southiepunk Reviews

Highway (I) (2002)

A step away from ordinary...

[9/10 · 24 April 2003]

There are a few things you have to keep in mind when watching a film like this, where the director's vision is a bizarre, artistic twist on a certain demographic, in this case, outer-Vegas trailer-trash. First off, he is showing some incredible chemistry between two unique characters, who are actually really fascinating people (Leto & Gyllenhaal). Secondly, whoever made a post about this film not holding itself together needs to take a step back for a second. As a film production major, I look for different styles and techniques while watching films. So maybe I just notice the cool little things that the Director does more.... or maybe some people just can't get past the bizarre story. I think this film was designed to take the viewer on a ride that many of them have not been on. The RAVE scenes where intense, and beautifully filmed. The visit to see the Dand-E-fine girls is classic. Gyllenhaal pulls off one of the most convincing stoners ever on film, and the kid is just - the man. Leto is brilliant in anything he ever has or ever will be in, the man is incredibly talented, and this project is no different. Blair does her job, she fits the part... not a huge fan, but it's certainly not a big enough deal to take anything away from the film, on any level. Jeremy Piven is a GOD. PERIOD. He delivers one of the best monologues in recent memory. John C. McGinley is always a nice addition to any movie. So with all these cool things to say about this little indie film, how come everyone doesn't agree? Maybe we weren't looking for the same thing when we watched it. But isn't that the case a lot of the time? Then why bad-mouth this film? They're being petty, that's why. Listen, I think that any film that serves its purpose and entertains should be given a chance... it's a cool little bizarre film. Enjoy.

L.I.E. (2001)

Unique and Powerful

[10/10 · 15 October 2002]

First of all, one must get past any vague summaries that make this film out to be just about a pedophile luring a young boy into his manipulative gameplan. That could not be any further from the truth. Stephen Ryder has proven to be both, a phenomenal screenwriter, and an innovative thinker. The plot sets a vulnerable teenager in the mix with a neighborhood pedophile. This much is true. What the story is actually showing, however, is human nature itself. A man, who our society would deem as a mentally-sick individual, is challenged by the responsibility of being an honorable elder. He has the opportunity to show that he is still a human being, and can still behave like any normal person. He does not have to be portrayed as a predator all the time. The film does not justify his past behavior. It does not try to make a political statement about what is right or wrong. It shows you someone who is very rarely portrayed in film, but should be, since these people do exist. The child owns so much of your sympathy, that its story engulfs you in his feelings and decisions. Give the movie a chance. Try to get beyond the disturbing subject matter, and ridiculously unjustified NC-17 rating. There are no visuals that will disgust anyone. The film is very innocent compared to a lot of garbage out there, and the story is extremely moving. The acting is superb, Dano, Kay and Cox are flawless. Cuesta is great, displaying his skills as a visual director, using filters and color saturation to show his work of art. And if all that doesn't convince you to give it a viewing, it's your loss.

Bully (2001)

Explosively dramatic

[10/10 · 16 September 2001]

Absolutely incredible job by Larry Clark... and brilliantly acted by Brad Renfro (as usual)... This movie coasts on some really great ideas on how to lighten up the whole storyline... As grim as it is, the dialogue can't help but make you burst out in laughter here and there... This was a very F-d up situation, and one that people should see... Nudity adds to the realistic nature of the film, although it does get really graphic at times, it is, nevertheless, entertaining...

I highly recommend this film, and anticipate owning the release...

The Basketball Diaries (1995)

Gripping

[9/10 · 28 February 2001]

A gripping, intense story - supported by superior acting by DiCaprio... this film is a unique, and unforgettable work of art... A must see for any film fan that likes an edgy, hard-hitting style... One of the most realistic portrayals of drug addictions ever made... If you didn't get a chance to see "Trapped In a Purple Haze" starring Jonathan Jackson, I highly recommend you to try to get your hands on that as well... "Basketball Diaries" is incredible - if you haven't seen it - GET IT... But be prepared, and watch with an open mind... A+