Well Done
W. Harper | 01/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was by far one of the better movies I've purchased. I loved the documentary stay real world format the film makers used. I really liked the up-front Real People do this approach to sex and nudity in the film. It was immesely refreshing. At last a frank intelligent film that deals with real people having sex, relationship issues and career problems that hasen't been glittered over in the fake style that Hollywood is becoming famous for. The actors were normal looking everyday attractive people who actually lived everyday lives. No Pre-fabbed pretty boys or Boob-job inhanced starlets. Highly recommend this movie for the serious movie buff."
Prosaic Sexuality
Daitokuji31 | Black Glass | 04/23/2008
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Okay, before I delve into my review of this film I must say that I came to it with a completely blank slate knowing nothing about the film or it director (the film just happened to be next to another one that I rented). At first, the film had me making a number of faces at the screen because of the corny dialogue and the film's quite amateurish use of editing and music. However, as time passed, I began to fill more involved with the film and it, while I still think it is a pretty bad, amateurish c-movie, I began to appreciate more what the first time director Swanberg was trying to accomplish with the film.
The film centers on Ellen, a recent college graduate who lounges around her apartment throughout the week until the weekend arrives and she goes to work at her family's business. Although she has broken up with her ex-boyfriend Chris, she has recently started to have sex with him again, and while she wants to keep the relationship on a completely physical level, it seems that Chris wants something more. To complicate matters, it seems that her roommate Patrick, played by the director of the film, wants their friendship to become something more.
A number of people who will come to watch this film will probably be attracted to it because it contains some non-simulated sex scenes involving the lead actress and other such scenes as the lead actress manicuring her lady "beard" and one where the audience gets to see more of the slightly tubby director than what they cared to. However, these scenes are a bit refreshing because the men and women involved are not perfectly sculpted blemish three individuals. Stomach pudginess abounds as does pimply skin.
The acting and dialog are painful at some points, especially that of the actress Kris Williams. However, there are moments of recorded monologues on issues such as breakups and getting over an ex are well done and bring up some important issues. However, these positive moments are not worth sitting through this film"
Not Slick -- A Melt Your Own Butter Film
Dep K | LA/NY | 05/07/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're looking for the same old thing, opening, slick, titles, music, relax, sit back, eat some popcorn, blah, blah, blah and whatever, whatever, whatever, buy something else. Buy a studio movie and enjoy. Microwave your popcorn because you don't want to take the time to pop it right and melt your own butter.
If you're open and adventurous, a lover of discovery, check out this film.
It's not Bruckheimer. It's not Ron Howard's latest pastel painting.
It is what it is, with no apologies.
This review might be of no help to anyone. But, I think those who need to get it will get it. And to those: Watch this film. It's exceptional."
...good grounded in reality...
J Cuben | South Africa | 11/08/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"this type of movie is rare and very good, honest and enjoyable at that...as others have highlighted it is a candid look at peoples post college life styles, choices, relationships...while I enjoyed it a lot I found the sex scenes a little too phallically focused, what with the male masturbation scene in the shower thru to ejaculation, the rolling on of the male condom on the penis...and while there was female nudity it was not as explicit...so if you dont mind male nudity then this should be a good movie to watch as a couple..."