Near-subtle Mariah Carey shines in 'Tennessee'

Ethan Peck, Mariah Carey and Adam Rothenberg, from left, star in 'Tennessee.'

Ethan Peck, Mariah Carey and Adam Rothenberg, from left, star in 'Tennessee.'

Perhaps the most notable aspect of “Tennessee” is Mariah Carey’s performance.

After gaining a well-earned reputation for a less-than-stellar acting style in flimsy films such as “Glitter” and “Wisegirls,” Carey is more restrained and poised in “Tennessee.” Playing a secondary role as a downtrodden Texas waitress who skips off to Nashville to be a singer-songwriter, she’s almost subtle, a rarely used term for the bombastic singer.

So, if nothing else, a small indie film such as “Tennessee” does something with Carey that her previous cinematic jobs have not. It’s found a way to center her and give her balance.

Otherwise, “Tennessee” manages to be an adequate road picture and a mildly satisfactory — and sometimes overly wrought — story of brotherly love.

The story focuses on brothers Carter and Ellis (Adam Rothenberg and Ethan Peck), who, after fleeing from their abusive father years ago in the Knoxville area, must return home. One of the brothers has cancer and is in need of a bone-marrow transplant from their father.

Off they go, back to Tennessee, to confront old nightmares and hope for the best.

Along the way, they encounter car troubles, a lack of money and a kind-hearted waitress (Carey), who’s in need of a rescue of her own.

“Tennessee” may paint a picture of a cold, cruel world, but it makes a credible case for the virtues of home and why remembering where you came from is important.

Despite misfires in the overall story, “Tennessee” means well. At its heart is a genuine story of redemption and going home again.

Experiencing that can never grow old.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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