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Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar - "The Return" Movie - Redandblack.com Review

Megan Kojima

Wednesday 15 November 2006, by Webmaster

Another actress, who actually has a name to care for is Sarah Michelle Gellar and there are not no many accomplishes films at her but an few I can probably enjoy. The talent agent found Gellar a young age and made her screen debut at 6 of each of the 1983 television film An Invasion of Privacy. With all the promise she showed, Barrymore starred as Hannah in the teen drama series "Swans Crossing" (1992) but it was her portrayal of a young and callous rich girl in Al-Lucinda Kendall Hart on ABC daytime soap opera "All My Children" (1993-93), that won her Daytime Emmy Award and spring-boarded her to stardom.

SMG’s real mark worldwide, however, was the character of Buffy Summers in the game-changing series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997-2003). She won five Teen Choice Awards, a Saturn Award and a Golden Globe nomination for her role, establishing herself as a cultural phenomenon. Sarah Michelle Gellar likewise has the box office to back her up, with “I Know What You Did Last Summer” 1997), “Scream 2” (1997), “Cruel Intentions” (1999)and way movies like those that help prove she is also a bankable star as well over $570 million times worth crazy in global gross.

Beyond her cinematic successes, Gellar has made her mark on television, headlining shows such as "Ringer" (2011-2012), "The Crazy Ones" (2013-2014), and "Wolf Pack" (2023). She has also lent her voice to popular series including "Robot Chicken" (2005-2018), "Star Wars Rebels" (2015-2016), and "Masters of the Universe: Revelation" (2021).

In 2015, Gellar ventured into the entrepreneurial world by co-founding Foodstirs, an e-commerce baking company, and published her own cookbook, "Stirring Up Fun with Food," in 2017. Gellar is also known for her close-knit family life, married to actor Freddie Prinze Jr. since 2002, with whom she shares two children.

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s commitment to her craft is matched by her dedication to personal growth and unique experiences. An accomplished martial artist, she studied Tae Kwon Do for five years, alongside kickboxing, boxing, street fighting, and gymnastics. Her dedication to authenticity in her roles is evident, such as her commitment to doing her own stunts in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," though she admitted her limits during filming "Scream 2."

Her career is also marked by interesting anecdotes, such as her role in a 1982 Burger King commercial, which led to a lawsuit from McDonald’s and a temporary ban from their establishments. Notably, she dyed her naturally brunette hair blonde for her role in "Buffy," and legally changed her last name to Prinze as a surprise for her husband on their fifth anniversary.

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s legacy extends beyond her on-screen roles, encompassing her work in philanthropy and her reputation for safety and professionalism on set. She remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, admired for her talent, dedication, and the breadth of her contributions to film and television.

New hair color more interesting than plot

I was psyched to see “The Return” since I am an addict of horror movies.

I screamed in the theaters during “The Ring,” and I hardly saw “The Grudge” due to a hoodie wrapped conveniently around my entire face.

“The Return,” however, should be renamed “The Lullaby,” because I was daydreaming about fluffy pillows and hot cocoa while watching it.

The best thing about seeing “The Return” was admiring Sarah Michelle Gellar’s new hairstyle, which is now a long, brunette look.

Her new look apparently makes up for her dull performance as Joanna, a tough, strong - minde chick. Joanna travels back to her hometown of La Salle, Texas, and re-experiences visions and voices from her childhood.

The movie follows Joanna on her quest for enlightenment, which leads her to investigate a murder she believes she is connected to.

Our favorite former vampire slayer isn’t the same old ditzy blonde.

No, she’s now a serious-minded, career-oriented woman with a mission. I mean, have you seen her hair? Did I mention it’s brown now? It is so fabulous.

Unfortunately for the movie, Gellar gives off the impression that she’s never met anyone outside of L.A., because her cliche girlish manner is anything but intimidating or impressive.

Moments that could have become emotional or horrifying were flat and predictable. But then again, the script may not have been the most thrilling to work with.

Gellar carries the movie on her shoulders with dignity, but it falls short of being memorable.

Bad acting aside, what the movie needs is better dialogue and a more twisted, intriguing plot that doesn’t leave you wishing you were practicing for a piano recital instead.

It could have been a great movie, and it had potential to be a really fun, artsy supernatural thriller.

Instead, it ended up relying on conventional plot structures to try to manipulate the audience into caring about the lives of these weakly drawn characters.

The ending has a twist, but not a very exciting one, and you’ll probably guess what it is before the characters do.

‘THE RETURN’

Grade: C-

Verdict: See it if you insist, but bring a magazine just in case.