Leofwine_draca MAD COWGIRL is a waste of time movie in the career of director Gregory Hatanaka, the man best known for making another waste of time movie, the infamous SAMURAI COP 2. This one's a would-be psychological thriller about a girl dying of a brain disorder who begins to lose touch with reality and descends into a frightening surreal world.The problems with this film are manifest from the start. The camera-work is amateurish and the plot is devoid of interest, so there's a lot of talk and not much else. The main actress gives a worthwhile performance but the production values are so poor that this mess is near unwatchable. Poor old Walter Koenig turns up for the hammiest cameo performance ever. The best thing I got out of it was a handful of references to old kung fu cinema; otherwise this is sorry-looking and painful to sit through.

capncrusty I'm come to the conclusion that there needs to be a new rating added to the system: APC, "Artsy Poser Crap". Characteristics: No straightforward plot development, completely unlikeable and undeveloped characters, elements tossed in for no reason at all, designed with smirking, jaded "Film Appreciation 201" grads in mind. That's right, I'm completely unimaginative, totally bogged down in traditional petite bourgeoisie story telling methodology--probably even (gasp!) straight, gender-preference-wise. But see, here's the thing: when I see a movie I like, it's because it succeeds by having a real story, real characters and real atmosphere. It doesn't have to toss together a bunch of disjointed shots and rambling dialog adorned by a hodge-podge score, then hope no one notices the absolute emptiness that results--or else is too afraid of being labeled as "unappreciative of art" to admit it.Well, at the risk of being so pigeon-holed--"Cowgirl" is crap. Phony, jumbled crap. Interesting idea completely ruined by someone who apparently thought he would make "art".So, please, Hollywood: APC. For those of us who prefer or creativity to have both content AND form, instead of cinemagraphic cuisinart.Patooie.

w00f You won't see too many movies like this one. In fact, it's so unusual in places that a good brief description is hard. Think Tarantino does Surrealism and you'd be on the right track, at least. As such, it's understandable that this never had a theatrical release, but don't let that dissuade you. This is better than most of what makes it to the big screen... it's just not commercially viable.Having said that, there are places where it's easy to get lost in this movie, especially toward the rather gory conclusion. There are also quite a few bits that a lot of people are bound to find offensive. There's incest, sex in a public place with a priest, homosexuality, and a couple of what can only be termed severely botched circumcisions. There's also a whole lot of red meat from end to end. You'll certainly never look at steak the same way.Still, if you like Tarantino's recent stuff, you'll probably like this movie, too. Considering that this is only the second effort from director Gregory Hatanaka, it's a very good sign. I hope to see more of what he can do.

Tina Feng-Howard This movie really stands out from all the rest that screened in San Francisco. Enough buzz to gain a special third screening! My husband and I were stunned when we saw it. It's was such a refreshing experience! It totally shakes your mind as the movie leads to more sweet madness and hilarious absurdity for Therese (played with such bravery by Sarah Lassez). And, despite its novelty, it's a well-acted and, surprisingly, dramatically-driven movie, too! When we thought it was all over, the last part of the movie totally pays off! Whether it's a statement of our current socio-political culture or our fascination of all things entertainment, it's just riveting. A food for thought, perhaps? One thing for sure, this movie totally rocks!