Life During Wartime (2010)

     "Life During Wartime" is a 2010 film starring Shirley Henderson, Allison Janney, and Ally Sheedy.  This is a loose sequel to director Todd Solondz's acclaimed film "Happiness".  While the characters are the same in both films, "Life During Wartime" takes place some years later and stars different actors.  The film focuses on one extended family in a series of segments.  All of Solondz's films focus on severely dysfunctional suburban families and this is no exception.  Solondz is never afraid to touch on topics such as pedofelia, suicide, or perscription drug abuse.

     This film is so heavy and so unafraid to be vulgar.  One could tell that this is a Todd Solondz film in the first five minutes.  "Life During Wartime" is so disturbing that the film becomes funny.  The acting, especially from Dylan Riley Snyder, who plays Timmy, is spectacular.  Allison Janney is devilishly funny.  This is a balanced film and would be amazing if it were not so similar to Todd Solondz's other features.  "Life During Wartime" may be a repeat performance from  Solondz, but the cinematography is great.  There is a scene where Joy, played by Henderson, is walking down the streets at night in her nightgown.  It is utterly beautiful.  Overall, "Life During Wartime" is good, but nothing special.  If you liked "Happiness", it is worth two hours of your time, but otherwise, you can skip it.

ACTING: 8

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 8

STORY: 7

ORIGINALITY: 5

REPLAY VALUE: 5

OVERALL RATING: 6.6/10