'Alice's House' structured as solid family drama

By: DAN BENNETT - Staff Writer | Wednesday, March 5, 2008 12:46 PM PST ∞

B+
"Alice's House"
Starring: Carla Ribas, Vinicius Zinn
Director: Chico Teixeira
Studio: Figa Films
Rated: NR
RT: 93 minutes

Brazilian films only rarely arrive here, so it's good to see a quality effort such as "Alice's House" finding its way.

The household drama concerns the 40something manicurist Alice (Carla Ribas) trying to balance home and work, and not doing so well.

Alice enjoys the camaraderie she finds at work, especially the regular flirtation she indulges in with an old college boyfriend who is a regular customer. At home, though, Alice must deal with an inattentive husband, three sons in the early stages of adulthood (who aren't always on their best behavior), and a live-in mother whose quiet demeanor doesn't allow Alice to vent to someone as often as she needs.

As crises arrive, both big and small, Alice's patience ---- and more essentially, her chance for lasting happiness ---- is increasingly put to the test, as she struggles to simply survive and live a normal life. It's not easy.

"Alice's House" benefits tremendously from the strong but highly vulnerable character Ribas creates. What's also effective is director Chico Teixeira's plain-speaking style, with few frills, and an intrusive, show-it-all camera. Taking the point of view of a middle-aged woman trying to keep it all together, "Alice's House" is both original and emotionally resonant.

B+

"Alice's House"

Starring: Carla Ribas, Vinicius Zinn

Director: Chico Teixeira

Studio: Figa Films

Rated: NR

RT: 93 minutes

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