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CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Film Review: Parts Are Better Than the Whole in ‘The Skeleton Twins’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 12, 2014 - 9:53pm
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“The Skeleton Twins” opens everywhere on September 12th. Featuring Bill Hader, Kristin Wiig, Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell and Joanna Gleason. Written by Mark Heyman and Craig Johnson. Directed by Craig Johnson Rated “R”
Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “The Skeleton Twins”
Siblings Maggie (Kristen Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader) in ‘The Skeleton Twins’
Photo credit: Roadside Attractions
Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “The Skeleton Twins”
Printer-friendly versionE-mail page to friendPDF version
CHICAGO – Live from the movies, it’s Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig! The two “Saturday Night Live” veterans are “The Skeleton Twins,” and both have more to do than just be funny. There are moments that sink or swim, depending on the “Twins,” and those parts are greater than the narrative sum.
 Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
Each of the brother and sister characters are suicidal, but the background of this depression is brushed aside after it’s established, to create a more congenial and consistent homecoming theme. Hader and Wiig are up to the challenge of their roles, but the script by director Craig Johnson and Mark Heyman keep them at arm’s length from a more redemptive reality. There are some fine moments in “The Skeleton Twins” – good enough for a better-than-average experience – but not good enough for a satisfying overall glimpse into their moment in time.
Maggie (Kristen Wiig) is facing an overdose of pills, a decisive moment of intention that is interrupted by a phone call. Her gay brother Milo (Bill Hader) has attempted suicide. As a result, Maggie must collect him in Los Angeles and take him back for recuperation on the East Coast, even though they haven’t seen each other in ten years. While he arrives, he finally meets Maggie’s husband Lance (Luke Wilson).
Milo insists that his attempt was a moment of madness, and it’s actually Maggie who is going through the most desperate crisis. She is a serial adulterer in her marriage, and hides birth control from a husband who wants a baby. Milo also looks up an old teacher named Rich (Ty Burrell of “Modern Family”), with whom he had his first gay affair while a teenager. It’s all about the healing, and hopefully everyone has the energy to do so.
Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “The Skeleton Twins”Siblings Maggie (Kristen Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader) in ‘The Skeleton Twins’
Photo credit: Roadside Attractions
Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “The Skeleton Twins”
