Short Term 12 (2013)

Well Deserved Praise

Sick Product of a Sick System

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

Short Term 12 It is not a pretentious or a misguided feature, which was easily possible considering the premise and such familiar genre features that quickly derails from its self-created track. The structure of the script may be familiar and follow a rudimentary process but it certainly isn't narrowed down to a typical climatic edge but breeds maturity whilst suffering and battling its own characters. Destin Daniel Cretton; the writer-director, surpasses its witty script through his brilliant execution skills and offers an adequate response to the raised questions in here. Brie Larson pulls off her role convincingly despite not getting the expected support from her supporting cast. It is short on technical aspects like sound department but is fulfilling in editing and its camera work which makes it pleasing to encounter as it keeps it light; contradict to its premise. The minor dilemma in here would be the priority of the character and its perspective that is kept above the plot track which bars the range of the feature a bit. Short Term 12 has a potential to not only run for a longer term but rule wiser and safer as it breeds smarter approach for the essential future generation.

I'm going to keep this one nice and short. While I notice and applaud this film for the story it tells, I just didn't find it all that interesting. Many will probably disagree with me on this, but I simply could not stay engaged throughout this movie. I will say that the cinematic style and acting in this film are top notch. The ambience of this film is spot on for the content; ultimately, I was very impressed with the way this film was shot. The overall "feel" of this movie is anchored in realism; the shaky camera shots and lack of filters do a great job setting the tone for the bleak environment these characters live in. I applaud the director for portraying this world in a believable fashion. I will also say that the acting in "Short Term 12" is impressive overall. With memorable performances from Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr, the entire film feels very authentic in it's own right. The supporting cast does a fine job as well; Rami Malek contributes a solid performance as the new guy at the facility and helps set the tone with the rest of the cast.When it comes down to it, I just didn't find the story in "Short Term 12" very engaging. This is just my humble opinion and should not sway others from seeing this film, but I thought the script left much to be desired. In the midst of all the great acting and ambience, the story and script is ultimately what brings this movie down from greatness. While I did not enjoy the story (I fell asleep 3 times) I must give credit where credit is due. The acting, directing, and cinematography in "Short Term 12" are all top notch, delivering what I felt was an authentic experience despite my criticisms of the plot. Definitely check this one out as it may be one that resonates with you more than it did with me.

Every once in awhile, a film comes completely out of nowhere and utterly surprises me. This was exactly the case with "Short Term 12". It took a family member to recommended it to me...and even he only knew of it via film school! I'm glad I checked it out, though, as it held me in tow for the duration.For a basic plot summary, this film focuses on a "holding tank" for young people who are awaiting court judgments. In other words, the next step before either juvenile detention or foster care. Grace (Brie Larson) and Mason (John Gallagher Jr.) are the most experienced staff leaders, and they also happen to be in a relationship with each other. As the viewer learns more about the facility, residents such as Marcus (Keith Stanfield), Luis (Kevin Hernandez), Sammy (Alex Calloway), and Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever) are introduced, including an insider look at why each of them are at the facility.This is a movie about people and issues...plain and simple. Right from the opening scene, director Destin Daniel Cretton knows how to seamlessly begin weaving a complex drama, one which only strengthens as the characters are introduced. Basically, the strength of the film is that each character feels so "real". Nothing seems overly dramatic or "made up". Facilities like this exist, people like this exist, and "Short Term 12" tries its best to show the reality of the situation through a number of different possible scenarios.This movie is also quite a small production. It doesn't need a big-name director, crazy CGI, or a star-studded cast to succeed. It just relies on the "old school" qualities of a solid script, great acting from everyone, and a diverse range of characters that will give "something to everyone".Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give "Short Term 12"? I'm not just "being nice" to it because it is an independent film. It is more just the opposite...I'm marveling at how such a low- key movie can rank right up there among my favorites. Kind of a sad statement to make regarding the movie-producing business, which is so caught up right now in sequels and "get 'em in the theater" flicks. "Short Term 12" proves, however, that nothing over-the-top is needed to make a great film.

Amazing film. This movie captures the hermetic, strange, painful, troubling world of a residential institution for troubled youth. I have worked in a similar facility and I believe that this movie really nails the way in which a place like this becomes an entity all its own with its own rules and character and reality. Short term 12 is its own world and the people who reside there are simultaneously cut off from the outside world and attached by quirky and generally disappointing bonds to that outside world. This film also faithfully coveys the ways that a person who works in this type of setting is molded by the experience and bound to the peculiar world within the walls. The movie has humorous and absurd aspects but makes clear that many of the kids are there, to a great extent, because of the dismissiveness and callousness of the adults in their outside worlds who failed to nurture and protect the kids.