Labor Day (2013)
Kate Winslet has retreated into seclusion and inner turmoil ever since her divorce from Clark Gregg. She lives with her young son Gattlin Griffith, leaving the house as infrequently as possible and sometimes letting her depression get the better of her, forcing Gattlin to step up and act as the man of the house. On one such excursion to the store on Labor Day weekend, Josh Brolin approaches them. He’s bleeding, limping, in trouble, and asks for a ride. The scared, shy Kate agrees and takes him to her house. They soon find out Josh is an escaped convict, but while he holds them hostage, he’s unexpectedly kind and brings life back to the house.
I absolutely love this movie. From the opening scene, director Jason Reitman sets the pace and environment beautifully for the audience. He gives the film a loving touch, and since Kate and Josh both give the best performances of their careers, I’m sure Reitman gave his actors fantastic direction. He also wrote the screenplay; I’ve read the book, and Reitman greatly improved Joyce Maynard’s original novel.
To say I don’t usually like Kate Winslet would be the understatement of the year. She’s fantastic in Labor Day, as is Josh Brolin. I don’t know why they both weren’t nominated for Oscars for their thoughtful, multi-layered performances. Hopefully Gattlin Griffith will have a career boost after this film, since it’s a treasured commodity to find a child star who can actually act. J.K. Simmons, Brooke Smith, Tobey Maguire, and James Van Der Beek have small but memorable roles in the film, more proof that the Jason Reitman gave everyone fantastic direction.
This film has become a staple in my house, one we watch every year in September, and sometimes on Valentine’s Day as well. It’s romantic, poignant, dramatic, suspenseful, and touching. Bring your Kleenexes and get ready for an unforgettable film this Labor Day weekend.
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to some mature content, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.
More Kate Winslet movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of Joyce Maynard's novel Labor Day here!
I absolutely love this movie. From the opening scene, director Jason Reitman sets the pace and environment beautifully for the audience. He gives the film a loving touch, and since Kate and Josh both give the best performances of their careers, I’m sure Reitman gave his actors fantastic direction. He also wrote the screenplay; I’ve read the book, and Reitman greatly improved Joyce Maynard’s original novel.
To say I don’t usually like Kate Winslet would be the understatement of the year. She’s fantastic in Labor Day, as is Josh Brolin. I don’t know why they both weren’t nominated for Oscars for their thoughtful, multi-layered performances. Hopefully Gattlin Griffith will have a career boost after this film, since it’s a treasured commodity to find a child star who can actually act. J.K. Simmons, Brooke Smith, Tobey Maguire, and James Van Der Beek have small but memorable roles in the film, more proof that the Jason Reitman gave everyone fantastic direction.
This film has become a staple in my house, one we watch every year in September, and sometimes on Valentine’s Day as well. It’s romantic, poignant, dramatic, suspenseful, and touching. Bring your Kleenexes and get ready for an unforgettable film this Labor Day weekend.
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to some mature content, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.
More Kate Winslet movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of Joyce Maynard's novel Labor Day here!