CommentsXp Best movie ever!

RipDelight This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

Stephanie There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Phillipa Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

ChristianDadMovieBuff TENDERNESS is a brilliantly done movie, and I would certainly watch it again.But be warned, it is not the kind of film for which you would pop a bowl of popcorn and sit down to enjoy with the family, expecting to laugh, smile, and be entertained.Rather it is a film that chooses to march very seriously and solemnly down a twisted dark path while holding a candle of insight, allowing the viewer to experience a very real and empathetic tour of the tragedies unrelenting abuse, ignored cries for help, and the severely poor state of mental health that can grow, slowly and steadily, over time.You must pay attention to what you are watching in this film. The script will not come right out and tell you everything, but if you pay attention, it will reveal everything you need to know. Watching TENDERNESS is like putting together the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle without seeing beforehand what the actual finished picture should look like. But by the time you are done, you can sit back and look at the picture, and realize what is actually is.One point of brilliance is that the plot is so perfectly paced and developed, that you cannot possible fully understand the full impact of the story until final scene of the movie. It is only the twist of this final scene that will bring every preceding detail of the entire film into crystal clear focus, and fully reveal the meanings and purposes behind everything you have watched and heard up to that point. After the final credits have rolled, you will still be sitting there, stunned by the reality of what you just witnessed. It will leave you feeling helpless, wishing you had known in the beginning what you now know at the end, and that somehow you could have done something about it. I recommend you watch this movie. Not with popcorn, candy, and soda. Not with the hopes of laughter or silliness to enjoy. Not with the intent of using it to decompress of escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. It is not that kind of movie.It is a very serious film, that makes you a fly on the wall, witnessing a very serious tragedy unfolding right before your very eyes, and it leaves you feeling empathetic and helpless because in retrospect you could probably think of 100 ways to intervene, but by the time to fully understood what was happening, it was too late, and you were powerless to change anything you just witnessed.

psychcowboy This movie could have been much better. It was understated and cerebral, reminded me a bit of the feel of Nightcrawler or Mr. Brooks at first, so I was on the edge of my seat waiting for something to escalate or some mystery to be uncovered; kept waiting, kept waiting... Add to the 'never takes off' element is the unbelievable underlying plot for the entire movie of a twenty year old male released from prison who hooks up with a cute teen who is desperate for him... and he doesn't go for her? Thereis no sense of humanity or anything interesting in the boys personality but she ultimately professes her love for him? Why? He is good looking, but bland and anti-social. Also the unbelievable plot component of cops supporting Crowe's stalking and attempting to entrap the boy antagonist, although Crowe is a retired cop. This movie should be re-done and deviate from the book I guess so something interesting happens, the boy has a personality, Crowe's quest is believable...anything really.

SnoopyStyle In Buffalo, Lori Cranston (Sophie Traub) is a troubled developed teen facing unwelcomed sexual attention from her boss and her mother Marsha (Arija Bareikis)'s boyfriend Gary (Michael Kelly). Eric Komenko (Jon Foster) killed his parents at 15 and is getting released from juvenile detention at 18 to stay with his aunt Teresa (Laura Dern). His arresting officer Lt. Cristofuoro (Russell Crowe) is certain that he's a psychopath. Eric is driving to meet up with Maria (Alexis Dziena) when he finds Lori in the back of his car.This movie wants to hold onto its secrets. The problem is that I don't particularly care. The first half is one long tease. The opening with Sophie Traub has a couple of compelling moments. Jon Foster has a quizzical look on him. There are many possibilities. The story has a very odd twist but not a thrilling one. Russell Crowe is essentially wasted in this movie. His character is unnecessary and the story may benefit without him. None of it really pulled me into this movie. If Sophie Traub could play it more disturbed, it could be an interesting character study.

msg911 I had high expectations for this film, reasons contributing include a leading role by Russell Crowe, a relatively high rating on IMDb and predominately positive reviews. Maybe the reason I'm scoring this 5/10 isn't because it was bad, but rather it did not live up to expectations.The beginning was good, as it introduced the characters well and left me wanting to see how the story developed. However, I believe the plot was average, in that it had much more potential, and Russell Crowes character was not utilised as much as it could've been. Of the three main characters, he appears the least. The ending in my eyes was a little predictable, but maybe that's just because I'm a film buff. Despite being a little too predictable, the ending did saviour some respect for this film. Overall, a slow paced film with which very little happens, which in a way makes you more likely to want to see the film through, as you anticipate something might happen. Not something to watch on a film night with family or friends, but rather a quick 90 minute film to pass the time by yourself.