Cady's Take:

Sam desperately tries to distance himself and Alex from his mother and her "relaxed morals". But the couple’s different views of the Laurel Canyon house drive a wedge between them, and each seeks comfort in the arms of another. Alex is lured into the unrestrained lifestyle of Jane and Ian as Sam falls for a fellow practitioner, Sara (Natascha McElhone).

Laurel Canyon is not a story about transformation. Rather, it is a film that observes its characters as they are confronted by the possibilities of love, sex, drugs and morality. McDormand delivers time and time again, and this role feels like it was written for her. Her high-octane portrayal of this free spirit is the best part of the picture. Without her as the anchor, this film very well could have floated completely off course.

Lauren Canyon has you waiting for that surprise that seems to be right around the corner but never actually appears. It lacks focus or conviction, and fails to inspire. Loved McDormand- but not enough to give this film a high recommendation!

So what is “Laurel Canyon” about? It’s about Jane (McDormand), a music producer mom and her estranged son Sam (Bale) who you might remember from “America Psycho”. Engaged Sam and Alex go to stay at Sam’s mother’s house thinking she is not home, when in fact she is home and a band is for all intents and purposes living there also while they produce a record. Jane is carrying on with Ian, the lead singer of the band who immediately takes a fancy to Alex – as does Jane. To complicate matters, Sam is being tempted at the hospital where he is completing his residency by Sara, a hot third-year with an accent. Confused yet? Me too.

This movie keeps you guessing but ultimately does not take you anywhere. “Laurel Canyon” does not develop its characters and instead relies on broad strokes; Sam is so rigid because Jane is such a hippie. Alex’s sheltered world is shattered by Jane and Ian and by the open life they lead. Sara is simply the beautiful mysterious Other Woman who exists for the sole purpose of making it “even” while Alex cavorts with Ian, and with Sam’s mother. This is unfortunate as this is not a plot-driven movie, and character-driven movies (which I prefer) by definition necessitate character development. “Laurel Canyon” does not deliver.

There is much to be said of the star of the movie, of the ever-evolving and wonderful Frances McDormand. What an amazing actress she is! The first “Cady & Kyle” review was “Wonder Boys” which also starred Frances McDormand and she never ceases to amaze. Her characters are always developed, even when the script fails to do so. Not only does she look amazing, her Jane is a complicated, assured, sometimes amoral woman, but she recognizes boundaries even if she does not completely understand them. Her performance took an otherwise directionless movie and made it watchable.