Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Labor Day (2013)

9

MovieReviewsApr 28, 2014

Labor Day has a familiar vibe to it, I have seen bits and pieces of the story before, and I have seen similar characters on the big screen and on the small screen, but it is all about the direction and how the director decides to create deepLabor Day has a familiar vibe to it, I have seen bits and pieces of the story before, and I have seen similar characters on the big screen and on the small screen, but it is all about the direction and how the director decides to create deep characters, effective story and a heartbreak, Jason Reitman succeeds in all these things, thus making Labor Day one of the best movies of 2013. Labor Day is highly recommended!… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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5

Trev29Sep 13, 2014

Not once did I buy into the romance. Here you have a depressed slug and an escaped "innocent" convict that displays no emotion or humor or anything that would be considered human. I could sense there was supposed to be a lot of tensionNot once did I buy into the romance. Here you have a depressed slug and an escaped "innocent" convict that displays no emotion or humor or anything that would be considered human. I could sense there was supposed to be a lot of tension building, but I could care less. It was pretty stupid, if not completely stupid.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

MovieGuysFeb 1, 2014

Labor Day is a sappy tale: it's plagued by plot devices and romance novel clichés. That being said, it's well-written, well-acted, and shot beautifully.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

ugisupriatnaApr 17, 2014

With a special narration by Toby Maguire and despite a predictable ending, Labor Day successfully presents a melodrama film without too-over emotional. Another good performance from Kate Winslet.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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3

Mike_MJan 10, 2014

I'll admit that Jason Reitman is just not my guy. It does hit some odd tones along the way, which is something I generally enjoy. But there's an intense corniness to the melodrama of this movie that I find to be a strikeout, even if he wasI'll admit that Jason Reitman is just not my guy. It does hit some odd tones along the way, which is something I generally enjoy. But there's an intense corniness to the melodrama of this movie that I find to be a strikeout, even if he was swinging for the fences by trying something offbeat.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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8

LeZeeJun 23, 2014

A novel based on family drama of the same name from the director of 'Juno'. A drama that revolves around three characters, a mother, her son and a felon who is on the run. The cinematography was good and so the direction. Recent bestA novel based on family drama of the same name from the director of 'Juno'. A drama that revolves around three characters, a mother, her son and a felon who is on the run. The cinematography was good and so the direction. Recent best performance by Kate Winslet and it will be remembered for Josh Brolin's best appearance in a romance-drama. Fractionally underrated movie everywhere that needs a support from the movie goers. So why don't you try, it may amaze you.

The story sets in the 80s in a small town. An ordinary family of mother and son filled with sorrows living quite a solitary life. Then one day they meet a wounded stranger and enforced to help him. Later they come to know the true identity of the man. The son who is always concerned about his mother feels a man's intrusion may harm her. So, will the family coop with him until he decides to leave is the story that expounds.

‘‘I don't think losing my father broke my mother's heart,
but rather losing love itself.’’

A bit of melodrama with tensed scenes often gives viewers wide awake. The highlight of the movie was it is not a Disney movie, but looks like one. You know why, there's no violence like theme like this should have one. At first it was hard to believe in a movie with stars like Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin had no sex scenes. It's better without them and I liked it that way, gives an opportunity for the wider audience.

Characters wise, it was a sensitive narration, but overall not an empirical. If you watch it you will come to know it that in reality, people's ideology towards outsiders differs. As a movie, it worked well to be called a fine piece of craft which is absolutely an enthralling. It was way, way better than I thought. I guess, somehow it will do justice to your expectation as well if you take a chance on this.

7.5/10… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

riceflanJan 11, 2014

This is a unique, very artistic film. The cinematography focuses on a soulful, subtle and nuanced direction and the sound-score is mesmerizing. They each reflect the underlying emotion and tension of every scene. Jason's choice to directThis is a unique, very artistic film. The cinematography focuses on a soulful, subtle and nuanced direction and the sound-score is mesmerizing. They each reflect the underlying emotion and tension of every scene. Jason's choice to direct such a different kind of film gives him great merit ... and the result is a multi-layered, rich very moving film that takes one in a myriad of emotional directions. He deserves great credit for this risk-taking, as well as for his thorough, thoughtful and extremely artistic direction. Cynics will not like this film. Mature folks with deep life experiences will understand its power. A remarkable film ... ahead of its time.… Expand

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7

TVJerryFeb 4, 2014

Kate Winslet plays a separated mother with serious issues. She's struggling to cope with a troubled past, while raising her son (Gattlin Griffith). One afternoon, they're intimidated by an escaped convict (Josh Brolin) who forces his way intoKate Winslet plays a separated mother with serious issues. She's struggling to cope with a troubled past, while raising her son (Gattlin Griffith). One afternoon, they're intimidated by an escaped convict (Josh Brolin) who forces his way into their home…and ultimately, their lives. The inevitable relationships are pretty obvious from the start, but it's watching them develop that gives the movie its weight. Although it moves slowly, the solid performances and Jason Reitman's controlled direction make for a sweet, slightly pretentious but compelling drama.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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0

EdeltraudJan 1, 2015

I couldn't buy into this film at all and by the end was pretty disgusted. It was told from the kid's POV, so OK, he doesn't quite understand the world of adults... But where was the animal passion that would make this story believable? TheI couldn't buy into this film at all and by the end was pretty disgusted. It was told from the kid's POV, so OK, he doesn't quite understand the world of adults... But where was the animal passion that would make this story believable? The guy can bake a pie...metaphor aside...so what? She knows him 5 days and throws her life away for him? Mental. The she waits years for his return? Pathetic. I love Kate, but have no sympathy for her ridiculous character. Why did she want to make this turkey? Maybe I have no romance in my soul, but this left me cold.… Expand

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5

ThegodfathersonDec 27, 2013

Beneath the dopey plot, there are the performances. Winslet, Brolin and Griffith remain, through it all, very effective. Their profound sadness somehow manages to break through. Out of respect to this I am hesitant to call ‘Labor Day’ and allBeneath the dopey plot, there are the performances. Winslet, Brolin and Griffith remain, through it all, very effective. Their profound sadness somehow manages to break through. Out of respect to this I am hesitant to call ‘Labor Day’ and all out failure. I do, however, recommend almost any other activity for your day off.… Expand

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1

arterifellMay 16, 2014

Labor Day is boring. Most of the major characters in the film are either comatose or nearly so, particularly Kate Winslet and her son Henry who can barely squeeze out a word. I am prepared to suspend disbelief but this film is ridiculouslyLabor Day is boring. Most of the major characters in the film are either comatose or nearly so, particularly Kate Winslet and her son Henry who can barely squeeze out a word. I am prepared to suspend disbelief but this film is ridiculously impossible and unbelievable. There is scarcely an exchange which you can say it is remotely possible a human being would say a sentence like that. The most accurate thing about this movie is the title because it is real labor to watch this slow moving, boring film.… Expand

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10

Tazmania32Jan 9, 2014

This truly caught me off guard. Jason is an excellent writer, but I don't how Brolin and Winslet would mesh on screen. Under all of the glitz, glamour, explosions, in your face type cinema, this simplistic, yet very tense drama isThis truly caught me off guard. Jason is an excellent writer, but I don't how Brolin and Winslet would mesh on screen. Under all of the glitz, glamour, explosions, in your face type cinema, this simplistic, yet very tense drama is oldschool: Great writing, great acting, excellent cinematography.… Expand

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5

csw12Apr 19, 2014

At times sluggish and boring and other times intense and passionate. A combo that doesn't mix well, which gave the movie an inconsistent feel throughout. Reitman just doesn't give the characters enough personality to make the feelings betweenAt times sluggish and boring and other times intense and passionate. A combo that doesn't mix well, which gave the movie an inconsistent feel throughout. Reitman just doesn't give the characters enough personality to make the feelings between them come alive.… Expand

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4

GreatMartinJan 31, 2014

I very seldom read reviews before going to see a movie preferring to read them after. All I needed to know was that this movie : 1) was a lover story as I am a sucker for them, 2) Kate Winslet was starring 3) as was Josh Brolin, so off II very seldom read reviews before going to see a movie preferring to read them after. All I needed to know was that this movie : 1) was a lover story as I am a sucker for them, 2) Kate Winslet was starring 3) as was Josh Brolin, so off I went.

After reading the critic’s reviews for “Labor Day” I felt they were very unfair and may drive away an audience that would like it. Upfront just let me say that it is not a Must See movie, or a classic, but it is a good old fashioned love story without the ‘F’ word being used or showing sex acts on the screen--that in itself is rare for a film today. Yes it is rated PG-13 for the theme, sexuality in the sense that a man and woman become lovers, very brief violence and, possibly, a bathroom scene. This is a Hollywood film where the woman lead is a neurotic (Was there any other kind in the old love story films?) and the man lead is masculine, caring, loving, a father figure and, in spite of escaping from prison, is an upstanding man.

Kate Winslet plays Adele who is almost catatonic after 3-4 miscarriages and her husband leaving her while her adolescent son, Henry, played by Galttin Griffith, has, more or less, become her caretaker. They are both persuaded, when Adele takes a rare outing to get some new school clothes for Henry, in a somewhat threatening way by Frank, Josh Brolin, who has just jumped out of a hospital after an appendix operation. What kind of movie would it be if Adele said no to athe good looking man.

Within 24 hours Frank makes himself at home in more than one way. He washes and waxes a floor, teaches Henry and a neighbor’s son in a wheel chair, played by Micah Fowler, how to play baseball, looks at a cord of firewood and tells Adele she has been shortchanged, teaches Henry how change a tire but, most important of all, makes chili and feeds Adele spoonful by spoonful and involves her and Henry it making a delicious looking pie! Heck I would want to marry him! Before you know it they are planning to run away to Canada and start a new life as a family.

We also meet Adele’s ex-husband, Clark Gregg, who is married and has a new family and doesn’t pay too much attention to his first born and a new girl in town played by Brighid Fleming who may or may not to be a troublemaker but you won’t find out. She does supply some much needed comedy relief.

The director/writer Jason Reitman errs in making the picture too long by about 10 minutes, introducing a shocking scene between Brooke Smith as the mother and Micah Fowler and then completely ignoring it. He also completely misdirects the flashbacks at times no one never knowing whether it is Adele’s or Frank’s story we are seeing .

Watching Brolin and Winslet is always a treat and they have enough chemistry to make many unbelievable scenes believable. Their faces are so interesting to watch that when you see younger versions of them though they may resemble the adults their faces are blanks.
It is worth seeing if for no other reason to find how they get a ‘happy Hollywood ending’ for “Labor Day”.… Expand

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8

foxgroveDec 27, 2013

In essence Labor Day is just a sweet romance. All very tastefully done and starring Kate Winslet in another effortlessly nuanced performance. She plays a single mother who finds love with an escaped convict who holds both her and her teenageIn essence Labor Day is just a sweet romance. All very tastefully done and starring Kate Winslet in another effortlessly nuanced performance. She plays a single mother who finds love with an escaped convict who holds both her and her teenage son hostage in their own home. Josh Brolin is good as the convict but pitted against Winslet he is some what eclipsed. Flashbacks provide us with the back ground to both these characters and allow us to understand why they are in their current situations, but the movie is best when following the thrust of the main narrative. These flashbacks are, in fact, the least successful aspect of the film being only of sporadic interest. Brolin's past is signposted a mile off and Winslet's isn't particularly revealing.
The film does have a nice gentle tone to it which leads to an expected and inevitable conclusion. However, some satisfactorily added scenes gives us a coda which, if conventional, is still moving.
Gattlin Griffith who plays Winslet's son is very good, his expressive face bringing great maturity to his performance.… Expand

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7

JmsbppJun 30, 2014

Es una buena historia centrado en algo realmente hermoso y fantastico, una historia que se desarrolla mas en un cuento de hadas pero q al mismo tiempo tiene su picante.

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4

chepod8Jun 14, 2015

No sé que es peor si el hecho de que la traducción del título original (Labor Day) es mala, o el desperdicio de talento aquí mostrado, si la vuelvo a ver creo prefiero dormir.

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10

mary12496Feb 1, 2014

This eloquently simple, yet passionately tense movie is something to be remembered. The breathtaking cinematography beautifully meshes with the closeness of the characters' captured emotions in which you can't help but accredit to the perfectThis eloquently simple, yet passionately tense movie is something to be remembered. The breathtaking cinematography beautifully meshes with the closeness of the characters' captured emotions in which you can't help but accredit to the perfect chemistry of the cast. Labor Day is ingeniously refreshing compared to what we consider to be "Box-Office Hits" today. Also, if you've read the book, it adds an intense appreciation for the important, minor details of this movie.… Expand

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5

lionking2007Feb 7, 2014

This review is more related to the characters and the theme of the movie which I found it quite interesting. I am taking the liberty of looking at the roles of the characters from my own perspective rather than the movie-maker's. I see threeThis review is more related to the characters and the theme of the movie which I found it quite interesting. I am taking the liberty of looking at the roles of the characters from my own perspective rather than the movie-maker's. I see three main characters in this movie- Adele, Frank (escaped convict) and Gerald (ex-husband). Even though the movie-makers may have wanted us to focus more on the first two but I see all 3 of them equally prominent.

Adele is a dreamer. Apparently she did not go along well with her ex-husband, most likely because of her idealistic demands from the relationship; therefore she ends up living an isolated life filled with hardships and lack of protection. Apparently, she takes the legal custody of her son and gives him his share of whatever she chose for herself. The most disturbing thing about her character is the fact that she falls for an escaped convict who has not even talked about his past to her. Interestingly, Frank never reveals to her under what circumstances he gets his sentence, nor does she make any serious attempt to dig into his past but allows herself to be drifted in to a romantic world just because she is impressed by his household chores and man's jobs. What's worse is the fact that she lets her son grow in his company as well and decides to move to another country and live life of an outlaw and chooses the same for her son as well. She doesn't seem to care much about her son's schooling as well. It may look romantic if you are a teenager but it's just so hard to swallow if you are a parent. And, people who think that going to Canada is just like crossing the state line need to know that one cannot cross international border without a passport, and thus without revealing your true identity. That may be actually a flaw in the movie itself.

Frank is an honest man, a victim of circumstance. Wrongfully convicted of something he never did or intended to do. There are many prisoners in the USA who are serving punishments for the crimes they never did. He is a caring guy and brings joy to people around him. He gets his reward at the end of his sentence- company of a woman who he loves.

Gerald is a responsible father and a responsible husband and believer of long lasting relationships. It may seem initially that he is flamboyant because he made an affair with his secretary. But the fact that he ends up marrying her and raising a family with her plus taking care of the children that she brought along with her from her previous marriage, more than clears Gerald's image. He admits to his son that he probably wasn't the 'ideal guy' his mother had dreamt of. So he broke up and got in to a more doable relationship. He plays his role as father well. He takes Henry out with the rest of his family every weekend. He is keen to know who his ex-wife is hanging out with for the sake of his son, and is always there for his son at all the milestones of his life. Gerald is more realistic than emotional and is far happier in his not so complicated world than Adele.… Expand

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7

CherryxldNov 23, 2014

Labor Day es una película que contiene algunos desacuerdos pero que hacen que la historia funcione bien y haga de ella una película eficaz y bien hecha.

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7

ctb_premiumJan 25, 2015

At first it was the type of movie that I wanted to escape from. Wierd looking kid named Frank with a wierd relationship with his mother Adelle. You really need to watch and take note of the little flashbacks to understand this movie in theAt first it was the type of movie that I wanted to escape from. Wierd looking kid named Frank with a wierd relationship with his mother Adelle. You really need to watch and take note of the little flashbacks to understand this movie in the end. It is impossible to understand the characters background in the first hour appx. There is alot of guessing leading up to the conversation the fugitive lover and Adelle have in the car while she is attempting to go to the bank. Then your suspicion that the young couple with the baby girl is the fugitives deceased family and understand why he went to jail. He loved his daughter even though the movie suggests it is not his biological daughter. She drowned in the bathtub. Not really a spoiler you would think that happened anyways. Then you learn that Adelle had a bunch of miscarriages and could not concieve again after Frank. Hence the reason for her depression. Her last effort led to the death of her daughter after giving birth. So the two characters have an emotional commonground to begin. Both lost their baby children. Both feel terrible about it. Both have been cheated on and abandoned by their ex spouses. Both are in a desperate situation and need each other for different reasons. That is why they fall in love so quickly. They need each others support and touch. Frank really is not a significant character in this story. He is more like the narrorator or messenger. He is his moms rock until the fugitive shows up over labor day weekend and holds them all hostage. Then the boy feels abandoned by his mother. So the movie is about love, betrayel and loss. The moral teaching is that if your current situation does not work out or you lose someone dear to you you should not give up as there is much more love out there waiting for you in places you would never expect if you lose the love you already have. I liked it, once I see Jason Reitman is not a monster and just had bad luck you really feal badly for the guy. Of course without that information you as well as the towns people assume the guy is a terrible monster without a heart that wants to hurt everyone he meets or runs into. This may be another moral teaching, do not judge a person by their circumstance or their hard outer shell. There is usually something much more than that once you peel back the layers.… Expand

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10

horizonbtsMar 20, 2015

This is one of those movies that you think is just going to be OK, then all of a sudden your in really deep and realize that this is one of the best movies you have seen in a long time! I think this is Kate Winslet's best work since TitanicThis is one of those movies that you think is just going to be OK, then all of a sudden your in really deep and realize that this is one of the best movies you have seen in a long time! I think this is Kate Winslet's best work since Titanic who plays the scarred mother, and certainly one of Josh Brolin's better movies although he was very good in "No Country for Old Men". Even Gattlin Griffith who plays the son and has a coming of age role, puts in a spectacular performance, you might have remembered him as the son in "Changeling". This movie makes some good points that people may not at all be who you think they are, and that things on the surface may not always be as they seem. If your looking for a movie that pulls you in and fires on a lot of emotions, and truly one that will make an impression, this movie could do it. I certainly will buy this one and perhaps just pull it out to watch every Labor Day, why not as we have all those special movies for other occasions! This movie certainly fits into that category (special).… Expand

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7

DawdlingPoetNov 25, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a very symbolic film - it reminded me of the Terrence Malick films I've seen (The Tree of Life and Knight of Cups). I say that as there's surprisingly little dialogue at times (an off screen narrator reads the thoughts of characters at times) and a perhaps slightly heavy presence of music, mostly classical/orchestral. Plot wise, its about tension and fear - I like the slow tension that develops. Towards the end of the film, it feels rather claustrophobic and I felt it reminded me a bit perhaps of M Night Shymalan's films. I should maybe point out that this isn't your typical thriller/horror type watch - if you've seen Terrence Malick or Shymalans films then you'll have an idea of whats in store. Its a bit of a mix of the two - there's more dialogue present from about half way through the film but even so, it still felt, to me, to be about what wasn't being said, rather than what was.

Its quite a thoughtful film, in that I found myself wondering what truths may be discovered about the mysterious man the film is about. Its quite good at presenting a tense atmosphere, as I say - there is an element of suspense about, although if you prefer fast paced films then this will likely be too slow and subtle for your taste, I'd have thought. Its very much a character based drama which keeps you guessing. I did get a bit muddled with some plot aspects but as I say overall I felt it was a pretty well made film and I enjoyed it.

Overall, I'd say its worth a watch though, definitely.… Expand

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