Sharp Stick

In writer/director Lena Dunham's edgy, original, cheap indie "Sharp Stick" quietly on-the-spectrum care-worker Kristine Froseth lives in Hollywood with hippy-dippy single mum Jennifer Jason Leigh & wannabe internet sensation sis Taylor Paige (the rising star so good again). At 26 virgin Froseth suddenly undergoes a sexual awakening, first via simple Jon Bernthal (hubbie of Dunham, the parents of the Down Syndrome lad Froseth cares for) then thru various strangers she uses to tick off a check-list built thru watching * (!) particularly her fave adult-star Scott Speedman. It's certainly out there, with meaning unclear, but is well-cast, original, watchable fare.

I watched Sharp Stick as an in-flight movie so not at optimal picture quality, but it was still a reasonably enjoyable movie. The main problem is the age and character of the main protagonist. As another reviewer commented, it seems as though she was written as a much younger character, but made older in the final script (possibly to avoid offending current paranoia/social mores?) It isn't really credible that any woman in her mid-twenties, living in LA, wouldn't have heard of basic intimate acts. Particularly with a very sassy, savvy sister. There is a lot of intimate action in this, though in terms of nudity it's not explicit. I thought the first scenes were well done, but the central plot of adultery was somewhat brushed aside along with the husband and wife. Why she later does what she does - extreme behaviour/acts for anyone - didn't seem very realistic. I did enjoy Scott Speedman as adult actor Vance. Luka Sabbat was also very good, although the final "happy ending" (not intended as a pun though I suppose it could be!) wasn't convincing, and was odd. I didn't feel the animated sequences really fit the tone of the rest of the movie. But all in all it's interesting and certainly worth a view on a long haul flight.

The first half of the movie FEELS so unnecessary when watching it. But the second half and CLIMAX (hahaha) is worth the shocking beginning. I was left changed a bit by the end of the movie. Although Jennifer Jason Leigh's character is ridiculous and angered a REAL mom like me in ending. I think her character was necessary, but PLEASE, don't make me puke. She did not make sure Sarah Jo accomplished anything. ***SPOILER*** There is zero way that Sarah Jo was a girl scout. Activities and support of a child requires ACTUAL work and money and time and care. Lena Dunham is extremely talented, whether or not you see eye to eye with her. This movie makes you think. (Even if it means thinking about turning it off for the first 30 minutes.) And don't be swayed by the gratuitous, but VERY real sex scenes. I think she should hold back a little bit, if Dunham wants to get her message across. A lot of people would be turned off by the extremism. But don't let that stop you from appreciating a really good movie.

It is an interesting one .......naive is a good word for the main actress ......not sure I'd call it a comedy although it is light & fluffy but never really gets into the drama or comedy it could have been. The funniest bit was her crush on the * star ....and then he turned out to be a good guy giving her some sage advice on self esteem. The Married lover turned out to be a big disappointment for her ...promised so much delivered a couple of good times but let her down badly. But was played beautifully by Jon Bernthal extremely believable reminded me of my past lol ... guy was weak and not worthy of her affection in the end .. .....anyway it was an interesting way to spend 90 odd minutes ..her "mission " of sexual discovery was interesting.