framptonhollis After watching "The Dirties", I'm pretty impressed. You can tell that this is a pretty low budget film, and it proves that no matter what a film's budget it, it can still be very impactful. The final moments of "The Dirties" are very disturbing. There's not as much gruesome violence as one might expect from a film that is essentially about a school shooting, but it is still terrifying, and works better without any blood and gore.While the movie is very dark and disturbing, don't expect the film to be completely void of any entertainment value. It almost starts off like a dark comedy, with many amusing bits and characters. This IS a genuinely funny film...but it doesn't stay like that for long. The scenes towards the climax are very intense, and as the film progresses we realize more and more that the main character is a legitimate psychopath.There's some flaws in the film, mainly having to due with technical issues that I had. For example, there's a lot of the cameraman zooming in and out to annoying effect. But, other than those little flaws, the movie is spectacular and highly recommended!

TheBarleyGuy This one had come across my desk a number of times, on lists of "Movies you must see" and so on and so forth, but something about a movie depicting a school shooting just didn't strike me as something I was terribly keen to see. Especially given the frequency in which we see the very real, and very tragic event unfold on almost a daily basis these days.However, more time went by, and more recommendations for the film came through, so I broke down and checked it out. I couldn't be more pleased that I did. The Dirties is gripping, frightening, and devastating, and I would say that if you've been avoiding it like me, it's time to check it out.One of the things that really makes this movie work is the performances. Director/Star Matt Johnson and Owen Williams are both dynamite in their roles as Matt and Owen. Their chemistry is solid, and the depictions of high school students feel very genuine, and there seems to be a real element of writing from experience. Their time in high school is complicated, and feels a lot like my own experiences with bullying, friends, and just trying to get through.The mockumentary format is very effective, though there are sections that don't make a ton of sense in terms of where/why a camera man is present. Matt addresses the camera man from time to time, but even still there are times when it's not really established why there is a camera there, such as during a heated argument where the camera man appears to be hiding in a closet, rather than actually hanging out with friends.The final scene in the movie is one of the most gripping and intense scenes I've had the pleasure of sitting through in a very long time. You know exactly where the scene is going, and somehow that only increases the tension. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I really had a visceral reaction to what I was seeing.That said, the movie is definitely disturbing. Particularly given the current trend of mass shootings from the United States, and I did find it as upsetting as it was entertaining. I do recommend the movie, but as one for adults who have gotten through high school and realized (as we all do) that those years, ultimately don't matter. Rather than teens stuck in a shitty situation.There are great performances, a fabulous soundtrack, and a lot of talent on display in The Dirties and, while it's not without its faults, I really look forward to seeing what these filmmakers come out with next. If you haven't seen it, you should.

Max Shephard I've seen a couple of school massacre movies, this one may be the best.I don't know if I prefer Elephant because its more artsy.But in terms of story/character development The Dirties is by far one of the greater movies on the subject.This is the only movie in the genre where I felt like the characters really had a personality, and I knew I would never forget them.Also this is the only movie on the subject that I feels has the strongest message. This is one of those rares movies that has something to say, and Kevin Smith didn't hype this movie up, it blew away my expectations at how good it was.

ThoughtsOfJapan This is a movie that works to reveal the true life of a killer and what can lead that person to their decision. The film is a great promotional tool to use to show what bullying could create in the minds of a victim. I don't think that schools would be willing to show this film to a classroom (as the language may not be taken well). The film itself is written and directed like a found footage-esque film in which we follow the high school adventures of two protagonists. They go about their days trying to create a fake made-for-school film about a group of bad guys called "The Dirties" and two cops who stop them. This allows the two students to be filmed throughout the whole process (by a third character who is filming the two students but is never heard from or seen). As they are filming their school film, they are constantly being bullied by other students. It's the driving factor behind the eventual climax of the film. After their made-for-school project is rejected by their teacher, they are forced to re-shoot their movie. This gives one of them the idea to turn their movie into a real school shooting. This drives a nail in the friendship between the pair. They slowly move apart as the movie continues. Eventually the tragic day comes and one of the two students proceeds to bring guns to school and start a shooting spree. The film is used to show that not everyone is born thinking about killing their fellow students. Instead it's developed over time through harsh environments (bullying at school). The two characters are fun loving for the most part. They are slightly anti-social which leads to them having problems with other students. The character Matt is quirky and funny. He has a weird approach to life that could be off-putting but is generally innocent. He starts off as the average high schooler until the bullying gets to a breaking point. He slowly begins to contemplate using real guns to shoot the bullies for his film. As the idea grows inside his head begins to pursue it. He even considers himself crazy at one point. By the end of the film the quirky and funny guy is gone and a more serious and devious killer is left.On the other hand there is Owen who hides inside his own shell. He is quiet yet funny. Since a young age he has been attracted to a female classmate. As the film continues along, he continues to try to get to know the object of his affection. It puts a barrier in his relationship with Matt as Matt sees her as a distraction and potential nemesis. Eventually Owen begins to choose the girl over Matt which leads to the stand off at the end of the movie.Overall the movie has it's draw backs but it's genuine in it's attempt to reveal a new side to the school shooting pandemic. It's never going to be anything more than that movie you wish hadn't gone the way it had. You'll long after the movie wish that someone had been able to help Matt and keep him from the path he takes. The biggest factor that goes in the favor of this film is that you get attached to the characters so you don't want to see what you know is coming.