Mena Suvari plays nurse Brandi Boski who, on the eve of her promotion, strikes a homeless man who gets stuck (hence the title) in her windshield. Not wanting to get fired (or lose her promotion), she decides to hide the man in her garage rather than report him to the local hospital. A problem arises soon thereafter when it is revealed that the man is not actually dead.
When word came my way that a movie was coming out based on the Chante Mallard story, I was pretty pumped. I had written a novella based on the same case back in 2003, so I was not only familiar with it but had something of a personal connection. And then when I heard it was from the legendary Stuart Gordon ("Re-Animator"), I was more than just a little pumped. I was ecstatic. Gordon, back in the director's seat... and soon enough his newest creation was in my hands. It's good to be a horror reviewer.
This was actually a departure for Gordon, being far more a "real" movie (with drama bits) and much less a b-movie. Not much Jeffrey Combs, no Dennis Paoli... and Mena Suvari had been brought in... and the cover of the box is glowing with positive reviews from The New York Times and USA Today. I don't know for certain, but I don't think this is the level of attention he normally musters. You've come a long way from Empire, baby. And as much as I'll always love the Gordon classics, both old and new, it's nice to see him getting the recognition he deserves. There's room for a new giant among Wes Craven and John Carpenter. Maybe Romero will give up his seat.
The film itself is powerful as a drama and the horror elements are downplayed until much later on. We begin by following the homeless man on a regular day trying to find work at the government's assistance bureau. He is less than successful. Suvari, on the other hand, is finally rewarded for putting up with other people's crap (most literally). For the next hour, it is the exposition of these lives that is the focal point. I may never have thought of Stuart Gordon as a dialogue-driven director, but this film really showcases his ability to bring normal characters to life without gimmicks.
By the time you read this, "Stuck" should be available in stores. And you really must give it a chance. Long-time Gordon fans will enjoy it and I think we can safely say this isn't him selling out. (Some Peter Jackson fans likely regret Jackson's move towards the big budget films... but many aspects of "Stuck" hint that no matter how big, Gordon knows his roots.) Those who never heard of Stuart Gordon and are confused by all my ranting and raving will enjoy the film as well, because it's a story that real, with real people and real emotions. A respectable date movie for those who like horror on their dates but may not necessarily want the splatter. Oh, and drink Scotch while you watch it.
When word came my way that a movie was coming out based on the Chante Mallard story, I was pretty pumped. I had written a novella based on the same case back in 2003, so I was not only familiar with it but had something of a personal connection. And then when I heard it was from the legendary Stuart Gordon ("Re-Animator"), I was more than just a little pumped. I was ecstatic. Gordon, back in the director's seat... and soon enough his newest creation was in my hands. It's good to be a horror reviewer.
This was actually a departure for Gordon, being far more a "real" movie (with drama bits) and much less a b-movie. Not much Jeffrey Combs, no Dennis Paoli... and Mena Suvari had been brought in... and the cover of the box is glowing with positive reviews from The New York Times and USA Today. I don't know for certain, but I don't think this is the level of attention he normally musters. You've come a long way from Empire, baby. And as much as I'll always love the Gordon classics, both old and new, it's nice to see him getting the recognition he deserves. There's room for a new giant among Wes Craven and John Carpenter. Maybe Romero will give up his seat.
The film itself is powerful as a drama and the horror elements are downplayed until much later on. We begin by following the homeless man on a regular day trying to find work at the government's assistance bureau. He is less than successful. Suvari, on the other hand, is finally rewarded for putting up with other people's crap (most literally). For the next hour, it is the exposition of these lives that is the focal point. I may never have thought of Stuart Gordon as a dialogue-driven director, but this film really showcases his ability to bring normal characters to life without gimmicks.
By the time you read this, "Stuck" should be available in stores. And you really must give it a chance. Long-time Gordon fans will enjoy it and I think we can safely say this isn't him selling out. (Some Peter Jackson fans likely regret Jackson's move towards the big budget films... but many aspects of "Stuck" hint that no matter how big, Gordon knows his roots.) Those who never heard of Stuart Gordon and are confused by all my ranting and raving will enjoy the film as well, because it's a story that real, with real people and real emotions. A respectable date movie for those who like horror on their dates but may not necessarily want the splatter. Oh, and drink Scotch while you watch it.