Being Flynn - 6 stars out of 10

Being Flynn - 6 stars out of 10

While "Being Flynn" didn't turn out to be the life-changing film that I had hoped for, its realistic approach to the homeless and life in general deserves attention.  The trailer led me to believe that this film would be a heartwarming reconnection between a son and his long-lost father, but it was anything but heartwarming with such a gritty, relentlessly depressing storyline.  If this was a work of fiction, the writers likely would have changed a lot to appeal to theater-goers... but that is the amazing thing.  The real-life Nick Flynn was on set to guarentee an accurate recreation of the events in his life.  Even though it is a downer, this true story is an inspiring reminder that, even when you are at your lowest point and think that there is no hope, you can turn your life around and succeed.  It is hard to believe that Flynn actually endured these events and I am glad that his story is being told.  It isn't the greatest film in the world but Robert DeNiro makes this a must-see.  His depiction of the eccentric Jonathan Flynn is outstanding and may be his best performance since "Awakenings."  The anger, disillusionment, and complete disregard for others that DeNiro brings to this character make you despise him and cheer for him at the same time.  He just creates so many incredible memorable movie moments like sleeping outside of the library, yelling in the middle of the night, or simply every line about being a classic writer.  He is so good that you simply won't notice any of the other actors.  Paul Dano has a nice emotional performance and Olivia Thirlby's sweet smile is about the only relief that you get from the madness, but all pale in comparison to DeNiro's Oscar-worthy performance.