The Living End
|
Our Price: $32.49 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $9.50 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Living End
Movie Review: Badly acted film convoluted by its blatant politicization of AIDS
Summary: 2 Stars
AIDS may well be a disease allowed to fester and grow as the result of U.S. government policy. That IS the belief of many activists. And yet, today (2005) we see that even with all the information, the cautionary advice, knowledge about how to prevent and avoid AIDS, many in the gay population are ignoring that advice and eschewing any protection and even refusing medication as some believe that there is NO such thing as AIDS. Rather it is the medication that is causing the sickness.
When this film was made, it was full of sound and fury signifying "something", I'm sure. However, in retrospect, it is quite obviously a first attempt by a freshman director at writing and filming a feature film. On that front, it does not work.
The acting in The Living End is so poor that it was painfully difficult for me to watch the film through to the end. The staging and premises were stilted and hackneyed. It would seem that the actors were cast for their "hunk" factor and nothing more.
Araki has gone on to make more fully developed and complete films. The Living End is a film that started his career (though it wasn't really his first film) and certainly garnered him praise by the gonzo film set.
However, if you are looking for a fully realized film like his own Mysterious Skin - don't look here. Parting Glances is a film that provides a far more full realization of the anger that some feel regarding AIDS. So too is Longtime Companion. The Living End tries to be a gay/AIDS Thelma and Louise. It isn't.
I give it two stars for its efforts, but that is stretching it even in my book...
Movie Review: What a smart director can do with no budget
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie is harsh and brutal, but bizzare and engrossing all the same. Although slghtly flawed by the whining character Jon {his monotone gloom does get on one's nerves}, the movie moves along at a fast pace, erotically tinged and violently charged. And judt when things get a little too bleak, something bizzare occurs, occasionally too hysterically funny. The two lesbians who pick up Luke at the beginning are completely off the wall.The dialogue is smart and witty. The direction is gritty. Reccomended. Movie Review: a complex and challenging movie
Summary: 5 Stars
Gregg Araaki is not afraid to go there and he does in this seminal classic. The love story is unconventional and so are the politics,mood and story. This one isn't for everyone but for fans of kick ass subversive cinema its a must.Movie Review: A good film (in its time) with some flaws
Summary: 4 Stars
I liked this film so much years ago that I bought it. (VHS) I looked past the uneven script and occasionally cheesy and hysterical acting, and saw the love story.
The leads here are relatively strong and believable, and the story differs markedly from every AIDS cliche. It's a decent effort and a decent film.
It is "irresponsible" in its depiction of violence and even violence between the lovers, but it's a thrill ride of a movie that has some sense of resolution and some sence of acceptance that I appreciated.
It's rough and certainly not for everybody, but it's worth seeing. Recommended.
Movie Review: So what ever happened to Mike Dytri?
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my favorite American film. It is pleasant and relaxing The violence is never gratuitous. Some of the scenes, such as the two murderous lesbians and the wife with the knife, suffer from some poor acting, but the two leads are delightful, especially Mike Dytri as Luke, a lovable hunk who can act, and is very easy on the eyes. The sex scenes are too tame, but the portrayal of two men in love is quite convincing and enjoyable. Like most American movies there is too much aimless action and too little intellectual interest, but perhaps this is just a mirror of the culture itself.
Some of the gun play is a little tacky, and the sub-plot of Jon's fag-hag is not very believable. Also one wishes for a sound track, especially in the love scenes.