'Transamerica'

Not What You Think

 Margot Gonzales, entertainment editor

Not knowing what to expect, I threw myself in a theatre with another handful of seven, and took a chance on Transamerica.  

If I were to base my review on audience attendance alone, I wouldn't have much to say at all, but that shouldn't surprise anyone born and raised in Lubbock, let alone Texas. 

Can you possibly picture “Desperate Housewives” Felicity Huffman as a man?  Furthermore, can you picture her playing a man who transforms himself physically and mentally into a woman?

“Transamerica,” released at the end of 2005, has given the public a heartwarming story of a transsexual a week away from her male-to-female operation who learns she fathered a son.  She takes a week-long, unexpected journey.  The two drive from New York City to Phoenix, Arizona, and together embark on emotional challenges.

A film sure to turn heads at theatres around America, “Transamerica” is more than just another "gay man's" story.  The film only slightly touches Bree's, born Stanley, love life. The film, simply stated, brings together a relationship between a father and son. Throughout the journey, Bree finds herself becoming closer with her son, Toby, played by Kevin Zeigers, despite criminal conduct.

Both find out more about each other, and, in turn, develop feelings that were unexpected.  “Transamerica” is a funny and emotional movie that gives its audience a look at what a modern family really is. A film for most young adults, “Transamerica” has everything a successful drama needs.

Golden Globe winner of Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Huffman gives the audience every feeling that her character, Bree, encounters. 

Being one of the few who saw the film that night, I think it definitely portrays how strong love really is, no matter the person.  Obviously, there aren’t many fathers out there who would want to take their sons to see this, but it touches the heart a whole lot more than some expect. 

As far as a star rating, the film definitely surpasses a five, and is a definite must-see for everyone.  I highly recommend you open your mind before watching this film, and most definitely be prepared to embark on a comedic and touching journey.