Sam Raimi has the gift of "bad" taste: You're going to see corpses in his films, whether you're streaming "A Simple Plan," "Dr. Strange II," or "Evil Dead." Also, Raimi has an eye. His work is visually stunning. In his new movie, "Send Help," you're treated to a plane crash, a wild boar attack, and a brief trip to the Land of the Dead. Each of these interludes is brilliant; you're seeing the work of an artist.
For a long while, "Send Help" seems to be a retelling of "Misery." (Recently, Rachel McAdams worked with Kathy Bates; I wonder if this led to certain ideas.) The twist is that--with "Send Help"--the "James Caan" guy is in no way sympathetic. He is an asshole. So you're disoriented. You can't just cross your fingers for the James Caan guy. His potential victory would be a sad thing to contemplate.
In the Kathy Bates role, Rachel McAdams is transcendent. She never misjudges a scene. She is always completely plausible. Also, she is clearly enjoying herself--particularly when she taunts her antagonist with a "concerned mommy" voice. McAdams is a legend; her collaborative efforts are desired by Tom McCarthy, Wes Craven, Woody Allen, Brian De Palma, Kelly Fremon Craig. These are big names. I have a feeling that McAdams often says no. But Sam Raimi has given McAdams a character who is slightly different from the character we would expect to see in a prominent role in a big-budget film. I think McAdams knew that her character--Linda Liddle--could become iconic. What a great choice for McAdams.
Two thumbs up.
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