Monster

I found the channelling of serial killer Aileen Wuornos by Charlize Theron to be spot on in a very impressive performance (where she not only transforms her body/face, but also her mannerisms and speech pattern to inhabit the character without pulling any punches), but the story lacked narrative urgency, and just bops along as "a day in the life of Aileen Wuornos" type of film, but keeps the viewer 2 steps removed from getting really involved in either of the main 2 characters (Wuornos and Selby). Even when you see how the murders go down, the impact of the events don't really resonate or horrify, perhaps it's because the screenplay does its darnedest to make Wuornos's action more forgiveable and sympathetic than they truly deserve.

I give the film 2.75 stars or a grade of B-.

I give Charlize's portrayal 4 stars or a grade of A.