Falling Angels

Meet the Field family, your basic dysfunctional unit attempting to make it through the peace-and-love '60s. Dad's a military sort, mom's perpetually depressed and the Fields' three daughters, led by rebellious Lou (Katharine Isabelle), cope as best as they can. Oh, yes, there's also a bomb shelter in the backyard, which, not surprisingly, functions as both a cinematic symbol and a plot point in this obvious and badly patched-together drama.

"Falling Angels" may be based on a critically acclaimed novel by Barbara Gowdy but there's little intelligence or realism evident on screen. The performances are mostly one-note (Callum Keith Rennie's patriarch), overdone (Miranda Richardson's mother) or undone by glib superficiality (all three of the girls). Even the filmic recreation of its colorful era seems fake, a product of a painfully low budget and Scott Smith's inept direction. These angels have fallen to earth with a thud. Starring Miranda Richardson, Callum Keith Rennie, Katharine Isabelle. Directed by Scott Smith. Written by Esta Spalding. Produced by Robin Cass. A Film Movement release. Drama. Unrated. Running time: 109 min