Inside I'm Dancing

I’m not particularly against films whose main intention is to touch the viewer or make them cry, but doing it as artificially as this one is not something you see every day. It failed to work on me, though. Rory, the protagonist, is borderline unlikeable, and I would also have welcomed a slightly more realistic perspective on the lives of handicapped people. If those two or three main characters were put in a realistically functioning world, things would work out a lot better for them, methinks – and at least that shallow attempt at getting the audience’s tears wouldn’t be so obvious. 70% (26.12.2008)

I can't help but think that although the film is nicely made and carries a very resonant message, that everyone should live to the fullest in spite of their fate, this time the filmmakers went a bit overboard with the self-awareness and pathos. While I enjoy films that try to move the viewer, in some cases a lot, here I just didn't like anything, I couldn't get into the story and, above all, the main characters weren't nearly as likeable as they probably deserved. It seemed as if everyone around me was contemplating life out loud and crying on each other's shoulder, while I stood there, with words somehow passing me by, thinking more about when I would be able to leave. What I can't deny is that all the actors played their roles excellently and that in the end the aura of friendship and determination broke through the coldness and detachment I felt in the beginning. I considered 4 stars, but this is not that exceptional filmmaking. (06.04.2013)