Inventing the Abbotts


Starring: Liv Tyler, Joaquin Phoenix, Will Patton, Jennifer Connolly, Billy Crudup, Joanna Going, Kathy Baker, Michael Keaton (narrator, uncredited)
Directed by: Pat O'Connor
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Romance
1997

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two brothers (Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Crudup) from the bad part of town fall in love with various wealthy Abbott sisters (Jennifer Connolly, Liv Tyler, Joanna Going).

Review:

Tim: This is very interesting movie. It is fascinating to watch Joaquin Phoenix and Billy Crudup as two middle class boys in the 1950s, and their strange courtship of the three wealthy Abbott women. While this is interesting, the film lives and dies with your feelings on the performances of the cast. Luckily, they are all excellent.

In her career, Liv Tyler can often seem silly and unmemorable. Here, however, she is gentle, kind, and makes a lasting impression. She is perfect for the role and makes it her own with a strong innocent appeal. Joaquin Phoenix is every bit as good. We see the story through his eyes, and we could not ask for a better guide. The movie is so good because of the chemistry in the relationship between Phoenix and Tyler. The coming of age story is all the more real and interesting because of how much we like the two main characters.

Will Patton is decent, but not great. Jennifer Connolly has a smaller role, but she's very enjoyable. The rest of the cast is above average.

There are some interesting concepts mixed in to the average coming-of-age story. For example, there are some interesting moments regarding class, gossip during the 50s, and brothers fighting over ideas and women.

Inventing the Abbotts doesn't offer any revolutionary ideas or concepts, but tells an interesting story in a compelling way. The performances make the movie completely worthwhile.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Quills, Walk the Line, Stealing Beauty