frightliners
I rated this movie a 10 / 10 mainly due to I related to it almost verbatim. I was a street racer, building my second car, living with my brother and his wife, all while my brother, my father and I all worked at the same factory! Now, it's been many, many years since I got to see this film late one night. I had just come in from working on my 72 Nova and was tired as usual but could not sleep. This movie was just coming on and so I tuned in and didn't regret it. Of course, I'm a "hot rodder", or as some prefer, a "car guy" but either way, the rides was a great part of the film but the story was very good imo. Rated it a 10 / 10 and am not ashamed to do so!
Mark-333
I bought this DVD on the strength of seeing Billy Crudup in an early role.I have seen and liked Adrienne Shelly in a previous Hal Hartley film and thought that she, Crudup and Schulze (with who I am the least familiar, but no less impressed) all performed well in this indie ensemble. Amanda Peet also features in a minor early role.The story is well worn, but the pace, style, music and slow, lazy intimacy with which we are drawn into the characters makes this a very watchable movie. Billy Crudup obviously started out as he meant to continue and this film stands out as a suitably charismatic beginning, without any signs of hallmark timidity for this actor's first feature.If you like short-form, no-frills, character-driven drama, rent or buy this one today!
bmcbride-2
I had not previously seen any films with Adrienne Shelly that were not tied to writer/director Hal Hartley. With Hartley's unique dialogue style, I could not help wondering if Ms. Shelly would seem like a different actress playing a non-Hartley part. That's the main reason I picked up this movie at all. It turns out that the Hartley characters were indeed a reflection of Hartley. Shelly is different in this movie, but holds on to the charm that illuminated the Hartley movies. I found this movie to be heartfelt and remarkably well written. Shelly and Crudup are both underrated actors who gave subtle depth to these characters that might otherwise have been missing. This is definitely an indie-lover's movie, but if you like a good story, captivating dialogue, and great acting, you'll like this movie. I truly wish actors like Shelly and Crudup could get more exposure in higher-profile films instead of the Keanu Reaveses and J-Lo's that are shoved down our throats. (note: "Almost Famous" was a good start.)
Gritty Kitty
I would have rated it a 7, but I admit I was trying to tip the balance. This wasn't a great film, but I still liked it--due in large part to Billy Crudup's performance.Crudup is believable straight down the line, as Eddie Dolan. Who is this actor!? He slips into roles like hand in glove. I watched the film twice just to see his expression again.The story reeks of inevitability, due to the circumstance; but like the cliche 'accident on the side of the road,' you are compelled to watch anyway.What I liked very much, was the non-thinking attraction in its many forms; and seeing the immaturity of these souls' lives played out. And though they all lead themselves into explosive situations, they somehow manage to find their ways out and go on. They are survivors, and that's intriguing to me.