Connect with us

Home Entertainment

The Skeleton Twins DVD Review

The Skeleton TwinsDirector: Craig Johnson

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell

Run Time: 93 Minutes

Extras: Gag Reel, Outtakes, Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Craig Johnson, “To Whom it May Concern: Making The Skeleton Twins” Featurette, “Sweet Moves” Featurette, Audio Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Craig Johnson, Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, Audio Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Craig Johnson, Co-Writer Mark Heyman and Producer/Editor Jennifer Lee

THE SKELETON TWINS is a down-to-earth real portrayal of two people, in this regard brother and sister, who are trying to find their place in the world with all the combinations of their imperfection and talents. Although this might sound like your usual lo-fi comedy-drama, that would be understating the pure relationship that builds as the story progresses thanks to the wonderful lead cast of Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader.

The pair are estranged twins Maggie (Wiig) and Milo (Hader), who are brought together after ten years because Milo tries to kill himself and, coincidentally, it seems like Maggie is also at the end of her tether. He’s been living in LA and trying to make it as an actor, trying being the effective word, and she’s started to make a home on the outskirts of New York with her fiancée Lance, who is played as an always-positive outdoor man by Luke Wilson in fine form. They’re also trying for a baby and once Milo arrives at their home, it looks like the two have grown apart a lot more than either had realised but, as we’ll learn, have they really become that different or are they both lying to themselves?

Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader easily have the chemistry to pull off (no laughing at the back please) this brother and sister relationship because you have faith in the fact they care for the other and they’re utterly comfortable in each other’s company. Wiig shows us many sides of her talent throughout as we witness an effortlessly wide range of emotions that slices right down the comedy-drama backbone. Hader is also superb as he tries to track down the perfect life for himself which, let’s face it, doesn’t really exist for anyone but…you can make it good as you want it to be. We’re probably treading the line of tragedy here but that doesn’t become a literal sense, it’s just what happens as life ticks by and, in turn, we understand that some things have to be accepted.

Directed by Craig Johnson, who co-wrote with Mark Heyman, THE SKELETON TWINS reveals an honest truth from beginning to end. It’ll remind you that you may not have all the answers to existing, as lead characters Maggie and Milo don’t either, but they definitely set out to explore each others lives with a gravitas that lies deep in our day-to-day survival when you’re being sincere. I think in recent years that Judd Apatow has highlighted normal people’s lives in the mainstream but now we’ve got something better in the wings and it’s growing in status all the time. The production team of brothers Mark and Jay Duplass have a growing influence and it’s getting stronger, stirring and more interesting all the time. I’m definitely on board and this movie is a fine introduction to any newcomers, oh, and get ready for the best lip sync you’ve ever seen to this little beauty.

EXTRAS: There’s also a huge host of special features, including some hilarious improv work from Hader and Wiig.

[usr=4] THE SKELETON TWINS is available now on DVD. Head here to be in with a chance of winning a copy.

Dan loves writing, film, music and photography. Originally from Devon, he did London for 4 years and now resides in Exeter. He also has a mild obsession with squirrels and cake. The latter being more of a hobby. Favourite movies include HIGH FIDELITY, ALMOST FAMOUS, ROXANNE, GOOD WILL HUNTING, JURASSIC PARK, too many Steve Martin films and Nolan's BATMAN universe. He can also be found on www.twitter.com/danbullock

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Latest Posts

More in Home Entertainment