Towelhead
By Marshall Fine
Rating:
Who's in it: Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, Maria Bello
What's it about: A 13-year-old Arab-American girl discovers her own sexuality while living with her strict divorced father during the first Gulf War.
Squirm: Jasira (Summer Bishil) has unfamiliar longings - and they're stoked by her hot new neighbor (Eckhart), as well as his collection of Playboy magazines. But she's playing with fire in this uncomfortable comedy from writer-director Alan Ball ("Six Feet Under"). He makes this blossoming adolescent into figure of desire in inappropriate ways that she encourages. It raises questions and feelings that could give you the willies. No, it's not kiddie porn - but it puts a focus on a young teen's sexuality that pushes a lot of buttons. Eckhart does a good job capturing the conflicting urges, while Peter Macdissi (who played the reptile-like art teacher Olivier in "Six Feet Under") brings a brutal closed-mindedness to the role of the immigrant father, so eager to fit in even as he clings to fundamentalist religious beliefs. Bishil is a young beauty (she's actually 20) who plays this role so realistically that she'll have you wriggling in your seat.
Long story short: This one will push you out of your comfort zone.
More Reviews
Bolt
In this animated comedy, the canine star of a TV show about a dog with super-powers gets lost in the real world - where he discovers that he's really just a normal dog.
In this animated comedy, the canine star of a TV show about a dog with super-powers gets lost in the real world - where he discovers that he's really just a normal dog.
Lake City
Billy returns to the small-town house of his mother after years of absence, with trouble on his trail.
Billy returns to the small-town house of his mother after years of absence, with trouble on his trail.
A Christmas Tale
In this French film, a family with long-running feuds gathers for the holiday because the mother has received a terminal diagnosis.
In this French film, a family with long-running feuds gathers for the holiday because the mother has received a terminal diagnosis.
Special
A comic-book-loving nerd develops super-powers after participating in a drug trial - and decides to use them to help mankind.
A comic-book-loving nerd develops super-powers after participating in a drug trial - and decides to use them to help mankind.
Quantum of Solace
Still angry about the death of his lover in "Casino Royale," James Bond goes after the people behind the plot that left her dead.
Still angry about the death of his lover in "Casino Royale," James Bond goes after the people behind the plot that left her dead.
Slumdog Millionaire
A young peasant in modern Mumbai is one question away from winning "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" - but no one will believe that he's not cheating.
A young peasant in modern Mumbai is one question away from winning "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" - but no one will believe that he's not cheating.
The Dukes
A once-popular doo-wop group, now down on its luck, decides to pull a heist to solve its money woes.
A once-popular doo-wop group, now down on its luck, decides to pull a heist to solve its money woes.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Two long-time friends (Rogen and Banks), facing a severe cash-crunch crisis, decide to make a porno film to boost their bank accounts.
Two long-time friends (Rogen and Banks), facing a severe cash-crunch crisis, decide to make a porno film to boost their bank accounts.
Soul Men
A pair of retired soul singers who haven't spoken in years reunite for a tribute to their dead partner.
A pair of retired soul singers who haven't spoken in years reunite for a tribute to their dead partner.
Role Models
After a run-in with cops, two energy-drink pitchmen must perform community service as mentors to a pair of troubled kids.
After a run-in with cops, two energy-drink pitchmen must perform community service as mentors to a pair of troubled kids.
Eden
An Irish couple tries to recapture the spark as their 10th anniversary approaches.
An Irish couple tries to recapture the spark as their 10th anniversary approaches.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
A young German boy during World War II must move with his family when his father gets a new job - as commandant of a death camp.
A young German boy during World War II must move with his family when his father gets a new job - as commandant of a death camp.
I've Loved You So Long
A woman comes to live with her sister after being released from jail for killing her own child.
A woman comes to live with her sister after being released from jail for killing her own child.
Let the Right One In
In this Swedish coming-of-age tale, an outcast boy makes friends with a young female vampire.
In this Swedish coming-of-age tale, an outcast boy makes friends with a young female vampire.
Changeling
In 1920s L.A., a single mother's son disappears - and when police eventually return him, she's convinced it's not her boy.
In 1920s L.A., a single mother's son disappears - and when police eventually return him, she's convinced it's not her boy.
Pride and Glory
Colin Farrell and Edward Norton star in the story about a family of cops struggles with a massive police corruption scandal.
Colin Farrell and Edward Norton star in the story about a family of cops struggles with a massive police corruption scandal.
Synecdoche, New York
A theater director turns his whole life into a massive theatrical production.
A theater director turns his whole life into a massive theatrical production.
Let the Right One In
In this Swedish coming-of-age tale, an outcast boy makes friends with a young female vampire.
In this Swedish coming-of-age tale, an outcast boy makes friends with a young female vampire.
I've Loved You So Long
A woman comes to live with her sister after being released from jail for killing her own child.
A woman comes to live with her sister after being released from jail for killing her own child.
W.
Pres. George W. Bush (Josh Brolin) prepares for war in Iraq and looks back on his life before the White House.
Pres. George W. Bush (Josh Brolin) prepares for war in Iraq and looks back on his life before the White House.
