Samantha Mathis

I see she's NOT credited for her small turn in this picture as of today, HOWEVER, I did not mistake her name on the credits or her fine moment in which she ACTED CIRCLES AROUND THE THREE LEADS.

Seriously, I expected much better from Jennifer Connelly, who is so capable of drama it's the only corner of this business she's engaged in for 16 years. Here, same dewey, misty eyed sadness, but without the build up to where she got there. We hear about it, but we don't particularly see it, which can make all the difference. The performance is filled with as many plotholes and the script. Dakota Fanning isn't organic enough. The younger actress who portrays her character Merry was much more believable. It should be noted that supporting actress Valorie Curry was more apt to portray the role, and she very well should have. Curry spits her words with seething, dripping hot venom, especially during a scene when taunting and patronizing Swede sexually. Then there's Ewan McGregor. Tsk Tsk Tsk. Completely dull. Too subdued. Then the way he freezes his face when he performs an American accent, er, role. If that's the only way he can get the job done, he might need to consult a dialect and diction coach sometime. He did this in Tim Burton's 'Big Fish' and he does it here. Yawn.

But Mathis, who I haven't seen in YEARS makes a welcome appearance in a small but effective role. Her facial expression says an entire story, and her 4 or five lined-monologue has within it the potential for a best supporting actress oscar. Mathis displays such prowess amid the underwhelming stone-faced McGregor and Connelly. Her performance is subtle yet nuanced. Intricate enough that we can take it many ways for what it most simply may be. Great to see you again Ms. Mathis. Brava!

When will you ever learn, this feeling is all you can discern?