'River's Edge'-Where Revisiting a Crime Scene, Makes Sense?

You know, I had high hopes for this film. And although I had decided going into this that I would limit my research on the summaries and reviews, I did have prior knowledge that this film did pretty well. So again, high hopes. Maybe it has to do with the 80's and their treatment of people, that just does not translate well in today's world. Maybe, because at the end of the day, I did not grow up during those times, these types of films don't sit with me. But I believe myself to have an open mind and am very forgiving in these kinds of things, so although it does joke about rape, and when I say joke, I mean even the women take it so lightheartedly that it just crushes my soul, it again, makes sense in the climate these were filmed. This intro really has nothing to do with the fun and amusing tone I'm trying to create in my blogs, but instead, this serves as more of a warning for those of you who choose to watch this film. There will be times where you want to question, if anything, "WHY"? And that's alright, because I feel good knowing we are in a better place as a society now, even if only a tiny amount. But just fair warning, it gets pretty hecking annoying.

Now this time around, there was no timestamping of our beloved Keanu Reeves, mostly because he really was a protagonist in the film and in basically every scene (thank you). His character struggles with the fact that one of his friends decided to murder his girlfriend, but that's not even the ridiculous part of the film. You have a 12 year old who thinks of himself as a bad-ass (I really wanted to slap this kid), a 'loyal' character who believes their friendships are being tested (who speaks as if letters hurt him, 'Buuuut Maaaaatt') and a murderer with no remorse. FUN. No, but really, I can see why people were drawn to this film with its pure senseless crime. And the funniest part of it all, are the irrational decisions that everyone makes (I've learned this is no longer a shock, and more of an expectation). So to keep it a bit simple, let me list some of the irrational things they do.

A Ridiculously Long List of why People are Considered...Well, Idiots

(In chronological order with commentary)

-Murders girlfriend (rude)

-Leaves body where he murdered it (DUDE)

-Kid steals beer from gas station and then proceeds to go into the murders car AFTER seeing him with the body (this is the one I wanted to slap)

-Tells friends he murdered GF, but of course completely unfazed (yup)

-Shows friends the body, because he left it at the (GET THIS) River's Edge

-Friends decide...hmmm...lets NOT tell anyone about this (wonderful idea)

-Body is STILL by the river (this is literally 30 minutes into film)

-Children are not being disciplined, they smoke weed and steal guns...(hmmm)

-Drinking AND driving (come ON)

-Getting rid of the body (FINALLY)

-Getting rid of the body by simply throwing it in the river (wait...what?)

-The body is found because it floated to the other side of the river (clearly have seen zero How to Get Away with Murder)

-CONTINUOUS REVISITS TO THE SCENE OF THE CRIME TO HANGOUT (so wrong)

-Police question our dear boy Keanu, WHO MIND YOU, did report the murder and ACCUSE him of it (that clearly included my feelings/commentary)

-Police appear, hmm I don't know, about 2 times to 'question' people (yell, all they did was yell)

-More irrational actions (surprise)

-AND another body is found by the river (I'll let you determine if you want to watch it to find out who it is)

So yes, the plot is irrational. But you know what's not irrational? A film with Keanu Reeves (remember I said I was completely unbiased? I'm not). His acting in the film is really not at the highest of standards though. You can sense the awkwardness in some of the scenes whether it's a much too delayed response or iffy sexual intercourse face that leaves you...not wanting more. Again, this is only his second film and jumping from a tiny minor role to a leading character, would probably make anyone nervous, even our cool headed John Wick. Still, I enjoyed his screen presence, and my hopes are that in the next film, he only gets better.

It's okay. I still love you.

Thank you to everyone who has decided to read this impulse hobby of mine, I appreciate any feedback and I do plan on posting as often as I can. Please comment below what your thoughts are on the film if you have watched it, but if you haven't...maybe don't.

-X

If you would like to watch River's Edge, you can on Hulu, HBO NOW, or HBO GO.