Mustang92 I was hoping this would be a good movie, but was quite disappointed. There is absolutely no story here, no story arc, no character arcs, no real beginning, middle, end. The movie takes place over a 24 hour period, and is just a group of 9 people talking the entire movie. Where's the conflict? Where's the tension? The drama?There is none. Well, one conflict (a lukewarm one) but it comes very late in the movie, perhaps 70- 75 minutes in. And the way that conflict is handled was poorly directed. Here's why: We learn that the Valinda and Jack characters were manipulated to break up, back in high school. Supposedly they really dug each other, yet they were torn apart by a lie told to each of them by someone (another person at this weekend party). Okay, so as the truth comes out, Valinda leaves the scene greatly upset. (She's married now to another person, who's present this weekend and during this scene.) So, 2 issues here: One, this was 18 or so years ago, would she really get this upset, given she's well set in her current life, presumably happily married and all? Well, let's give the writer/director of this movie the benefit of the doubt and say 'yes.' Fine. BUT THEN shortly thereafter, Jack finds her at some empty stadium somewhere (presumably the school stadium), sits next to her and they talk. Then he kisses her and... she doesn't feel anything reawakening. They try it again. Nothing. Pulleease.If Valinda is going to be all upset 18 years later that the love of her life back then hadn't truly dumped her, we're supposed to believe that she'd feel nothing when they kiss? Are you frickin' kidding me? Where's the logic of this character? Or the emotional logic of this character? This is either a REALLY bad story point, or really bad directing here.Overall, this movie is boring. There is just nothing happening throughout. These first or second- time writer/directors need to learn story structure, or the importance of conflict and character development. 9 actors on screen telling stories from the past does not hook the audience in to them emotionally, or to the story. Clearly they had distribution issues (i.e., they couldn't get distribution), and that is due to the story. Anchor Bay released this movie on DVD (there was no theatrical release), and when Anchor Bay releases a direct-to-DVD movie, you know it usually sucks. It got a release because of the names in the movie. I don't mean to be brutal. This filmmaker has potential, I think, but she needs to learn how to write, if she's going to direct her own scripts.One last note. Lot of music used in the movie, stuff we've all heard from the past. But the music isn't used to its best effect throughout the movie, so... note to the filmmaker again: You need to learn how to use the music better in your movies. Or hire a better music editor. This didn't even come close to the way Cameron Crowe or Quentin Tarantino uses music in their movies. You had a ton of good music, and it surely cost a lot to pay for those licenses, so use the music effectively! And better!

dmaxfield This film manages to capture some of the magic of the John Hughes 80's without being a complete re-hash. Most amazing is the well-rounded nature of the group cast. You get a picture of each of these people's lives. Hughes' movies always had an undercurrent of drama, pain and misfortune. The director/writer was at the screening I saw (at KIFF) and said the movie was loosely based on an 80's party she threw.I felt that the movie did a great job of being nostalgic without going overboard, pulling in the anxiety of thirty-somethings who grew up on those 80's classics, and ends with you feeling strangely connected to the whole group. This party could happen in your house tonight, and along with it a good, if a little painful sometimes look back, and, by its conclusion, a realistic look at the ahead.Hope this gets distributed to more screens so more people can enjoy it themselves. Penis pirate for life! -D

Annie Bulloch This movie inevitably will be compared with The Big Chill, and that's okay. The Lather Effect is funny and poignant, and explores a lot of themes that are common to most people in their thirties regardless of when they grew up. I saw it when it played at South by Southwest, where it was well-received by the audience, who laughed and cheered in all the right places.Valinda (Friday Night Light's Connie Britton) throws one last "rager" at her parents' house on the weekend before it is to be sold. The party's theme was "Come As You Were," so everyone was dressed in Eighties costumes, but along with their memories they also brought their unresolved issues from their teen years, as well as their adult fears about the future. On the morning after the party, the house is a huge mess that Valinda and her circle of friends have to clean up. In the process, long-buried secrets are revealed and old wounds are opened. The characters begin to come to terms with how their pasts affected the present, and contemplate the future.The cast is excellent. Connie Britton carries the movie well, and Eric Stoltz steals many scenes as the slightly-older guy who used to crash every party when they were teens, in what feels like a reprisal of his cameo in Say Anything (minus the chicken suit). The soundtrack is great as well -- when can I buy the CD?

jkennedymo I saw this movie last night at the St. Louis International Film Festival. It was a great film from a terrific idea. Writer/director Sarah Kelly was on hand to answer questions. She said she wanted to make a sort-of follow up to The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, to see what happens to those kids 20 years later, and based it on an actual party that she had. In the movie, there is a lot of angst and longing for high school, along with hilarious lines, fashions and outstanding music. The stars are great - I usually think William Mapother is a bit creepy (even before his character on Lost) but he's really good in this role. It made me laugh a lot, tear up once, miss high school, miss my brother, miss my friends and want to dance. Please go see it, wherever you have the chance. It's a great movie for the Gen X crowd, and everyone else.