because of Felicity Huffman's performance. The terrific actress plays Bree, a not-quite-yet woman waiting for the final sex-reassignment operation. However, a couple of days before the operation, Bree gets a phone call from NYPD, informing her she has a son and that she needs to get there and bail him out. Bree reluctantly does that, but instead of telling her hustler son she is his mother, she tells him she is a missionary and offers to drive him to California, where he wants to become a porn actor.
This is a movie with real people and real problems. On the way to the East Coast, there are many twists and turns awaiting Bree and her son, and it adds to the humanity of these two, well, unique people. A very admirable aspect of this movie is that it never treats transsexuals as jokes - and Felicity Huffman always plays her character with respect. It is truly an Oscar-worthy performance. Another outstanding performance here is by Kevin Zegers, playing Bree's problematic son - and just you wait 'till you see the background story. All in all, a movie to watch at least once, and an actress to cherish. April 18, 2008

A brilliant movie with an astounding lead performance

Yes yes, I stole my title from another reviewer. Hey, he wrote what I was thinking.

You look at the blurb and you might think, "Wow, this has so much potential to go so wrong." But guess what? It has just as much potential to go so right, and it certainly does.

The writing, the acting, the character arcs, the plot and subplots... everything is excellent. Insightful, observant, clever, great dialogue, stellar performances from everybody. Quite serious and quite humorous at the same time.

I have a small shelf of movies I've seen before that I want to see again. This one just joined the collection. April 13, 2008

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