What would the Philadelphia Film Festival be, if it weren't an outlet for films to be shown, destined to divide audiences? Less of a film festival, most likely. One such film, Todd Solondz latest directorial effort, Palindromes, has pretty much proven itself to do just that. If you're at all familiar with Solondz and his work (Welcome to the Dollhouse, Happiness, and Storytelling) then you may have a slight inkling as to what's in store for you. Otherwise, you may be in for one hell of a cinematic surprise. For better or for worse.

Palindromes opens at the funeral for Dawn Weiner (a misfit character from Welcome to the Dollhouse), victim of an apparent suicide. Her brother Mark (Matthew Faber), returns to the screen, playing an integral part in both of these stories (Welcome to the Dollhouse and Palindromes), here delivering his recently deceased sister's eulogy. Moments later, we're introduced to Aviva. In an effort to not give too much away, we'll keep this portion brief. Aviva is a 13 year old girl, who desperately wants to get pregnant. Much to the dismay of her mother (skillfully portrayed by Ellen Barkin). Once Aviva succeeds in her mission (and her parents force an abortion upon her) Aviva runs away from home to do a little soul searching, meeting sometimes corrupt and sometimes colorful (sometimes both) characters along the way. If the title is any indication, you'll have a fairly decent idea as to where the story will wind up, it's not much of a surprise. One thing I forgot to mention is that the character of Aviva is unapologetically played by 8 different actresses of various age and race.

Much like his previous films, Palindromes is bound to upset or possibly even disgust some, with its strong themes and deepest of black humor. However, through it all, the subject matter is never taken lightly, and the humorous chuckles are drawn more from that of an uncomfortable feeling, more so than anything else. Obviously, it stands to question, how much of this is a mirrored reflection of Solondz himself? I'd be willing to wager, quite a bit. Is it cruel? No. I find that it stems from a certain level of honesty, and while the truth is not always pleasant, it's never cruel. One could also question Solondz himself, and his ability to write and direct for and from a young girl's perspective, but at the same time, we have to bear in mind, it's just that... a perspective.

I was surprised at how well each actress handled the difficult task of picking up the part of the same character. It's a gimmick that could have fallen flat on its face, however, it turned out quite effective, caused in part by each actresses similarly deadpan delivery of the troubled child Aviva. A brave choice on the part of Solondz, and a choice that is bound to turn of some viewers.

While some of the key moments in the film didn't work (they were either too obvious, or far too over the top) some segments worked very well. It was amazingly effective (for example) to see Aviva stumble upon a home for wayward/misfit children, who had the very same anomalies her mother claimed her unborn child would have a bit earlier in the film. And I appreciated the brutal honesty that each of these characters exuded (no specifics here, I don't want to give anything away), even if they may not have been wholly accurate all of the time. The ideas and actions here could be viewed as bold, shocking, or just plain stupid. I can completely appreciate someone's position in any of these camps. However, for me, the film worked, and stands as a memorable journey.

Friends and foes of Solondz are warned. This is not his finest hour, as I have yet to see a topper for Welcome to the Dollhouse or Happiness. Slightly more accomplished than Storytelling (which was a troubled production to begin with) it appears as if Solondz is returning to his filmic roots, and it looks as if his vision has been properly portrayed to screen this go round. There's enough here to warrant a recommendation, and for adventurous film goers, it's a trip worth taking.

Thumbs Up. I'm a fan. And what I've discovered in my journeys thus far is that any Solondz is good Solondz.