Review: Kramer vs. Freddie vs. Jason Vs. Kramer

First off, allow me to say that this is a really brave film. I know people are forming opinions faster than William Henry Harrison's time in office, but this really deserves some time, as it is an astoundingly dense attempt that, really, gives back just what the viewer puts into it. It is the first time in a film that a script writer has tried to juggle the back-breaking weight of child custody battles (truly a battle without a victory) and the sheer wonder of which dude is cooler: the illustrious Freddie, or the taciturn Jason.

Dustin Hoffman plays workaholic father Ted Kramer who is left by his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep), and forced to take care of their young son. As he slowly begins to pay less attention to work and more to his son he thinks things are finally working out. Unfortunately, his new found lax worth ethic leads to a firing that finds itself coinciding with wife Joanna coming back in the picture, wanting her son back.

Assaulted by the thought of losing the son he has just grown to know, he hires dream-team lawyer Freddie Kreuger and besets a legal barrage against his wayward ex-wife. Unbeknowest to him, though, she has hired for herself Jason Voorhees. What unfolds for the bulk of the movie is a pain that all parents hope to never have to feel. Bravely, Ted and Freddie fight against Joanna and Jason, both in and out of the judicial court.

The focal point of the movie comes when Joanna falls asleep one night and is badgered by Freddie who says the most memorable line in the film: "Welcome to my nightmare: child custody court!"

Perhaps the most heartwrenching scene in the film is when Jason calls to the stand the very boy in question. It is almost too hard to watch as the little boy tries his best to decide which parent he loves more. Thankfully, he is interupted when Jason is stabbed in the back by Freddie's claw hand. What unfolds is a battle of titans only overshadowed by that of the parents involved in the case. In the coming grapple we see all of mankind's emotions, fears and desires personified in an operatic display of primal instincts.

When the smoke clears and the dust settles, we find that the true victor is forgiveness and love.

Many things can be said about this shocking look at parenthood, but we all know inside that this is a story for the ages. It leaves us wondering more about ourselves and our relationships with others than perhaps we would wish to, but isn't that what a good film is meant to do? Ask yourself this next time you look in the mirror: can a marrital suture every truly be resown? And just how safe are you from this true life nightmare?

Glenn Lovitt