Fairaher
The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
Aneesa Wardle
The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
Cody
One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.
nvanvalleygirl
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.
steve p
I literally created an account just to say how bad this movie was. there are no spoilers because nothing really happens in this movie. The plot line says it all. The acting was something I could have put on better with sock puppets. It just seemed like no one in the movie seemed like they knew what they were doing/supposed to say. There was a wide range of music (not saying it was a good choice in music) but that is the only decent thing about this "film". I have tried to watch this movie a couple times now and every time made me want to jump in front of a train. All in all, the acting was crap, the plot was crap and this whole project was one of the biggest wastes of money I have seen in my life.
Martin Teller
This reminded me very much of ALL ABOUT LILY CHOU-CHOU. Languid story about youth culture with a tragic turn of events, with distinctive use of music and camera technique. It's a tough film to classify, not quite a character study, not much of a thriller, more of a mood piece. I was a little perplexed at what Van Sant was aiming for (and particularly confused by the repeated snippets of score from JULIET OF THE SPIRITS) but it resonates and does a pretty good job of sucking you into its rhythms and offbeat structure. There are a few character moments that don't quite ring true, but this may be more a function of the non-professional cast than any fault of the screenplay. Shot beautifully by Chris Doyle on location here in Van Sant's hometown of Portland, it's always a kick to see familiar places (and faces... Ken Boddie!). It's not a DRUGSTORE COWBOY or a GERRY, but I liked it more than a lot of other Van Sants I've tried.
Debbie lol
This film was only half a movie so I gave it half the stars. I feel I'm being really generous as I believe it's only worth 4 stars but i wanted to say that awesome line :) In reality i can't really review this film bc i genuinely felt like the movie was incomplete. the main actor was good in that he assumed the nonchalant passiveness of a teenager but he didn't emote enough for me. I didn't feel or believe his pain at all. In short the story was good but the whole plot felt underdeveloped. The characters aren't such that you can grow a connection with them or sympathize for them in any way. The whole thing was rush and I wish the audience was given some more context both before and after the climax.
