2 thumbs up for Charlize Theron's stunning portrayal of the multiple murderer.

Rating: Null/10 (3 February 2004)

I got the chance to watch this movie for the first time after seeing Charlize's winning at the Golden Globes.
This is a performance for the ages. Charlize totally embodies Aileen's appearances, clothes, gait and etc. These are easy (yet not often done right), but to get into a personality is not. Charlize's performance will be archived for study by all in the film industry. Perkins should get a lot of work also.
There will always be controversy about Aileen's guilt reference her history of abuse. What is interesting about this story (if the movie is true) is that Aileen's killing spree only occurs when she has a sense of love in her life and someone to live for. She killed for money to support her only love. That's what the story is about as portrayed in the movie; the killer is humanized, a bad intersection of emotions, but a powerful story that is not melodramatic.
I have to admit that I did laugh at some parts (not any violent or emotional ones) such as when she was making fun of secretaries, what Johns like and etc.
About the makeup. Charlize's makeup was distracting extremely briefly in the beginning because I knew that was Charlize but the distraction quickly disappeared and I do mean QUICKLY! Charlize disappeared into the role of Aileen and hell to me it was just like Aileen herself was telling her story. If you can see a movie where you are or if it's coming to where you are than I wouldn't hesitate to watch it. It is a solid movie with the best performance of the year from Charlize and one of the best I have ever seen.

Lastly, Whale Rider is an excellent film, and Keisha Hughes seems to have the makings of a gifted actress but nothing really measures up to Charlize Theron's terrific performance in Monster.