Sleepwalking: 6.2/10 - Realistically depressing in some senses, but continuously punches its characters in the back of the head. Some scenes and characters seem thrown in simply to add to the effect of seclusion amongst a group of down-on-their-luck low lives and to further the overly dramatic situation (i.e. the horrible state of affairs that Tara faces while in the custody of child services). As opposed to highlighting the misfortune of the group as a whole, the film makes the characters its bitch and the pity can only go so far. Unfortunately, the characters seem a tad underdeveloped and thus complete empathy is difficult; however, as the viewer gets taken along with James and Tara and gets a glimpse of their growing relationship it becomes much easier to sympathize. On a similar level, James, who is singled out in a big way, and gets hit with the brunt of the chaos. Portrayed as a simple, nice guy, James keeps getting pushed off of the horse by an outside inducer. He's not at fault for his misfortune, he's just put in bad situation after bad situation. Eventually, the misery becomes too much. There is simply no way that that much bad can pile up over such a short period of time. Sleepwalking is like a sleepwalking melodrama. It's not full of the over-the-top emotion, but rather absorbs it and continues on as if in a daze. The metaphor works double for James, who goes on-and-on "sleepwalking" through the endless trouble he faces, and, when he finally climaxes emotionally, the viewer can't help but side with him as they've been with him all along. Overall, when does too much become way too much? Well, watch Sleepwalking and you'll know. It's hard to find a target group for a film like this, but the misery and lack of clear happiness serve a purpose and build up to definite emotion, it's just a little too convoluted in its own overwhelming and overboard material for its own good.
Swimming With Sharks: 9.2/10 - A brilliant satire of the film industry and the low, deceitful, ugly actions of its players. With striking images of the "before" and "after," this film fantastically depicts just how far some will go to get in a position of power while showing how the demeaning, overworked person can be pushed to his breaking point. It is one of the most successful films portraying the dog-eat-dog world of the film industry in which one only acts on what's in their best interest. As electrifying as it is shocking, Swimming With Sharks is a smashing success due to its spot on writing, outstanding dialogue and its incredible cast, which features of one Kevin Spacey's best performances to date.
