Sam & Janet (2002) User Reviews

I did not like Sam and Janet

[teden64 · 3/10 · 16 August 2006]

This is the first time I have ever written a response to a movie. Sam and Janet in my opinion was not worth the time I invested in watching. It dragged on. To me it felt like a B movie and I did not understand how lifetime gave it a 3 star rating. I have watched movies that have had no stars that have been more entertaining and worth my time.

I had to see it through to the end just like a book that you've been reading just to finish it. I felt that the actors seemed insincere and definitely like they were reading a script. I guessed the ending. Even though I am a sucker for a happy ending this movie didn't make me happy or even restore my faith in true love as much as I was just happy it ended. I had hoped to find more in Sam and Janet but was left at a loss.

Watchable!!

[mmftfl · 4/10 · 28 July 2004]

This film certainly had some interesting qualities to it, to the point where I watched it without pausing. The two main characters did a nice job. Jennifer Ferguson is quite possibly the most beautiful girl on screen I have ever seen. I was shocked to find out that this is her one and only credit! She looks like she belongs in a Noxzema commercial. The budget was probably very limited so one must forgive the obvious problems with some of the acting and scenery. A few holes in the plot ....Taxi leaving the scene??????? Interesting though!

Sam and Janet: Bad as Art

[rmm430 · 2/10 · 14 November 2005]

I have read many reviews on this movie and all commented how bad it was. It had so many flaws. In the narrative there were too many flaws for a movie in the twenty-first century. The characters were too campy to relate to. The repetitive references to Star Trek had no relationship with the story, nor did it help it what-so-ever. This became distracting. The sound emphasized the floor (OK, for a 1960's B movie, but not in 2002!). While Gary Busy is a great character actor his talent was kept behind a "bar" as a alcoholic reference with intellectualism and philosophy. However, there were two good points, and the reason why I felt hooked into watching a bad feature: the cinematography and editing. Even so, it was out of place with what made it bad. This may be the moral of the story.

Dear God, no!

[daria_00 · 1/10 · 25 March 2006]

An unexplained and poorly edited title sequence made me question my choice of watching this movie, but decided to stick it out long enough to fairly judge it. After a literally painful first 30 min., I wanted to turn it off, but couldn't. I thought that I had already invested days in watching it. The plot is unrealistic, the script is awful. I have no idea how it won any awards. I keep wondering if people saw the same movie I did. The two (and only) redeeming parts of the movie were the bartender and the chocolate lab, Brady. That's it. Save yourself an hour and a half and knit a scarf. Honestly, this one's not worth your time.

I didn't like it

[saucysoonergal · 1/10 · 17 May 2006]

I have heard about this movie for ages from listening to Rick and Brad on the Katt, and I finally got to see it last night on Lifetime Movie Network. It really was pretty, the locations around Oklahoma City, but the movie was just so slow, it seemed like a three hour movie. Gary Busey and a few others were great but overall, I didn't like it. Maybe it was just a freshman writer/directors learning curve, and I hope he gets another shot at film making, but this one just didn't do it for me. I did like the Football scenes but the acting wasn't very good and the story was very predictable. I hate to give such a bad review, since I love Rick and Brad's show, but this is one to not watch!

wow...BAD, no other words to describe it!

[moviefreakchiq · 1/10 · 21 October 2004]

UUMmmmm OK words cannot describe how bad this movie is. I have seen other peoples comments and I swear to god I think they are paid to do this, or the director himself wrote these comments. I should have taken the hint that it was going to be bad when on the back of the DVD cover they have comments from IMDb users instead of an actual critic....I mean the director is probably the one wrote these comments anyway! Guys saying they liked this...come on! Even I knew this was *&^%, and I'm a girl! It was horribly acted, extremely cheesy, very predictable and omg did I mention cheesy. MOst of the movie consists of the two main characters cuddling everywhere and do "coupley things in like 50 locations. Then when they break up they have about 50 shots of each of them looking out on the ocean and thinking and crying in bed...omg did I mention this was a bad movie!

dreadfully dull

[puzzle_queen · 2/10 · 28 June 2005]

The three plus point rating here seems pretty generous. This movie is straight off the shelf boy meets girl for the first hour. Finally then the viewer has some inkling of some kind of conflict. Even then, until the last fifteen minutes or so it's plain dull. The last fifteen minutes are vaguely interesting because of a slight surprise/plot twist- but there is nothing here to recommend this waste of time.

I made it through the whole thing so I could save you from this movie without having to admit that I gave up on it but wrote a review anyway. The competent acting is the only thing that saves it from being a one out of ten rating. Marianne

Holy cow! What a moron!

[eaglefriend2000 · 1/10 · 13 July 2002]

This is one of the worst films I've ever seen. Apparently the guy who made it is some sort of hayseed dj in Oklahoma and promotes it through his radio show. Very predictable, very cheesy. I wish I could say it was manipulative, but that would require some degree of success in changing peoples' emotions. It almost pulls off being so bad it's funny, but in the end it's too bland for that. All I can say is WOW!

*YAWN* Is it over yet

[supermom-leigh · 2/10 · 7 April 2007]

I was flipping through the channels and came across this movie. After 10 minutes I was ready to fall asleep, and I had only been up for an hour. I found it choppy at times with the way the conversations flowed, as if, well it was scripted. I did not find the characters believable. I guess for a first movie its OK. But to me it looks like a movie someone would make using a hand held video camera and there friends, on a bored Sunday afternoon. There is no emotion in it, the characters bored me to tears. I barely made it through this movie and would not tell anyone they should watch it. OK well if your having a hard time falling asleep at night, watch this movie, it will put you to sleep in no time. This is my first review, so its probably not that great and choppy itself. But I just could not, not comment on this movie

So bad that I registered on IMDb just to say so

[suzieeck · 30 October 2004]

This is, by far, the stupidest movie I have ever seen. I can't imagine how this film won a Best Screenplay award. As a matter of fact, I can't even imagine how this film was ever made. Everything about it - especially the dialogue, plot, and acting - was hokey and juvenile and embarrassing. Nothing about the movie was believable. How many times was it necessary to show Sam shirtless in bed? How many times was it necessary to show Janet staring out at the ocean? Why was Gary Busey in the movie? On the plus side, there were some lovely visuals (those 10 seconds of colored leaves were beautiful) and Oklahoma City looks like a very nice place to visit.

I LOVED IT!

[pinkytuscadaro · 10/10 · 25 November 2002]

I was so overwhelmed after seeing "Sam and Janet" at the Palms in Vegas that I went on a search to find out more. The website is kick ass and the movie left me speechless. Where has this movie been hiding? Get it out there! I mean, it's so emotionally charged and filled with great and amazing twists! I work in Vegas and forget about the quiet simple stuff sometimes. This movie brought me back to reality. What a great film. The actors were great and the story and they way it was shot was beautiful. If you're a girl (or a guy with any feelings in your normally numb bodies) GO SEE "SAM and JANET". I wish all of you reading this could see it...I know you'd feel the same way that I do!

I LOVED the music, anyone know of a soundtrack on this movie?

[lisaslandscapesanddreams · 7/10 · 10 June 2008]

I realize that this movie is a little "old" (2002) but I saw bits and pieces today and hope to see it again soon. From what I did see, it appeared interesting and if it's half as good as the music, then, it must be great! I know this is supposed to be for comments on the movie by those who have actually watched the entire movie but I was not able to keep up while working in my home on my pc, HOWEVER, the music and singing (especially by the guy with the dark hair that was singing . . . in the bar?) was really good. If anyone knows the name of the band(s) or singer(s) of the music that played in the movie, please let me know. This is my style of music and I really want a soundtrack. I tried searching elsewhere but had no luck. Maybe someone who "liked" the movie or maybe someone who acted in the movie or the actual producer and/or a friend of someone who . . . knows Rick Walker (YES, this is a small world and all things ARE possible!) could help me find a copy of the soundtrack, please! Even if there are a lot of bad reviews here on this movie, I say the music is worth it to give it a shot! Also, I would like to say that every "critic" should always take into consideration (and make note of these "considerations") every time a review or opinion is given, that each "viewer" has different taste in movies and if you are tired, sleepy, depressed, happy, sad, stressed, distracted, . . so on and so on, at the time you see the movie, this is ALWAYS going to affect how you perceive the movie. We've ALL seen GREAT movies that others HATED, so I suggest that when you give a bad review to always make note of what state of mood you were in when you viewed it. Come on people, let's always give others the benefit of doubt! Thanks!

Brutal in every aspect of filmmaking

[d-dog · 1/10 · 23 July 2002]

Recently I had a chance to view this film in its entirety. It made me speechless for a while. There's nothing cinematic about this film. Every aspect of filmmaking in this film is evil. The story could be told in 20mins max. It drags with hideous dialog and terrible editing. I don't blame the actors for not giving good performances because they had nothing good to work with. It is amazing that there is a film out there that is worse than Spiceworld. Special appearance by Gary Busey...well, he has no point being in this film. It would be the same film without him. Could be better because it's less time for the audience to be tortured. And at one point, the film takes a completely different tone, it feels like you are watching a Wes Craven film. I enjoy bad films personally. I think there are two kinds of bad film. One is so bad it instantly becomes a legendary film, and the other is so bad it needs to be vanished. This film absolutely falls into the latter.

Keep a bucket nearby

[itsonlywill · 1/10 · 12 November 2004]

I used to think THE SUBURBANS was the worst move I've ever seen. There's a new game in town!

SAM & JANET is painful to watch. The characters are shockingly bland -- in fact, one of the only believable things about this movie is that two such drippy, boring self-pitiers would wallow in each other. The dialogue was incredibly stilted, and it's hard to believe the guy who wrote, produced, and directed this film makes a living on the radio. It sounds like it was written by someone whose longest conversations are with telemarketers. As if it weren't bad enough, he peppered the thing with puns that will make your ears bleed.

The tragedy of this movie is that I think it honestly wants to connect with those of us who don't live in New York or L.A. But to do that, a movie really needs to offer us something deeper than, "Boys are stupid," (a common line here) and "Tell the truth." And please, PLEASE -- NO MORE PUNS.

Like a song sung by a tone deaf singer

[Tekla-too · 2/10 · 7 April 2007]

Pretty people were in it. Obviously enough money was spent to give the visuals that "slick" look of a Hollywood movie. A lot of the actors had good voices that were nice to listen to. And the screenplay may have been a good one -- it's just really hard to tell. Ferguson seems like a very good actor and a few others in the film probably are too. However I don't think the director can tell the difference between good acting and "being caught acting." So much of it was so unbelievable and not in a fun or creative and artistic way. It just came out like a tone deaf singer singing what might have been a good song but I can't really tell because the tune was so out of whack and never could detect the melody. I watched almost all of it and nothing ever really seemed to happen and nothing touched me or moved me except some of the acting by Ferguson, who at times reminded me quite a bit of Ann Heche. I do not recommend this movie unless you are studying what makes a bad movie a bad movie. It might be interesting for example to compare this film to something done by, say, Ed Wood.

Good Attempt

[imrama · 1/10 · 7 March 2005]

For anyone's first movie, this is a good attempt. Unfortunately, it falls short of movie goer's expectations.

The lines are at times delivered well at other times they are completely flat and break the momentum. The filming is often too slow paced and has too many brooding pans of the characters. Little details are missed - the school where Sam works never has anybody walking by on the outside shots (in fact gives the impression of being deserted) and we only ever see two kids on the inside shots.

Spoiler: The plot is also underdeveloped. What is presented as a relationship movie suddenly turns eerie in the middle with the ex showing up. Other characters try to carry subplots but these never develop nor do they support the main story.

Conclusion: Not worth watching for pleasure, but a good movie to analyze if you want to produce an independent film. To get some idea of what the writer/director was trying to get across in the movie read some of the 10/10 comments posted by "people not associated with the film".

The chocolate lab...

[MarieGabrielle · 2/10 · 16 February 2008]

named Brady gets two stars. While watching this, I realized that I could have done a better job with the photography direction, and possibly even the acting.

The twist is not believable, the story rather trite. A redeeming factor would be, if the audience could relate to the characters. In this case, no.

Recent films of this nature are a disappointment. A borderline romance drama, I can name many in 1990 which were much better. The film may have worked with an actress with depth, Kim Delaney or the like. Skip this one unless you are a dog lover.

Refreshing and honest-feeling portrayal of love in Oklahoma

[ChrisBagley · 8/10 · 25 December 2004]

Movies with dumb stereotypes of America's heartland are all too common, so this one was refreshing. The portrayal of a couple putting off a first sexual encounter was also refreshing. Janet's decision seemed rational, reasonable, honorable and humane without seeming prudish. Most films would've portrayed her decision either as heroic or loony.

The intrigue with the crazy ex-husband was less successful than the love-story line. It came out of nowhere and it wasn't executed very well. For one, the director shouldn't have shown the ring falling to the floorboards. That confused me by mixing Sam's perspective with Steve's perspective. Second, why wasn't Janet surprised to see Sam on her couch? The fries-munching friend and the bartender seemed over the top, moving the film's flavor from indie to amateur.

When a movie gets me emotional, it's incredible!

[nancyreyn · 10/10 · 18 October 2002]

I recently had the chance to watch Sam and Janet while on business in New York. I have to tell you that my two co-workers and I were amazed! We have never been touched by a movie like this. I think part of it was, because we had no expectations. We just went to the theater to find a good movie and somehow ended up seeing Sam and Janet. We all walked out of the theater crying. It was the best release after such a long weekend of hustle and work. We were laughing because we were all crying. Had we known anything about it we might not have been so affected, but the movie was simple incredible. I asked about it once in the lobby. We were told it was the winner of best screenplay at the festival where we saw it. (New York International Indie Film Fest.) I can see why. It was so simple, yet very deep and complex. That's hard to do. I like the fact that there weren't any movie stars in it! Except for Gary Busey that is. Even HIS part in the movie was different. He just plays a bartender who's nice guy and a good listener. This movie was a quiet little sparkle. The guy who plays Parker is too funny. The main girl, Jennifer Ferguson who plays Janet is simple amazing. And the main male, Ryan Brown who plays Sam is so nice to look at. Their acting is so 'not acting' that you feel like you're really following the lives of two real people. I hope you get the chance to see this great, simple, relationship movie. I think about it, quote it to my girlfriends and wish I could see it again. You will too. Especially women! Thanks to Rick Walker for a well written and well directed film. The three of us that went, can't tell you how great and touching the experience was!

GREAT! The next "Big Fat Greek Wedding" hit!

[y2jeremey · 10/10 · 5 October 2002]

I recently attended the New York Film Festival and saw that "Sam & Janet" had won for Best Screenplay, so I decided to check it out. I took my girlfriend and we sat through this quiet, smart, funny, dramatic, romantic film for 90 minutes. This is gonna sound cheesy, but during that time, we both laughed and we both cried. It's great to see that there are REAL movies with REAL stories still being made. I'm not sure when or where we will get to see this movie again, but it's one of the most moving, genuine and relatable independent films I've ever seen. The director, Rick Walker did an amazing job of getting the point across without giant action sequences, explosions, etc. (Although there is one action sequence that's brilliantly placed in the film!) Also, the actress who plays "Janet" is simply amazing. She will get discovered and have a great career! My girl and I talked about this movie for three days after we saw it. It even helped us bring up some things in our relationship that needed to be talked about. Now THAT's a movie! (We wish there could be a sequel!!) Anything that Rick Walker does from here on out, I will find a way to see! I can say the same for the beautiful Jennifer Ferguson (Janet). I would just love to meet her and have a conversation with to her...she gave that kind of performance. My girlfriend said she felt EVERY EMOTION that Janet was going through. The director really knows what he's doing when it comes to casting and getting a great performance from his cast. Hollywood and everyone else should stand up and take notice of this RICK WALKER guy. If he makes another film, go see it! His filmmaking is amazingly subtle and brilliant!

Real-life personified, Wonderful!!!

[venice1217 · 10/10 · 22 August 2002]

The character development and the plot were great! It was a lot of fun to see how Rick used landmarks in and around the city for locations. He brought Oklahoma City to life in the film. The story really hit home with me, as I'm sure it did with many other viewers. You find yourself falling in love and identifying with the characters, because so many of the situations that they go through are familiar. This movie really brings home the passions and difficulties of life and love.

Rick Walker creates Hollywood in Oklahoma!

[Buddy-Valentine · 10/10 · 2 July 2002]

Sam & Janet is a great film. It feels, looks, and sounds like a Hollywood production, but without cheese and hype. The story is real and touching, the directing is superb, and the acting is right on. A magical film, and a must see.

We liked it.

[s-t-meach · 10/10 · 5 October 2006]

Well written and well acted. Obviously a lower budget film, but an excellent foray into the craft of film making. Some people, me included, enjoy a "character development" movie rather that just blowing things up and taking the clothes off. Jennifer Ferguson is spectacular in her part, or am I partial because she's so dang cute? Ryan Brown does a great job as do the side kicks, Anna Beck and Blake Wolney. Both the leads and the seconds develop a believable chemistry that makes the show work. The surprise ending is well crafted and well executed. My only disappointment was that the cute redheaded school teacher had such a bit part, but I have this thing for redheads.

The cinematography is great with views and color and visual interest. All of the visual interest makes watching more interesting. The casting was well done. All of the characters worked. As I said, obviously done on a small budget, but not a "B" movie by any means. Good job all. Something Y'all can be proud of.

Not your average girl meets boy flick

[fergiemoo · 9/10 · 24 June 2002]

This movie seems like your average girls meets boy flick until some interesting twists occur. It will leave you laughing at the end because you were so wrong! It's also nice to see a movie that showcases another part of the country other than New York and LA.

My new favorite movie!

[Jeny · 10/10 · 5 October 2002]

Okay, this movie rocks! It's a total chick flick. All about relationships - but it's the most realistic story and movie ever! It's even got some funny moments! But 'Sam & Janet' is so touching, sad, happy, exciting, romantic all in one movie. I went to see it in New York city with two girlfriends (we're models) after a fashion show. We were tired and wanted to zone out, not expecting much. Several people were talking about this movie, 'Sam & Janet' so we decided to go. I'm so glad we did. The girl in the movie - Jennifer Ferguson is too cool and too cute! I totally understood everything she did and her reasons for doing it. The guy who plays Sam is HOT! Where has he been hiding? The director, Rick Walker, also wrote this story. I can't believe a guy wrote this because all my girlfriends were so into it...he really knows how girls think. (Is HE single?) We left the theater numb. It was the most relatable movie I've ever seen. To say that means a lot, but it's better than any big Hollywood blockbuster with big stars in it. This film had us from start to finish. Tons of twists and turns and every single emotion I have came out while I watched. I wanted to go see it again but it was only there for one showing. I am going to the website to see if I can order one. Anyway, just wanted to let you know, if 'Sam & Janet' comes anywhere near you....and you're a woman that's ever been in a relationship...YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS MOVIE! No nudity, no explosions, just a great story, great acting (esp. Jennifer Ferguson who plays Janet) and great directing from Rick Walker. I can't wait for his next movie!