3 Generations (2015)

About Ray (3 Generations) had the potential to be something great. Im a trans teen myself and I have been waiting for this movie for a long time. unfortunately it missed the opportunity to address the struggles trans teens face. instead focusing on more traditional family drama and ray happened to be trans.... the writers missed a huge opportunity

Fmovies: Gaby Dallel's "3 Generations" drew criticism for the casting of a cisgender person in the role of a transgender character. While that is an issue, the movie itself is worth seeing. It shows how the different family members deal with the news that the daughter is transitioning to male. In fact, the lesbian grandmother has the hardest time dealing with it (I've noticed that a number of gays and lesbians, while fighting for their own rights, have ignored transgender rights).

I wouldn't call the movie a masterpiece, but I think that it addresses some good issues. It's the sort of movie that could only get released in the 2010s, when understanding of gender-nonconforming people became widespread. I recommend it. I guess that the distribution by The Weinstein Company now looks unpleasant due to the ugly revelations about Harvey Weinstein, but that doesn't change the movie itself. Really good one. As expected, Elle Fanning, Naomi Watts and Susan Sarandon all turn in fine performances.

This movie tackles a difficult subject very appropriate for today, with drama but also mild humor. The network of family this teen is growing in, is a diverse cross section of modern families. And though they are living a more progressive lifestyle, this goes to show how difficult this transition period can be for any family. With ties to a child's birth gender and realizing the changes that come with a decision to honor one's own feelings of who they are, families struggle no matter how open minded they may think they are. Or how imperfect they see themselves. This was done with amazing sensitivity to the fact that families are comprised in many different ways, showing the emotions that come when people choose to love, take risks and work towards supporting one another. This may become a cult film as the world catches up with this very real struggle, and the love that overcomes the fear.

3 Generations fmovies. Ray (Elle Fanning) wants to transition to being a boy. He's 16 and needs parental consent. His mother Maggie (Naomi Watts) has to track down his biological father. They live in NYC with Maggie's gay mother Dolly (Susan Sarandon) and her girlfriend Frances. Dolly would rather Ray be a lesbian.

This is tackling an advanced edgy issue. It needs some better writing. The actors are top notch. The story needs to move but it's stuck in molasses. The dream girl probably needs more screen time and played by someone more charismatic. Quite frankly, she needs to be played by somebody like Elle. Ray's flailing attempts at romance is the most compelling story opportunity. There could be love triangles and unrequited love. The bio dad is not that compelling. Despite any weakness in writing, the actors carry the heavy load well especially Elle.

Ray (Elle Fanning) is a 16-year-old who was born as Ramona but has felt for years that he's a male inside a female body. As he tries to begin the medical transgender process, it will open up much family angst and discord. Additionally, because of his age, Ray will require the parental consent of his absentee father which will lead to more emotional upheaval and the uncovering of some hidden family secrets.

Although the film's heart may be in the right place, I thought the dialogue often came across as contrived, strident, and melodramatic, which made it a difficult watch for me. The movie does have a poignant and uplifting ending though.

All in all, although I felt for Ray, who seemed the only one who was not conflicted about what he wanted to do, the movie itself did not seem like the best of vehicles to bring transgender issues to the forefront.

About Ray is a fresh take on a family drama that most people can relate to in some way.

All families have their problems, and this family is no exception. They show a glimpse of what it is like to have to live in a body that you don't identify with and the complications that go with it.

It is a feel good movie that shows that family can overcome anything together, no matter how dysfunctional.

All of the lead actresses are amazing, and the set is really one of a kind.

Check it out.