Such a frustrating disappointment

Instant Favorite.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

This film was not made to be popular or to be judged. It was made to open the eyes of woman in abusive situations (emotionally or physically).It's no surprise that this film isn't popular. To appreciate this film, you need to relate to it. You would have to be a mom with a child living with a controlling, abusive man scared for your safety and that of your child. Yes, it's not fiction. It's more common than you think, even right here in North America.The book is almost like a step-by-step video manual to inspire abused woman to take action. Of course this is Hollywood and they wanted to make some situations more extreme than the average (rich abusive husband paying everyone off), although they can happen.The ending is supposed to demonstrate what many abused woman dream about, although most don't carry it out. If they wanted to, it wouldn't be so hard. Women are generally underestimated but much smarter than some men think. Because of their sense of empathy, you see fewer female criminals and killers out there. However, if motivated by extreme and built-up anger, woman are capable of carrying out many things without ever being caught. The expression "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" rings very true here. I agree that it's not the wisest choice to take the law into your own hands and put your life at risk especially when you're a mother. Still, the ending gives a satisfaction (at least metaphorically) to abuse victims and motivates them to act. The film shows them that abuse is not acceptable and when they see the main character (Slim)'s anger, they get in touch with their own anger which has probably been ignored or denied for too long.If you're a grown woman of any age and living in any situation, watch this film, because abuse can creep up in a household silently and gradually and it's usually not this obvious at first. This film shows you the truth about that part. Trust me, this is not fiction. It does happen more often and is more widespread than you think.(If you're an insensitive person or think men are boss, then this film is not for you. You're in no position to judge it. Don't get involved with women and get some good therapy instead.)

If a smaller woman wants to beat a man in a combat fight, that's how you write it and how you do it! You don't just show up and he's beaten; that would make it completely unrealistic! What's so hard to believe: 1. An abusive husband that confines his wife, but does what he wants! That happens sometimes as it does in the movie: from first major argument on, a physically abusive man might decide to lay down his ground rules right then and there! 2. Slim(J Lo) had self defense training and anyone can get that(esp. against a coward who really can't fight). I LOVED THE PART WHEN SHE PUTS RINGS AND STEELTOE BOOTS ON TO SHOW THAT SHE WAS NOT FIGHTING AN EQUAL IN THE PHYSICAL DEPARTMENT! THIS IS JUST COMMON SENSE AND, YET, SOME B-MOVIES SHOW A WOMAN KICKING/ PUNCHING A MAN AS IF HE WAS A WOMAN! THIS MOVIE DOES NOT MAKE THIS HUGE MISTAKE! ALSO, THERE IS REASON FOR HER TO ENGAGE MITCH IN A FIGHT, SINCE SHE CANNOT BEAT HIM IN A COURT OF LAW AND GRACE'S CUSTODY CASE IS COMING UP!3. Mitch(abusive husband) had connections that rich men probably do! Even if a rich man is not crooked, he has connections and finds people who love being his friend. If he is crooked, he can find the kinds of friends he needs(BECAUSE THERE IS LITTLE RISK TO HIM). He talks in code speak and--even if a mostly petty criminal(like Mitch)--he is probably not going to do any time to make him stop. If a rich man is crooked, then both he has people that love finding or feel they "HAVE" to find criminal employment and there is little risk(SINCE HE WOULD DO RARE SERIOUS CRIMES WITH THOSE--AS IN THE MOVIE--WITH THOSE THAT HE HAD SOMETHING SERIOUS ON AND, THE OTHER STUFF, HE COULD ALSO DO WITH THOSE SAME PEOPLE OR OTHERS: AND IF CAUGHT IN THE SMALL TIME STUFF, HE DOES NO TIME WORTHY OF NOTE). Again, very realistic! 4. She had escape plans and routes--as every person on the run should!5. As smart and/or wise as she is(or through her dad's connections), she can definitely learn about the simple technologies, etc. of the day that could allow her to do what she did in the movie to keep Mitch from getting help.Negatives: 1. Slim has access to too many connections: Her father has connections that rival Mitch--if not surpass or circumnavigate Mitch's connections completely! Slim got "around" even before Mitch--having an ex in Seattle without explanation and she lives someplace else. Both happening to the same poor person creates instances of coincidence in a movie where she's on the run; this is bad for this movie. They could have had J Lo researching to find someone that was well studied in fighting techniques and stealing from Mitch or his mother to get money. 2. When she is on the run, there is a lull in activity there!

I knew someone who liked to say: "An eye for an eye? A HEAD for an eye." Did he write this screenplay? It's like someone accidentally bumps you and you shoot them dead! But first you mash their face up a lot before you kill them, to maximize their pain and your lust for cruelty. People say, "what about his domestic violence against her?" Well, what about her's against him? I guess because he cheated, he deserved to be murdered in the first degree? This movie says our criminal justice system is worthless, essentially non-existent. It says the same for our system of social workers and shelters. Other than being a violent Lifetime-type movie made for vicarious thrills of seeing other people getting it, it does a disservice to abused people. Since the only solution is 1st degree murder, since nearly all people won't do this, and the social safety net is said to be worthless, an abused person will be left feeling helpless.

This One took a Whole Lot of Punishment from Critics. Jennifer Lopez Almost Always takes a Whole Lot of Punishment from Movie Fans. J-Lo Dishes out a Whole Lot of Punishment in this Film but Not Before being the Victim of a Whole Lot of Punishment from an Ultra-Rich Abusive Husband.Actually Lopez is an Underrated Actress. Despite Her Reputation as being a Bitchy Diva who Throws Tantrums when the Bottled Water in Her Dressing Room is not the Requested Name Brand. She can be Remarkably Good at Playing a Suffering "Everygirl" and Her Range is Acceptable. She can be at Times Better than the Highly Overrated Sandra Bullock who Looks Bitchy On Screen even when Her Character is Not.This is an OK Chick Flick Thriller that is Miles from High Art but Entertaining Nonetheless. It has some Time Compression Holes and Asks Much from the Audience in Terms of Suspension of Disbelief, but what Movie Doesn't.This can be Cathartic for Female Victims of Male Dominance and Physical Abuse. There are Clichés and Cumbersome Parts to the Story but Overall it is Worth a Watch for the Not Highly Discerning and those who can Go with the Flow. But J-Lo Bashers will no Doubt Pile On because that is what is Expected from Knee-Jerks.