The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle is a mediocre drama about a family with four children, a crazy mother and an alcoholic father. In other words, they are a family like millions of others in the civilized world, which causes their story to be uninteresting. The attempt to highlight more realistic life values than fitting into the commercial system of the world is both hackneyed and ineffective, as the one who is supposed to carry it off is a somewhat clever but otherwise irresponsible, down-on-his-luck alcoholic. In short, it’s just another bit of “based on actual events” whining about how hard someone had it in their childhood. (18.09.2020)

It is an interesting story, but it should have been in the hands of a more experienced director, one who can work more consistently not only with the viewer's emotions, but also with the development of the main characters. The first half is better. The introduction to the family of nomads and their "world" is interesting, novel and quite detailed, and it is also supported by the rewarding performances of the main stars. The white-trash drunkard Woody Harrelson and the lovely and supporting mother Naomi Watts provide a certain type of entertainment when they start spouting their morsels of wisdom. The sketch of the family integrity of the first half is impressive, as is the gradual transformation of the child characters. Unfortunately, the second half is worse in that it only focuses on the brightest star while the others are neglected. The story of a bizarre family and perverse backward values in modern times becomes one woman gratification, which is unfortunately heavy-handed in the finale and literally stumbles sentimentally to the end – completely unnecessary. If it had the dynamic and power of the first half, this would be an impressive film. This leaves at least a very compelling story, and one that is easy to grasp (not boring) for the average viewer. Slightly underdone, yet very substantial in moments and for many people classifiable in the more or less "from life" column. (08.11.2017)

I only decided to watch the film because Sarah Snook was in it. At first, I felt like I was watching Captain Fantastic again, but it soon became clear that things would be even bleaker here. The story wasn’t exactly mind-blowing, but I was very satisfied with the performances. I'm not fond of films with child actors, but it was worth it this time. (31.12.2018)

This is definitely an interesting story that is very well presented. It is true that life is capable of writing really interesting (meaning strange, weird, powerful, etc.) stories that don't need much embellishment on their own. Woody Harrelson outdoes everyone else here and shows his growth as an actor film by film. (02.02.2018)