Save your money for something good and enjoyable

I'll tell you why so serious

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

This neo-realistic movie aggravated more that entertained. Some interesting parts, some pretentious, and some unfortunately irritating. For me, it could have been condensed into 30mins. The acting, was varied, though sometimes beyond atrocious, and if voice overs that sound like they are being read for the first time off a script is actually a new interpretation of neo-realism, I hope it is a passing trend. The cinematography at times exceptional and at other times, baffling. I actually forgot that Christopher Doyle was the cinematographer of this movie, and his signature slow motion though lovely in Wong Kar Wai films, did not maximize their effect and at times were even overused, if not entirely inappropriate. Perhaps more annoying, however, were the dolly shots of Alex walking down the corridor at school. These shots were in and out of focus, and whilst obviously an effect, failed to realize as it appeared as simply primes without measurement, lack of compensation for lighting and movement. I guess with many Gus Van Sant films, it is love or hate - well I did not love this one this time around.

Gus Van Sant does it again, although it took me a while to get into the film. But the combining of some classical ditties en peculiar shots and close-ups and the (crime) story, including a gruesome horror scene filmed from above, reminded me of good old Hitchcock, more specifically 'Psycho' (1960)... an actual shower scene can be no coincidence then, right? Well, we all knew how big a fan Van Sant was of that film.Furthermore, there's an extraordinary and fun choice of songs ('I can help' by Billy Swan, for instance), a series of 'hallway'-scenes reminiscent of Van Sant's earlier 'Elephant' (2003) and a fine build-up through an ingenious play with time and that notebook that keeps popping up everywhere.Unfortunately, I wasn't very much convinced by the acting, Gabe Nevins would seem more in place as a poster-boy for some big jeans brand or something. It was mostly the talent of Van Sant which I enjoyed here.A solid 7 out of 10.

Skateboarding Portland, Oregon teenager Gabe Nevins (as Alex) is troubled after a sleep-over invitation from hunky pal Jake Miller (as Jared), who has offered to take him to a place called "Paranoid Park." Mr. Miller advises, "Getting laid is always better than not getting laid." On the night in question, a security guard is killed in the park. Mr. Nevins is questioned, at his high school, by detective Dan Liu (as Richard Lu). We learn Nevins' hot-to-trot virgin girlfriend Taylor Momsen (as Jennifer) wanted to see Nevins that evening, but he feared intercourse was likely. Nevins isn't interested in returning romantic signals from friendly Lauren McKinney (as Macy), either. And, his parents are divorcing. Director Gus Van Sant has young Nevins explain this film is told "a little out of order." And, so it goes. The something referred to as "outside of normal life" seems to be homosexuality, given the general tone of the picture - not to mention the sexy come hither smile Nevins receives from Scott Patrick Green (as Scratch). We do eventually see what happened on the night in question. It's grisly. The film very effectively captures the dangerous allure of restless youthful adventure, and certainly shows how it can sometimes result in tragedy - a real downer, in this particular case, unfortunately. Still, "Paranoid Park" artistically and stylistically very satisfying. Christopher Doyle and the crew help make it hum.******** Paranoid Park (5/21/07) Gus Van Sant ~ Gabe Nevins, Taylor Momsen, Jake Miller, Dan Liu

If it's an art and essay film, there is not enough art, not to mention essay.If it is a thriller, there is not enough thriller.If it is a teenage drama, there is not enough drama, and as far as teenagers are concerned, there is not enough NOFX and too much Nino Rota.I thought it could be a trailer for Tony Hawk's forthcoming movie, but there is no Tony Hawk, so I guess I'be been cheated: it's not Tony Hawk biopic.If it's an action movie, it lacks explosions, which would have added some interest to it, or at least would have make jump the sleeping ones into their chairs.Most of the characters seem to be dead inside, but it's not a zombie movie. In fact, if it is a movie, there is not enough plot. If it is not a movie, it lasts too long to be a music video.If it's a music video, well... it's an album I will not purchase