The Worst Film Ever

So much average

Fresh and Exciting

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

The comment that is top rated among the entries submitted about this film seems to indicate that the creators, and/or the publicist, wanted to create a hype to sell the movie. This is the same tactic that is used in most media ads, in which a phrase, or two, will make the viewer run to see the picture. At the same time, an indie like "What Goes Up" needs to be enjoyed for what it is, not because that someone decided to tell us to like the picture. This is manipulation of the first order.Jonathan Glatzer and his co-writer, Robert Lawson, were obviously a bit pressed for time, or perhaps a tight budget to make this dramatic comedy a winner. Part of the problem seems to be Steve Coogan's Campbell Babbitt who is a cynic, a liar, and a character that is not likable; he shows no redeeming qualities whatsoever until the conclusion of the story. Then, there is Hillary Duff totally miscast as Lucy Diamond, a mixed up young woman who doesn't know what she wants.On the other hand, the excellent Olivia Thirlby, one of the most versatile actresses working today, has better luck with her Tess. She is appealing as the young woman facing a difficult time. It is a departure from some of the sunnier parts she has been asked to play before. Molly Shannon has some good moments as the music teacher trying to put on a show to honor astronaut Christa McAuliffe, who died in the tragic explosion of the Space Shuttle Explorer.Our own recommendation is to watch "What Goes Up" on its own merits. Just relax and be objective.

I really thought this film was made with an honesty few teen centered films usually possess. Intriguing performances and slightly surreal situations make the film well worth the watch. Coogan is delightfully flawed and the surrounding cast truly resonates. Although I was prepared to be distracted by Hilary Duff, I thought she shined brightly and held her own quite well. The truth is that most filmmakers when tackling tougher issues as ones presented in What Goes Up tend to talk down and diminish their audience while the makers of this film seem undaunted by the regular Hollywood mission of going for cheap humor and glamorized sexuality. There is a gravity here that hangs like a thick cloud over this cast and I suspect this movie will be looked upon later as having more layers than it would initially seem.

Great introduction to movies by Jonathan Glatzer, this movie told us a story that is unique and bizarre about a small town teacher who has recently died and those around him that was affected. As one of the students quotes every Action has a Reaction and that is what drives this movie forward.Olivia Thirbly and Josh Peck give us what we have come to expect from these young rising stars, Steve Coogan and Molly Shannon did not disappoint on most accounts, however I feel as though Hilary Duff needs to attune herself more proper to these roles. She is making the right steps into a direction out of Disney and I feel this will be an experience that will help her develop her acting talents for future roles.The premise of this movie is very interesting, it revolves around the death of Sam Calallucci a teacher of misfit students who all felt very "in love" with him because he allowed them to be themselves. This makes me wonder why they decided to change the title of the movie from "Safety Glass" to "What Goes Up" I think the latter had more commercial appeal but the first title seemed to bring out more emotion. This was a very character driven movie however some should have been touched upon a bit more such as Josh's character but a movie can only be so long before boring its audience.All in all I enjoyed this movie, it did have some weak links in acting and minor problems in its story which could have been written tighter if that wasn't what was the aim then some things should be left for interpretation in a more fashionable way.8/10~XTC

I was privileged enough to see this film with one of the producers tonight in Las Vegas. I went with some trepidation as I had heard from my DIL, who's the producer's niece, that while she thought the first cut was good, it had some issues. And unfortunately, I am very critical when it comes to movies due to my writing background.I have to say I was truly amazed at the quirkiness and depth of this story. Yes, it did have some issues. There were places where I would have liked to have more in-depth characterization, there were places I thought the pacing was slow. The acting was good and dead on with what characters had on their plates. And in all honesty, this is the type of movie that comes out of the blue and ends up a cult favorite. It is that good in some strange way. Maybe part of this is because I can remember this week so well myself. I was just out of college and worked for Lockheed. We were on top of the world and it just came crashing down on us all that Thursday morning. I can't imagine having the whole week being that bad. LOL!Then again, maybe it's the part about being adult enough to understand when you've done something wrong yet there is no way to ever take it back. I remember this lesson well.Or maybe, it's just that the misfits are so true to life that I can empathize with what is going on in their lives. I know that I would have been devastated if my favorite teacher had died during my high school years no matter what the cause.Still, it would have been worse if said teacher had committed suicide. I was angsty enough then to have wondered if it were my fault in any way at all.Adding all these elements up, you have one heck of a story that can appeal to the masses. I have to say, I liked it.