bhart-1 Reviews

Off the Hook (1999 TV Movie)

Good idea, poorly executed

[6/10 · 13 May 2006]

This movie is about two black males who are trying to escape ghetto life by producing a rap album as the duo "posneg" (positive, negative). Whereas the character "pos" starts a family and moves his life in a positive direction by continuing with a career, the "neg" character begins selling crack to make money and ends up in jail. The two later reunite, only for further problems to arise.

A possible explanation for these differences between two people from the same neighborhood is that their parents raised them differently, with "pos"'s upbringing being the more supportive and nurturing. Though different, the two are great friends and have a unique collaborative sound while rapping.

The story and the rapping support this movie, the problem lies in the writing. The conversational dialouge is far too simplistic and on the nose to convey actual emotion to the audience and that is what the movie sorely needed. Also, the video quality appeared to be that of a home video camera which aided the movie at some points (appearing more realistic) and harmed it at other times (can't actually make out the image). Sound is also subpar.

Not bad but not good.

Stella Shorts 1998-2002 (2002 Video)

Not enough stuff like this being made.

[10/10 · 3 May 2006]

Hilarious and low-budget comedy at it's best. This set of unique individual sketches with extensive self-referential humor is reminiscent of a really raunchy Kids in the Hall. Be prepared for some of the most random and recitation worthy lines, filled with ethnic slurs and awful language. Sex toys included!

There should be more comedy like this around today. This collection of sketches on one DVD will warrant many viewings and reviewings in order to appreciate some of the parts. If you enjoyed The State and/or Wet Hot American Summer, get ready for some more glory. If you are even considering this for younger audiences I would say that every child on earth should see this.

Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)

Dark and real

[9/10 · 10 October 2005]

This is in the simplest terms a story about a miserable white, suburban, middle-school girl who is accepted nowhere. Not in school with her grades, not at home by her family, and not at all by her peers.

Simultaineouly exhibiting the loneliness of adolescence and the lack of attention associated with being the middle child, this movie is able to realistically portray how truly hopeless and boring that life is for a middle-schooler. The main character, Dawn, is a near-friendless, gawky, and desperate girl. So lonely and confused, in fact, that when a delinquent classmate boy tells her that he wants to "rape" her, she is interested, not horrified.

The story takes us through her initial and misplaced experiences with the opposite sex, her pain and alienation from her peers, her inattentive and unconcerned family, and her continuing resilience throughout it all. The audience will be left to wonder how it is that so many people make it through middle school without developing a serious mental illness from trauma. With it's true to life direction and understandable characters, it will make you remember an awkward time in your own life which you may wish you could forget, but can't.