Carnage

Film: Carnage

Starring: Kate Winslet (Contagion), Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds), John C. Reilly (Cedar Rapids) and Jodie Foster (The Beaver)

Director: Roman Polanski (The Ghost Writer)

U.S. Release: December 16th, 2011 (Limited - Rated R)

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 80 minutes

In the late 1960s and early 1970s director Roman Polanski walked taller than just about anyone. With award winning films such as Rosemary's Baby and Chinatown, Polanski was virtually untouchable. However, in 1977 everything changed for the acclaimed director. After being arrested for sexual abuse of a 13 year old girl and pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor, Polanski fled to London and eventually settled in France to avoid further sentencing. The director's career took an inevitable hit, and many believed Polanski would never reach such heights again. Yet, his 2002 masterpiece, The Pianist, took home 3 Oscar wins including a Best Director nod for Polanksi himself. Since his 2002 conquest, Polanski has managed to string together some well regarded films, including his latest work, Carnage.

Carnage is a comedy set against the backdrop of a school yard skirmish that ends with Zachary Cowan hitting Ethan Longstreet in the face with a tree limb. But when the parents of Zachary (played by Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet) venture to the Longstreet's (played by John C. Reilly and Jodie Foster) home to try to resolve the issue in a civilized manner, all hell breaks loose.

Roman Polanski's Carnage is a riotous comedy that fluently satisfies from beginning to end. It's success hinges on the hilarious performances of its four leading actors and actresses. Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Kate Winslet, and Christoph Waltz deliver 80 minutes of laugh out loud footage that mirrors each of our own lives in many ways. In an effort to avoid singling out anyone individually, each actor and actress does a fantastic job in their respective role. As two couples trying to address a delicate (or not so delicate) issue, Carnage dives head first into this socially uncomfortable situation. As the ordeal progresses, Polanski swims further and further into the depths of irrationality. Each character offering a unique view point, Carnage does a wonderful job of tackling the issue of too much parent involvement.

Despite the film's abundance of comedic flare, Polanski's Carnage opens with a weak first act. However, to the its credit, the movie manages to pick up quickly and never look back. Furthermore, since it's a comedy, Carnage offers very little emotional connection to its main characters. Far from groundbreaking, Polanski's latest piece is more of an entertaining and outrageous journey into the minds of four crazed adults than anything else. Carnage is the type of film you'll hardly remember, but you'll certainly enjoy.

Carnage is an outlandishly original comedy that goes beyond the traditional laughs. The film is highly entertaining as its 80 minute runtime flows by effortlessly. The collection of these four gifted actors and actresses allow for amazing chemistry and an assortment of laugh out loud scenes. Unfortunately, Carnage won't be out in theatres much longer. Therefore, I suggest getting out to see it ASAP or taking a flyer on the movie and checking it out on DVD once it arrives.

Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4.

Grade: B