Click here to read the full article.
Stateside, German actor Til Schweiger has become a “that guy” of action thrillers, a supporting player who turns up —in Atomic Blond, King Arthur or Inglourious Basterds — for a memorable line (“Say auf Wiedersehen to your Nazi balls!”) or some high-energy action scene.
The parts Schweiger gets offered — Medieval, Highland Film Group’s new period actioner screening at AFM, in which he co-stars alongside Ben Foster and Sophie Lowe is a case in point — tend to be hunky heavies and tough guys. In the parts he writes for himself — in the string of German box office hits which he also directed, including Barefoot (2005), Rabbit Without Ears (2007) and Kokowääh (2011) — Schweiger favors the cocky, cynical outsider whose heart eventually gets melted by the charms
of a smart-alecky kid or the love of a wary woman.
Occasionally, Schweiger also dips into darker territory. His 2014 dramedy success...
Stateside, German actor Til Schweiger has become a “that guy” of action thrillers, a supporting player who turns up —in Atomic Blond, King Arthur or Inglourious Basterds — for a memorable line (“Say auf Wiedersehen to your Nazi balls!”) or some high-energy action scene.
The parts Schweiger gets offered — Medieval, Highland Film Group’s new period actioner screening at AFM, in which he co-stars alongside Ben Foster and Sophie Lowe is a case in point — tend to be hunky heavies and tough guys. In the parts he writes for himself — in the string of German box office hits which he also directed, including Barefoot (2005), Rabbit Without Ears (2007) and Kokowääh (2011) — Schweiger favors the cocky, cynical outsider whose heart eventually gets melted by the charms
of a smart-alecky kid or the love of a wary woman.
Occasionally, Schweiger also dips into darker territory. His 2014 dramedy success...
- 11/4/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Movie: "Slc Punk"
Where you can stream it: HBO Max
The pitch: Growing up is hard to do, but it's hellish when you're a punk kid trapped in a puritanical place like Salt Lake City, Utah. "Slc Punk" is a coming-of-age story about Stevo (Matthew Lillard), a twenty-something punk living with his best friend Heroin Bob (Michael Goorjian) in a bare-bones warehouse apartment. Stevo's dad (Christopher McDonald) wants him to go to Harvard and become a lawyer, and Stevo had the grades for it but refused to "sell out." The movie follows Stevo as he tries to figure out what to do with his life, because the punk anarchy lifestyle isn't all that sustainable and he feels like he's spinning his wheels. Along the way we meet an entire cast of crazy but lovable characters, including Mark (Til Schweiger), a German drug dealer who just wants someone to talk to,...
Where you can stream it: HBO Max
The pitch: Growing up is hard to do, but it's hellish when you're a punk kid trapped in a puritanical place like Salt Lake City, Utah. "Slc Punk" is a coming-of-age story about Stevo (Matthew Lillard), a twenty-something punk living with his best friend Heroin Bob (Michael Goorjian) in a bare-bones warehouse apartment. Stevo's dad (Christopher McDonald) wants him to go to Harvard and become a lawyer, and Stevo had the grades for it but refused to "sell out." The movie follows Stevo as he tries to figure out what to do with his life, because the punk anarchy lifestyle isn't all that sustainable and he feels like he's spinning his wheels. Along the way we meet an entire cast of crazy but lovable characters, including Mark (Til Schweiger), a German drug dealer who just wants someone to talk to,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
“In a country of lost souls rebellion comes hard. But in a religiously oppressive city, where half it’s population isn’t even of that religion, it comes like fire!”
Slc Punk! screens Wednesday night February 3rd at Schlafly Bottleworks at 8pm
Last month at Webster University’s Strange Brew Film series, we went back in time to 1976. This month, we go back to 1985 for a look at punk rockers adrift in a city of confounding religious values.
Writer-director James Merendino’s Slc Punk! (made in 1998) is a tour through Salt Lake City through the eyes of two punks, Stevo (Mathew Lillard), an intellectual punk rocker devoted to anarchy and Heroin Bob (Michael Goorjian) circa 1985. Stevo makes it clear early that Heroin Bob’s name is ironic for the fact that he is petrified of drugs, needles in particular. Stevo narrates the movie in the style of a documentary about punks in the Utah area,...
Slc Punk! screens Wednesday night February 3rd at Schlafly Bottleworks at 8pm
Last month at Webster University’s Strange Brew Film series, we went back in time to 1976. This month, we go back to 1985 for a look at punk rockers adrift in a city of confounding religious values.
Writer-director James Merendino’s Slc Punk! (made in 1998) is a tour through Salt Lake City through the eyes of two punks, Stevo (Mathew Lillard), an intellectual punk rocker devoted to anarchy and Heroin Bob (Michael Goorjian) circa 1985. Stevo makes it clear early that Heroin Bob’s name is ironic for the fact that he is petrified of drugs, needles in particular. Stevo narrates the movie in the style of a documentary about punks in the Utah area,...
- 1/27/2016
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Fans of cult favorite Slc Punk have been anxiously awaiting this news: the sequel finally has a release date. It was announced that the roll-out of Punk's Dead: Slc Punk 2 will begin in theaters followed by VOD and DVD in February 2016. Almost one year ago, we saw the full trailer for James Merendino's sequel which has been teased for almost two years. After a crowd-funding campaign that reunited... Read More...
- 12/15/2015
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Read More: Watch: Heroin Bob Lives In New Trailer For ‘Slc Punk 2: Punk’s Dead’ Cinedigm has acquired all North American distribution rights to "Punk's Dead: Slc Punk 2," the sequel to the 1998 cult hit that follows the next generation of outcast misfits through the Utah hinterlands. The film was financed in part by an Indiegogo campaign. Ben Schnetzer, Hannah Marks, Colson "Mgk" Baker, Sarah Clarke and Devon Sawa star. James Merendino, who directed the original "Slc Punk," returns for the followup and centers the story on Heroin Bob's teenage son, Ross, who embarks on a road trip to a punk show along with his friends. During their odyssey — and with the help of a healthy dose of drugs, alcohol and punk music — Ross shreds his Gothic outlook and embraces life. "We’re thrilled to be bringing this cult favorite sequel to both the original fans of Slc Punk,...
- 9/9/2015
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Notes from Hollywoodland: Rose’s Heady, Meaningful Tolstoy Update
“It is as if I had been going downhill while I imagined I was going up,” realizes the titular protagonist of Leo Tolstoy’s famed novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Considered a masterpiece of Russian literature and published in 1886, director Bernard Rose takes the text and transposes it to the turn of the following century in Hollywood with his 2000 film Ivans xtc., an undertaking that sounds tedious but actually makes for quite an apt and inspired adaptation. One hardly needs to be readily familiar with Tolstoy’s novella to appreciate or understand what the film is ultimately up to, but doing so provides an alternative subtext in approaching what Rose is doing—specifically that one of humankind’s most enduring tragedies is to embrace the superficialities of existence instead of building a meaningful life, just as as Tolstoy’s character...
“It is as if I had been going downhill while I imagined I was going up,” realizes the titular protagonist of Leo Tolstoy’s famed novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Considered a masterpiece of Russian literature and published in 1886, director Bernard Rose takes the text and transposes it to the turn of the following century in Hollywood with his 2000 film Ivans xtc., an undertaking that sounds tedious but actually makes for quite an apt and inspired adaptation. One hardly needs to be readily familiar with Tolstoy’s novella to appreciate or understand what the film is ultimately up to, but doing so provides an alternative subtext in approaching what Rose is doing—specifically that one of humankind’s most enduring tragedies is to embrace the superficialities of existence instead of building a meaningful life, just as as Tolstoy’s character...
- 8/15/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Rising stars Ben Schnetzer (“Pride”) and Nick Jonas (“Kingdom”) are nearing deals to play brothers in “Goat,” an adaptation of Brad Land’s acclaimed memoir that Andrew Neel will direct for Killer Films and James Franco’s Rabbit Bandini Productions, TheWrap has learned.
Neel (“King Kelly”) will direct from a script he co-wrote with Mike Roberts, based on an earlier draft by David Gordon Green.
Reeling from a terrifying assault, 19-year-old Brad Land (Schnetzer) enrolls in college with his charismatic younger brother (Jonas) and pledges the same fraternity. What happens there, in the name of “brotherhood,” tests the boy and...
Neel (“King Kelly”) will direct from a script he co-wrote with Mike Roberts, based on an earlier draft by David Gordon Green.
Reeling from a terrifying assault, 19-year-old Brad Land (Schnetzer) enrolls in college with his charismatic younger brother (Jonas) and pledges the same fraternity. What happens there, in the name of “brotherhood,” tests the boy and...
- 1/5/2015
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
"I thought you guys had no rules. I thought you lived life and took risks and fucked systems." We've already seen a teaser trailer for the surprise follow-up to the cult classic Slc Punk!, but now the full trailer for the indie sequel Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2 has arrived. Heroin Bob's son Ross (Ben Schnetzer) is the focus this time, and it looks like he's having some kind of existential crisis. But it looks like his father will offer some slices of wisdom from beyond the grave, and there's other familiar faces like Devon Sawa, Michael Goorjian, Adam Pascal and James Duval. It seems to have its heart in the right place. Watch! Here's the full trailer for Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2 from the film's YouTube page: You can still watch the teaser trailer for Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2 right here. Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2 is...
- 12/26/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
When I worked at Blockbuster Video (man, that makes me sound old), there were always certain movies constantly checked out or with a waiting list. The Boondock Saints was one and Slc Punk! was another. I never quite got all of the love for Slc Punk! but I know there is a rabid fan-base that has been clamoring for the long in development sequel Punk's Dead: A Young Punk's Odyssey. Featuring some of the main cast (Jason Segal and Matthew Lillard are not back), director James Merendino has...
- 12/24/2014
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Whether you are a filmmaker, or one of the Sundance programmers whose task it is to identify the films that make up a line-up, it is indeed the most wonderful, panic-filled and nerve racking time of the year. The 31st edition of the Sundance Film Festival kicks off on January 22nd with Park City and Salt Lake City playing host to some of the more innovative, thought-provoking narrative and non-fiction films of 2015. Last year, a Jenga tall order of 4,057 features and 8,161 shorts were submitted. Now let’s think about those numbers for a second.
Twenty years ago, Terry Zwigoff’s Crumb claimed the Grand Jury Prize Documentary award, Living in Oblivion‘s Tom Dicillo was honored with the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, and Edward Burns’ micro-budgeted The Brothers McMullen (there is a read-worthy, lively, eleventh hour account on how it was submitted to the fest in Ted Hope’s “Hope...
Twenty years ago, Terry Zwigoff’s Crumb claimed the Grand Jury Prize Documentary award, Living in Oblivion‘s Tom Dicillo was honored with the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, and Edward Burns’ micro-budgeted The Brothers McMullen (there is a read-worthy, lively, eleventh hour account on how it was submitted to the fest in Ted Hope’s “Hope...
- 11/17/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Now that it’s October and officially Halloween season, we can expect lots of horror-themed goodies to start heading our way between now and the 31st, and kicking off today is The Nerdist’s new show “The Terror Twins Present.” We have… Continue Reading →
The post Kick Off October with The Terror Twins and Doug Jones appeared first on Dread Central.
The post Kick Off October with The Terror Twins and Doug Jones appeared first on Dread Central.
- 10/2/2014
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
In case you’ve forgotten, or potentially not even seen it, 1998’s "Slc Punk!" told the hilarious and bitter story of two unruly punks, Stevo and Heroin Bob, trying to maintain an anarchist way of life in the cultural wasteland, of the very unpunk conservative suburbs of Salt Lake City circa 1980. An irreverent and self-aware satire about maintaining the punk ethos while trying to figure out next steps in life, this funny coming-of age tale was often compared to slacker/druggie-centric films like "Trainspotting" and "Clerks." But as wry, sharply written and critically acclaimed as "Slc Punk!" was, the indie was a generally little-seen portrait of the clash between the blind conformism of the suburbs and the rebellious punk lifestyle. Writer/director James Merendino made several films before and since, but none seemed to posses the same spark as his semi-autobiographical look at his nihilistic teenage years (which was nominated for a Best.
- 8/1/2014
- by Halim Cillov
- The Playlist
We've got the first teaser trailer for writer and director James Merendino's Punk's Dead: Slc Punk 2, and it brings back Heroin Bob (Michael A. Goorjan). He's still dead, but he does play a part in the story that's being told. The film focuses on Ross (Ben Schnetzer), the son Bob had with Trish. Bob seems to be narrating the film from his grave.
Merendino went into a little more detail about the story in an interview saying:
“It’s about him interacting in this world with a much sharper point of view than even Stevo. He’s sort of a goth kid. He’s not mired by having to say he’s a punk rocker. I don’t know what else to say. I could give away more spoilers but then who’s gonna want to see the movie?”
Here's what the director had to say about the teaser...
Merendino went into a little more detail about the story in an interview saying:
“It’s about him interacting in this world with a much sharper point of view than even Stevo. He’s sort of a goth kid. He’s not mired by having to say he’s a punk rocker. I don’t know what else to say. I could give away more spoilers but then who’s gonna want to see the movie?”
Here's what the director had to say about the teaser...
- 7/22/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
"My name's Bob, and back in the day, this is where I totally fucking died." Back at the beginning of the month, some first look photos from the quickly progressing sequel Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2 surfaced, showing off Heroin Bob (Michael A. Goorjan) and his grave along with some old and new faces. Now director James Merendino has released a teaser trailer, and the old gang is back, including Devon Sawa, Adam Pascal and James Duval. Don't worry, Heroin Bob isn't back from the dead, but he seems to be narrating this film from the grave while his son Ross (Ben Schnetzer) is coming-of-age in Salt Lake City. Here's the teaser trailer for James Merendino's Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2 from The Wrap: Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2 is written and directed by James Merendino. 18 years later, Bob is still dead, but Trish from the Bong Shop, Stevo, Sean the Beggar,...
- 7/22/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Hey posers, I got something for ya! Director James Merendino has released a teaser trailer for Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2, the upcoming sequel to his 1998 cult movie Slc Punk! Although Matthew Lillard and Jason Segal won't be back for the follow up, Michael Goorjian will return as Heroin Bob, and he will also be the narrator this time. The film also stars Ben Schnetzer (Warcraft) as Bob's son Ross, as well as Hannah Marks (The Amazing Spider-man) and Sarah Clarke...
- 7/22/2014
- by Jesse Giroux
- JoBlo.com
We now have a first look at Punk's Dead: Slc Punk 2, James Merendino's follow-up to his 1998 cult classic about two young anarchist punks navigating life in Salt Lake City in the mid-80s. Of the follow-up, Merendino told the Wrap: “In this teaser, you will get a glimpse at familiar faces and I briefly introduce Bob's son, Ross. I am not revealing all of the characters or even much of the story. There's more, much more. Enjoy.” So, what else do we know so far? Well, the original gang is all back (minus Matthew Lillard), Heroin Bob has risen from the grave, and there will be plenty of moshing, because of course.
- 7/22/2014
- by Anna Silman
- Vulture
Writer-director James Merendino has released a teaser trailer for “Punk's Dead: Slc Punk 2.” Matthew Lillard starred in the 1998 cult classic, which co-starred Devon Sawa, Adam Pascal, James Duval and Michael Goorjian. Those four original cast members return to reprise their respective roles of Sean, Eddie, John the Mod and Heroin Bob, the latter of whom returns from the grave in the teaser. Also read: ‘Slc Punk!’ Sequel Shooting This Summer With Heroin Bob Set to Return The sequel introduces Ben Schnetzer (“Warcraft”) as Heroin Bob's son, Ross, while Machine Gun Kelly co-stars as a character named Crash. The new female...
- 7/22/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Liberty Spike Productions has released eight photos from director James Merendino's new film Punk's Dead: Slc Punk 2. The film was successfully crowd funded through IndieGoGo, and it's awesome to see this movie taking shape! I'm a huge fan of the original 1990s film, which over the years has become a cult classic. It's going to be really awesome to be able to revisit some of these characters.
The photos include a huge mosh pit, Bob's ravaged headstone, Hannah Marks as Penny, Ben Schnetzer as Ross, Michael Goorjian returning as Heroin Bob, and more. Devon Sawa will reprise his role and Til Schweiger is rumored to be returning as well.
The story will revolve around a new character, who happens to be the child of Heroin Bob and Trish. Merendino went into a little more detail in a previous interview saying, “It’s about him interacting in this world with...
The photos include a huge mosh pit, Bob's ravaged headstone, Hannah Marks as Penny, Ben Schnetzer as Ross, Michael Goorjian returning as Heroin Bob, and more. Devon Sawa will reprise his role and Til Schweiger is rumored to be returning as well.
The story will revolve around a new character, who happens to be the child of Heroin Bob and Trish. Merendino went into a little more detail in a previous interview saying, “It’s about him interacting in this world with...
- 7/8/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
This past May, some surprising news arrived announcing a sequel to the 1998 cult classic Slc Punk! from writer and director James Merendino. Even more surprising was the return of Devon Sawa, Michael Goorjian, Adam Pascal and James Duval reprising their roles from the first film. Now some first look images from Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2 have surfaced, showing off Hannah Marks as Penny, Ben Schnetzer looking like a vampire as Ross, and the return of Heroin Bob in two different forms. The photos seem to capture the spirit of the original film, but will this be anything more than nostaliga? We'll see. Look! Here's the first photos from James Merendino's Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2 (via Film School Rejects): Punk's Dead: Slc Punk! 2 is written and directed by James Merendino. 18 years later, Bob is still dead, but Trish from the Bong Shop, Stevo, Sean the Beggar, John the Mod,...
- 7/8/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
There’s an open discussion about nostalgia happening now where participants either decry our reliance on it based on Buzzfeed Gif-sticles and co-opting major studios, or vaunt a highly personalized flavor of hazy memories by looking uncritically at the past. Then there’s Punk’s Dead: Slc Punk! 2, an attempt at opening the wounds of the 90s cult classic and rooting around inside. Like the mohawked engine that could, the production has taken a successful crowdfunding campaign (no doubt fueled in part by nostalgia) and converted money into moving images — some of which director James Merendino saw fit to share with us. The second coolest image is from the concert scene where now-older characters reconnect. Merendino used the IndieGoGo money to bring Screeching Weasel and anyone who donated at least $10 to the cause together for a show that scored over 1,200 participants. The coolest image, as you’ll see below, is the grave of a beloved friend. That...
- 7/8/2014
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
The Slc Punk sequel is called Slc Punk 2: Punk's Dead. But guess who's not dead anymore? Heroin Bob! Yup, despite overdosing in the 1998 cult classic, this Slc Punk anti-hero is back, and he brought the family with him. Updated: Matthew Lillard has just Tweeted the following, dashing the hopes of Slc Punk fans everywhere: I'm officially not involved with Slc Punk sequel. I know, I think it's weird too. But... There you go. Good luck to all involved.— matthew lillard (@MatthewLillard) May 8, 2014 So, that's that. From earlier: The Wrap reports Slc Punk writer-director James Merendino will shoot Slc Punk 2: Punk's Dead this summer in Salt Lake City. And fans of the original can get in on the action, as Merendino is allowing 2,000 fans to be extras in a major concert scene featuring headliners Screeching Weasel and the Dwarves. This sequence will be funded through Indiegogo and shot ...
- 5/9/2014
- cinemablend.com
Matthew Lillard seems just as surprised as everyone else that “Slc Punk!” is getting a sequel after all these years. Earlier this week, writer/director James Merendino announced that his 1998 film, about two punks living on the edge of society in conservative Salt Lake City, would return for a second go-round. In the announcement, he said that the new movie, “Slc Punk 2: Punk's Dead,” would return original cast members Devon Sawa, Michael Goorjian, Adam Pascal and James Duval. But Lillard, who played Stevo in the first film, was missing from that list, and now we know why: I'm officially not involved.
- 5/8/2014
- by Jordan Zakarin
- The Wrap
This summer, the Slc Punk sequel Punk’s Dead is planning a big party. After a successful crowdfunding campaign to give their production a bit more scale, they’re putting on a huge concert with Screeching Weasel headlining in a scene designed to bring the grown-up characters of the original film back together again. It’s going to be loud in Salt Lake City on June 20th. They’ve also got their younger punks lined up. Devon Sawa, Michael Goorjian, Adam Pascal and James Duval are returning for the sequel, and now they’ve got Ben Schnetzer (The Book Thief) as Heroine Bob’s son, plus rapper Machine Gun Kelly, Hannah Marks (The Amazing Spider-Man) and Sarah Clarke (The Signal) on board. According to the production, they also have two surprise cameos in store. Unfortunately, Matthew Lillard’s name doesn’t seem to appear in the official roster anymore, and Clarke is playing Trish — the role originated...
- 5/7/2014
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
The 1998 cult classic “Slc Punk!” is finally getting a sequel, as “Slc Punk 2: Punk's Dead” is slated to start shooting this June in Salt Lake City, it was announced Tuesday by original writer-director James Merendino. Original cast members Devon Sawa, Michael Goorjian, Adam Pascal and James Duval will return to reprise their roles of Sean, Heroin Bob, Eddie and John the Mod, respectively. Also read: ‘Slc Punk!’ Director Sinks Fangs Into ‘Vampire Summer Camp’ Additionally, Ben Schnetzer (“Warcraft”) will play Heroin Bob's son, Ross, while Machine Gun Kelly will co-star as a character named Crash. The new female leads will be.
- 5/6/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Last year I was shocked to discover director James Merendino was developing Punk's Dead, a follow-up to his cult classic Slc Punk! Being a huge fan of the original, I was very curious to know what he had planned for his new movie, especially with most of the main cast returning. Luckily, I got to speak with him earlier this week, and he revealed a bunch of new information on Punk's Dead, including how Matthew Lillard's Stevo won't be the lead this time, plans...
- 3/14/2014
- by Jesse Giroux
- JoBlo.com
Two weeks before he died, Philip Seymour Hoffman reportedly introduced himself to a stranger at the Sundance Film Festival as “a heroin addict.” Hoffman’s battle with heroin has inspired that same level of candor in others, who are slowly beginning to share their stories of experiences with addiction, both first-hand and as observers. “Slc Punk!” director James Merendino took to Facebook late Monday night to share a story about his deceased friend Brad Renfro (below, left), “an actor who had been injecting heroin at 12 years old.” Also read: Philip Seymour Hoffman ‘Seemed High,’ Took Out $1,200 From Supermarket Atm Before Death,...
- 2/4/2014
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
About six months ago it was announced that director James Merendino would make a sequel to his classic cult film Slc Punk. The director has raised some money for the project, and he plans to start shooting it soon in Salt Lake City, Ut. The movie is called Slc Punk 2: Punk's Dead, and according to the director most of the original cast will be returning to reprise their roles. Some of those actors include Matthew Lillard, Annabeth Gish, Devon Sawa, Til Schweiger, Chris McDonald, and Michael A. Goorjian.
In a recent article in Utah's City Weekly, there are some plot details for the film that says the story will revolve around a new character, who is the child of Heroin Bob and Trish. Merendino went into a little more detail saying, “It’s about him interacting in this world with a much sharper point of view than even Stevo.
In a recent article in Utah's City Weekly, there are some plot details for the film that says the story will revolve around a new character, who is the child of Heroin Bob and Trish. Merendino went into a little more detail saying, “It’s about him interacting in this world with a much sharper point of view than even Stevo.
- 11/12/2013
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Earlier this year we learned there’s going to be a sequel to the 1999 cult film Slc Punk! And not only did the fans immediately begin pogoing with delight, but a lot of them took to Change.org to petition Jason Segel‘s return as the character Mike. Unfortunately, that effort was not successful — Segel is not interested in even a cameo and the part is being recast — but hopefully more lovers of Stevo, Heroin Bob, Trish and John the Mod will be interested in helping to fund this new movie, titled Punk’s Dead. Yep, just like a middle-class suburban teen with expensive bondage pants pretending to be a squatter and panhandling for change in NYC’s Tompkins Square Park, these rich Hollywood players are hitting the curb and begging for money. Just kidding (sort of). This isn’t another time to debate the idea of crowdfunding and what tax bracket is allowed to start a...
- 11/2/2013
- by Christopher Campbell
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
I'm not sure what to expect from Punk's Dead, the sequel to 1998's Slc Punk! (Jesus, it's been fifteen years?!) but I am very glad James Merendino is back to write and direct it. Movies involving hardcore fans of music, movies or anything really (think Detroit Rock City or Fanboys) can be tricky because you want to make sure the characters (and their love for whatever the film focuses on) are believable. The punks from Merendino's film? Very believable...
- 7/19/2013
- by Jesse Giroux
- JoBlo.com
If there's one thing that best counteracts moviegoers' supposed short attention spans it's nostalgia. And right now we're pretty nostalgic for the 1990s, a decade in which a whole bunch of box office successes and cult hits somehow avoided sequels. Until now. Well, until soon. We keep hearing talk of a couple Independence Day installments, Danny Boyle is apparently finally going to make a Trainspotting follow-up and now via Film School Rejects we hear that director James Merendino is going ahead with a sequel to his 1998 movie Slc Punk! The last of those is titled Punk's Dead and will reportedly bring back much of the cast, including Matthew Lillard, Devon Sawa, Annabeth Gish and maybe Christopher McDonald (meanwhile Michael A. Goorjian is said to be...
Read More...
Read More...
- 5/11/2013
- by Christopher Campbell
- Movies.com
I honestly never thought we'd see a sequel to the 1998 cult classic Slc Punk. I loved that movie, and I've watched it countless time over the years. It's really rare to see a sequel to an independent film like this get made. I think it's still relevant though, and it could end up being a great movie!
The first movie is set in the 1980s, and it follows the crazy lives of dedicated Punks, Stevo and Heroin Bob, living their lives in conservative Salt Lake City. If you haven't seen it yet, you should!
The director of the film James Merendino recently announced that he’d be making the sequel and that it would be called Punk’s Dead. According to Film School Rejects, the story will explore what happens when the rebellious get older. Here's what Merendino had to say,
I made Slc Punk when I was a kid,...
The first movie is set in the 1980s, and it follows the crazy lives of dedicated Punks, Stevo and Heroin Bob, living their lives in conservative Salt Lake City. If you haven't seen it yet, you should!
The director of the film James Merendino recently announced that he’d be making the sequel and that it would be called Punk’s Dead. According to Film School Rejects, the story will explore what happens when the rebellious get older. Here's what Merendino had to say,
I made Slc Punk when I was a kid,...
- 5/9/2013
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Middle-aged punks. Greying mohawks. Back in 1998 writer-director James Merendino mined his own rebellious youth to created the dramedy Slc Punk. The film about two 1980s punks nonconforming in conservative Salt Lake City earned a coveted spot on the Sundance Film Festival's opening night and went on to find a devoted fan base. Since then, Merendino has gone on to make a handful of movies you've probably never heard of like a crime comedy called Magicians and a horror flick titled Death Club. But he's clawing his way back to relevance by returning to his greatest success for a sequel. Film School Rejects reports Merendino is looking to bring much of the cast from Slc Punk back together for Punk's Dead, a sequel that would pick up with the grown punks in 2003. In his announcement, Meredino explains: .I made Slc Punk when I was a kid, and accordingly, the story is...
- 5/9/2013
- cinemablend.com
Updated: I’ve just gotten word that both Chris McDonald and Til Schweiger are still in talks, so it’s unclear at this point if they’ll be in for the project. Let’s hope so. Original post follows: There’s a scene in Matthew Lillard‘s feature directorial debut where he plays a principal who’s effectively a grown-up version of Stevo from Slc Punk. Now, he’s in talks to reprise the iconic cult role for real. Late yesterday, director James Merendino announced he’d be making Punk’s Dead to explore what happens when the rebellious get older. “I made Slc Punk when I was a kid, and accordingly, the story is naive, and, as just a coming of age story, not finished,” Merendino said. “The characters are facing big questions, 18 years later, as outsiders, Punk rockers… What relevance do they have in a world where all statements have already been made?” The...
- 5/9/2013
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Although it was just a rumor it looks like now it's official: a sequel to the 1998 indie comedy Slc Punk! called Punk's Dead will start filming later this year and should be released sometime in 2014. This news comes from a PR Newswire announcement for Productions La Chatte and according to them most of the original cast members (although they don't say who) will be back for the sequel. Writer/director James Merendino will also be returning for Punk's Dead and...
- 5/9/2013
- by Jesse Giroux
- JoBlo.com
Director James Merendino has officially announced that a sequel to his most widely-known work, Slc Punk (1998), will be released next year under the title: Punk’s Dead.
Slc Punk (1998) starred Matthew Lillard, Michael Goorjian, Annabeth Gish, Til Schweiger, Devon Sawa, Jason Segel, James Duval and Michael McDonald.
Mathew Lillard gives a great performance in the film.
Slc Punk Trailer (1998)
Merendino said of the original film, “I made Slc Punk when I was a kid, and accordingly, the story is naive, and, as just a coming of age story, not finished. The characters are facing big questions, 18 years later, as outsiders, Punk rockers… What relevance do they have in a world where all statements have already been made?”
Punk’s Dead (2014) will have most of the original cast reprising their original roles.
Concept Poster for Punk’s Dead (2014)
Are you interested in this sequel?...
Slc Punk (1998) starred Matthew Lillard, Michael Goorjian, Annabeth Gish, Til Schweiger, Devon Sawa, Jason Segel, James Duval and Michael McDonald.
Mathew Lillard gives a great performance in the film.
Slc Punk Trailer (1998)
Merendino said of the original film, “I made Slc Punk when I was a kid, and accordingly, the story is naive, and, as just a coming of age story, not finished. The characters are facing big questions, 18 years later, as outsiders, Punk rockers… What relevance do they have in a world where all statements have already been made?”
Punk’s Dead (2014) will have most of the original cast reprising their original roles.
Concept Poster for Punk’s Dead (2014)
Are you interested in this sequel?...
- 5/8/2013
- by Alex Corey
- LRMonline.com
Tentative plans appear to be in the works for a sequel to Slc Punk!, the 1998 film that so sharply skewers the “tribe” archetypes that permeate the music scene, and then there’s another 90 minutes of movie. Despite telling a complete story about a self-avowed punk working so feverishly to avoid becoming a sell-out “poser” like his dad—only to wind up a sell-out poser like his dad, because that’s how stories work—writer-director James Merendino thinks there’s even more irony to be mined from Matthew Lillard’s Stevo, now that he's a middle-aged man forced ...
- 4/1/2013
- avclub.com
Things just got real on Young Justice... Or rather "real-er."
Today's episode focused on Kaldur (who claimed he was too old for the Aqualad name) as he and a team of young super villains raided Mount Justice and gave the Young Justice team a beating they will never forget. However, like any good Young Justice story, nothing was as it seemed in this episode.
Kaldur Sees 'The Light'
At the start of the episode in an underwater hideout, a captured La'goon berated Kaldur for being a traitor against the Team and Atlantean Society. Black Manta entered the picture to send Kaldur on a new mission and mentioned that La'goon needed to be prepped for transport to The Light's "partner." Before La'goon is taken away, he called Kaldur Black Manta's "errand boy." This prompted Kaldur to ask La'goon while he knows his role in the grand scheme of things, does La'goon know his own position.
Today's episode focused on Kaldur (who claimed he was too old for the Aqualad name) as he and a team of young super villains raided Mount Justice and gave the Young Justice team a beating they will never forget. However, like any good Young Justice story, nothing was as it seemed in this episode.
Kaldur Sees 'The Light'
At the start of the episode in an underwater hideout, a captured La'goon berated Kaldur for being a traitor against the Team and Atlantean Society. Black Manta entered the picture to send Kaldur on a new mission and mentioned that La'goon needed to be prepped for transport to The Light's "partner." Before La'goon is taken away, he called Kaldur Black Manta's "errand boy." This prompted Kaldur to ask La'goon while he knows his role in the grand scheme of things, does La'goon know his own position.
- 10/6/2012
- by Mark O. Estes
- TVovermind.com
Earlier this month we gave you an exclusive update on The Bitch, an upcoming horror comedy directed by James Merendino (Slc Punk). Back then we told you that, " the flick follows four woman who becomes stranded in the woods after a car crash. They hole up in a mansion that's haunted by a malicious spirit called "The Bitch". Now a source tells us that, "The film is a satire and clearly a dark comedy in the same vein as 'Shaun of the Dead' or more to the point, Polanski's 'Rosemary's Baby'. Additionally, this film has 'Girl Power'. In typical insult humor, punk rock, irreverent ways, the characters may seem odd but its because they are meant to be funny. The film is ultimately a nihilistic statement about how utterly chaotic the universe is. The supernatural elements..
- 1/25/2012
- bloody-disgusting.com
After giving actor Matthew Lillard what will likely always be his best performance in Slc Punk, director James Merendino has pretty much fallen to the wayside. Though he once attracted names like Harvey Keitel and Billy Bob Thornton to his project The Swedish Job, that project completely fell apart and since then he's been unable to round up much name talent or attention for his films. Maybe jumping on the bandwagon will help as The Playlist reports Merendino will direct a musical comedy called Vampire Summer Camp (yes, another vampire flick) which he also wrote with Jenny Jaffe, a writer with only one obscure film to her name. In what seems like an aim to capitalize on the popularity of vampires and Fox's musical series "Glee," the film follows two summer camps and the musical competition they embark upon. But one camp is populated with youthful-looking, but centuries old vampires,...
- 10/5/2010
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
The evil kittehs are taking over Big Bang Theory, and in a big way. There are pictures of Sheldon surrounded by the monstrous little things.
MTV has greenlit a series called Inbetweeners, which is another British import about teenagers who aren’t popular, but aren’t outcasts. I’ve never seen the original, so I don’t know if there are gay characters or not. Brits?
I’ve also never seen Slc Punk!, but the director, James Merendino is going to direct something called Vampire Summer Camp. The movie centers on a musical theater competition between two summer camps, one of which caters to vampires. Yes, this is High School Musical meets Camp Rock meets Vampire Diaries. I think we’ve reached the end of ideas.
Richard Tillman, brother of NFL player and fallen hero Pat Tillman was on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher over the weekend. He...
MTV has greenlit a series called Inbetweeners, which is another British import about teenagers who aren’t popular, but aren’t outcasts. I’ve never seen the original, so I don’t know if there are gay characters or not. Brits?
I’ve also never seen Slc Punk!, but the director, James Merendino is going to direct something called Vampire Summer Camp. The movie centers on a musical theater competition between two summer camps, one of which caters to vampires. Yes, this is High School Musical meets Camp Rock meets Vampire Diaries. I think we’ve reached the end of ideas.
Richard Tillman, brother of NFL player and fallen hero Pat Tillman was on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher over the weekend. He...
- 9/28/2010
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
One of the best ideas ever is the concept behind the indie musical comedy Vampire Summer Camp. It's about two rival summer camps for musical theater, one of which is a camp for young-looking vampires. In other words, "Camp Rock" meets Twilight. James Merendino will direct and Rose Ganguzza (The Romantics and New York, I Love You) will executive produce for Frightening Entertainment.
Source: Variety...
Source: Variety...
- 9/28/2010
- by tara@kidspickflicks.com (Tara the Mom)
- kidspickflicks
Slc Punk! helmer James Merendino is attached to direct Vampire Summer Camp, a new comedy to be produced by Rose Ganguzza and Frightening Entertainment. Screenplay, credited to Jenny Jaffe and Merendino, centers on a musical-theater competish between two summer camps, one of which is a camp for youthful-looking vampires. A composer has not yet been set for the original songs to be featured in the pic. With a budget in the mid-seven figures, the film aims to begin pre-production in Gotham this fall, with pricipal photography kicking off November 1. My own personal hope is that they bring an '80s vibe to the comedy.
- 9/27/2010
- bloody-disgusting.com
Okay, show of hands ... who out there is ready to make merry at a summer camp full of blood sucking dead things? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
According to Variety "Slc Punk! helmer James Merendino is attached to direct Vampire Summer Camp, a new comedy to be produced by Rose Ganguzza and Frightening Entertainment. Screenplay, credited to Jenny Jaffe and Merendino, centers on a musical-theater competish between two summer camps, one of which is a camp for youthful-looking vampires. A composer has not yet been set for the original songs to be featured in the pic. With a budget in the mid-seven figures, the film aims to begin pre-production in Gotham this fall, with principal photography kicking off November 1."
Can you believe it? A vampire comedy! How has no one thought of this already! It could be magic! No, really! Where's my gun?
*Bang*
*Thud*
- Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
According to Variety "Slc Punk! helmer James Merendino is attached to direct Vampire Summer Camp, a new comedy to be produced by Rose Ganguzza and Frightening Entertainment. Screenplay, credited to Jenny Jaffe and Merendino, centers on a musical-theater competish between two summer camps, one of which is a camp for youthful-looking vampires. A composer has not yet been set for the original songs to be featured in the pic. With a budget in the mid-seven figures, the film aims to begin pre-production in Gotham this fall, with principal photography kicking off November 1."
Can you believe it? A vampire comedy! How has no one thought of this already! It could be magic! No, really! Where's my gun?
*Bang*
*Thud*
- Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
- 9/27/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Cult indie filmmaker Lisa Hammer (Pox, The Venture Brothers) has a new feature film! The new James Merendino/Lisa Hammer feature The Invisible Life Of Thomas Lynch is screening at the Cmj Film Festival this Thursday in NYC!
The Invisible Life of Thomas Lynch is a dark comedy about a lonely smalltime hit man. Shot documentary style, the film reveals a pathetically empty and misguided man and the callousness of the film makers who just want to get the shots, unmoved by torture and murder. The contradiction between personal life and job, and the apathy of the people making the documentary reflects satirically the dispassion of the media. Directed by James Merendino (Slc Punk, Magicians) and Lisa Hammer (The Venture Brothers, Mors Syphilitica) Starring: Steve Stanulis as Thomas Lynch, James Merendino as himself, Lisa Hammer as herself, Levi Wilson as himself, Andrew Langton as Frank Ritchie, Christiane Seidel as Tina,...
The Invisible Life of Thomas Lynch is a dark comedy about a lonely smalltime hit man. Shot documentary style, the film reveals a pathetically empty and misguided man and the callousness of the film makers who just want to get the shots, unmoved by torture and murder. The contradiction between personal life and job, and the apathy of the people making the documentary reflects satirically the dispassion of the media. Directed by James Merendino (Slc Punk, Magicians) and Lisa Hammer (The Venture Brothers, Mors Syphilitica) Starring: Steve Stanulis as Thomas Lynch, James Merendino as himself, Lisa Hammer as herself, Levi Wilson as himself, Andrew Langton as Frank Ritchie, Christiane Seidel as Tina,...
- 10/20/2009
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
Oscar-nominated writer Will Rokos (Monster's Ball) will take a stab at re-writing Chasing the Whale for Regency Enterprises, Variety reports. In the casinos of Las Vegas, "whales" are top baccarat players who can win or lose millions in a single night. They're treated as celebrities, and are often hired to make the rich and powerful even more money. The most recent version of the script was handled by Wayne Allan Rice (Suicide Kings). Rokos has another project in production; he recently co-wrote The Swedish Job with director James Merendino for Seven Arts Entertainment.
- 3/31/2003
- IMDbPro News
Estella Warren and Ashley Scott have teamed to star in the horror film Trespassing for H.S.I. Entertainment/Samy Boy Pictures. James Merendino is directing the project from his own script. Trespassing, which is shooting in New Orleans, centers on a graduate student (Daniel Gillies) preparing his thesis on mythology who leads his friends on a research expedition to an old plantation estate on the outskirts of the Big Easy. The site is reputed to mysteriously cause madness and death to all who enter it. Warren and Scott play Gillies' friends who go along for the expedition. Clayne Crawford and Jeff Davis round out the cast. Producing Trespassing are H.S.I.'s Stavros Merjos and Adam Rosenfelt along with Pop Art Films' Sam Maydew. Samy Boy's Sam Nazarian will executive produce. Louisiana-based Lift Prods. is co-producing. Scott is repped by UTA, Original Management's Jonathan Perry and attorney Marcy Morris at Armstrong, Hirsch, Jackoway, Tyerman and Wertheimer. She appeared on Birds of Prey and next stars in Columbia Pictures' S.W.A.T. Warren is repped by UTA, Untitled Entertainment's Stephanie Simon and Morris. Her credits include Kangaroo Jack and Planet of the Apes. She next stars in Wayne Kramer's The Cooler for Lions Gate Films. Merendino's directing credits include SLC Punk! Gillies and Davis are repped by UTA.
- 3/17/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In "SLC Punk", a punk rock satire set in Reagan-era Salt Lake City, protagonist Stevo (Matthew Lillard) and company spend most of their time engaged in a sociological turf war against neo-Nazi skinheads, mods, rednecks and, worst of all, poseurs -- those lame wannabes who shout out "Anarchy in the U.K.!" in suburban shopping malls.
While the concept of growing up punk in the Mormon capital of America certainly holds some ripe promise, writer-director James Merendino's finished product ends up feeling about as authentic as one of Stevo's skin-cap Mohawk hairdos.
It's a poseur "Trainspotting".
This Sony Classic Pictures release will unlikely cause any boxoffice commotion, although those who experience a pang of nostalgia at the mere hint of safety-pin chic might catch up with it at the video store.
Lillard, an actor with a nice, loopy energy, plays tour guide, constantly speaking to the camera as he introduces his friends, including best buddy Bob (Michael Goorjian), and his stomping grounds.
The son of a former hippie-turned-lawyer (Christopher McDonald) who rationalizes his career choice as not selling out to the system but "buying in," Stevo ultimately learns that the trappings of being anti-establishment can, in fact, become predictable and conformist in their own right.
While Lillard works hard to engage the viewer, and the rest of the cast -- including Goorjian, Til Schweiger as a Eurotrash party "supplier" and James Duval as a token mod accepted into Stevo's group -- does some fine character work, the talking into the camera and endless voice-overs quickly grow tiresome.
In relating his loosely autobiographical story of youthful restlessness, Merendino lets all the aimlessness seep into the underachieving plotting and character development. There's a likable playfulness to be found, but the film cries out for an edgier context in regard to its time and place.
His direction is more accomplished, although if you take away the colorful clothing and quirky production design (courtesy of costume designer Fiora and Charlotte Malmloff, respectively) the residual visual style is, to quote an old Sex Pistols song, pretty vacant.
Speaking of which, the picture should have taken its tonal cue from its well-picked selection of seminal punk and new wave tunes (available on the Hollywood Records soundtrack) by the likes of the Ramones, the Stooges, The Dead Kennedys and Billy Idol's old band, Generation X.
There's not a poseur in the bunch.
SLC PUNK
Sony Pictures Classics
Director-screenwriter:James Merendino
Producers:Sam Maydew, Peter Ward
Executive producers:Jan De Bont, Michael Peyser, Andrea Kreuzhage
Director of photography:Greg Littlewood
Production designer:Charlotte Malmloff
Editor:Esther P. Russel
Costume designer:Fiora
Color/stereo
Cast:
Stevo:Matthew Lillard
Bob:Michael Goorjian
Trish:Annabeth Gish
Sandy:Jennifer Lien
Father:Christopher McDonald
Sean:Devon Sawa
Brandy:Summer Phoenix
Mark:Til Schweiger
Running time -- 97 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
While the concept of growing up punk in the Mormon capital of America certainly holds some ripe promise, writer-director James Merendino's finished product ends up feeling about as authentic as one of Stevo's skin-cap Mohawk hairdos.
It's a poseur "Trainspotting".
This Sony Classic Pictures release will unlikely cause any boxoffice commotion, although those who experience a pang of nostalgia at the mere hint of safety-pin chic might catch up with it at the video store.
Lillard, an actor with a nice, loopy energy, plays tour guide, constantly speaking to the camera as he introduces his friends, including best buddy Bob (Michael Goorjian), and his stomping grounds.
The son of a former hippie-turned-lawyer (Christopher McDonald) who rationalizes his career choice as not selling out to the system but "buying in," Stevo ultimately learns that the trappings of being anti-establishment can, in fact, become predictable and conformist in their own right.
While Lillard works hard to engage the viewer, and the rest of the cast -- including Goorjian, Til Schweiger as a Eurotrash party "supplier" and James Duval as a token mod accepted into Stevo's group -- does some fine character work, the talking into the camera and endless voice-overs quickly grow tiresome.
In relating his loosely autobiographical story of youthful restlessness, Merendino lets all the aimlessness seep into the underachieving plotting and character development. There's a likable playfulness to be found, but the film cries out for an edgier context in regard to its time and place.
His direction is more accomplished, although if you take away the colorful clothing and quirky production design (courtesy of costume designer Fiora and Charlotte Malmloff, respectively) the residual visual style is, to quote an old Sex Pistols song, pretty vacant.
Speaking of which, the picture should have taken its tonal cue from its well-picked selection of seminal punk and new wave tunes (available on the Hollywood Records soundtrack) by the likes of the Ramones, the Stooges, The Dead Kennedys and Billy Idol's old band, Generation X.
There's not a poseur in the bunch.
SLC PUNK
Sony Pictures Classics
Director-screenwriter:James Merendino
Producers:Sam Maydew, Peter Ward
Executive producers:Jan De Bont, Michael Peyser, Andrea Kreuzhage
Director of photography:Greg Littlewood
Production designer:Charlotte Malmloff
Editor:Esther P. Russel
Costume designer:Fiora
Color/stereo
Cast:
Stevo:Matthew Lillard
Bob:Michael Goorjian
Trish:Annabeth Gish
Sandy:Jennifer Lien
Father:Christopher McDonald
Sean:Devon Sawa
Brandy:Summer Phoenix
Mark:Til Schweiger
Running time -- 97 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 4/15/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
James Merendino's drama about a former male hustler and his dying ex-lover is a stylishly made melodrama that is perhaps a little too stylish.
Ultra-serious and attempting a near-operatic level of intensity, the film comes perilously close to camp. Theatrical prospects look limited, although the film looks too good to be seen on anything but the big screen.
Another plus is a very effective performance by Richard Chamberlain, playing a dandyish homosexual dying of AIDS. The film recently received its world premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival
Michael Imperioli, providing further evidence after "Sweet Nothing" that he has the makings of a major career, plays Allen, a struggling Los Angeles artist who is attempting to forget his past occupation "working the streets." His girlfriend, Eva (singer Ute Lemper) is a beautiful gallery owner who supports his career. One day, Thaddeus (Chamberlain), a former client of Allen's, shows up looking for a place to stay. Promising great financial rewards, he implores Allen to find Jamie (James Duval), another hustler, although he won't explain why.
Michael, torn between his feelings of compassion for Thaddeus and his revulsion at re-entering his old world, tries to comply and gets caught up in more than he bargained for. Ultimately, he must face a choice between his past and present lives, while Thaddeus makes a dramatic decision about his own condition.
Paul Marius' script leans a little heavily toward the baroque, which director Merendino emphasizes through his use of such stylistic devices as multiple dissolves, cross-cutting and extensive use of classical, especially choral, music. One gets the feeling that everyone involved is trying too hard -- except for Chamberlain, who wisely underplays his flamboyant character's mannerisms. His performance, which is quite moving, is one of the bigger rewards in a film that ultimately becomes undone by its pretensions.
RIVER MADE TO DROWN IN
Island Park Films
Director James Merendino
Screenplay Paul Marius
Producer Jon Powell
Director of photography Thomas Callaway
Editor Esther P. Russell
Color/stereo
Cast:
Thaddeus Richard Chamberlain
Allen Michael Imperioli
Eva Ute Lemper
Jaime James Duval
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Ultra-serious and attempting a near-operatic level of intensity, the film comes perilously close to camp. Theatrical prospects look limited, although the film looks too good to be seen on anything but the big screen.
Another plus is a very effective performance by Richard Chamberlain, playing a dandyish homosexual dying of AIDS. The film recently received its world premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival
Michael Imperioli, providing further evidence after "Sweet Nothing" that he has the makings of a major career, plays Allen, a struggling Los Angeles artist who is attempting to forget his past occupation "working the streets." His girlfriend, Eva (singer Ute Lemper) is a beautiful gallery owner who supports his career. One day, Thaddeus (Chamberlain), a former client of Allen's, shows up looking for a place to stay. Promising great financial rewards, he implores Allen to find Jamie (James Duval), another hustler, although he won't explain why.
Michael, torn between his feelings of compassion for Thaddeus and his revulsion at re-entering his old world, tries to comply and gets caught up in more than he bargained for. Ultimately, he must face a choice between his past and present lives, while Thaddeus makes a dramatic decision about his own condition.
Paul Marius' script leans a little heavily toward the baroque, which director Merendino emphasizes through his use of such stylistic devices as multiple dissolves, cross-cutting and extensive use of classical, especially choral, music. One gets the feeling that everyone involved is trying too hard -- except for Chamberlain, who wisely underplays his flamboyant character's mannerisms. His performance, which is quite moving, is one of the bigger rewards in a film that ultimately becomes undone by its pretensions.
RIVER MADE TO DROWN IN
Island Park Films
Director James Merendino
Screenplay Paul Marius
Producer Jon Powell
Director of photography Thomas Callaway
Editor Esther P. Russell
Color/stereo
Cast:
Thaddeus Richard Chamberlain
Allen Michael Imperioli
Eva Ute Lemper
Jaime James Duval
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 10/23/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.