djangothekiller2 I'm not even sure how I decided on this particular movie, it has no recognizable stars, I've never heard of the director, and the plot summary was less than original: a directionless twenty-something is forced to take care of his old high school buddy after he's abandoned by his jackass father after injuries sustained in a car accident. Not exactly ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND in the originality department...but nonetheless it had a high rating on IMDb and AMAZON and some good reviews, so I gave it a shot. I'm glad that I did because this little indie gem exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Yes, it's rough around the edges, the production team clearly didn't have much of a budget, but like CLERKS it gets by on solid character, witty dialogue, and unlike CLERKS, fantastic performances from the unknown cast. Richard Tanne is scarily good as the crude and domineering friend we all know and love to hate. Noah Barrow as Sam is the relatable everyman and he sells every emotional moment that is required of him. And lastly, Larry Fessenden steals his scenes playing a New Jersey used car salesman who might just win the award for worst movie dad of all-time. Over the course of the one friend's recovery, the two characters reveal themselves to be more foes than friends and they begin to challenge each other and fight. SPOILER ALERT: They don't really resolve things, but instead resolve to leave each other alone for the rest of their lives. This ending wasn't entirely satisfying, which is why I'm deducting two stars, but at the same time, it is realistic, so I understand why the choice was made. Overall, this movie is well worth trying out because it's funny and dark with great performances.

arbyuu Was rated 8.3 by 23 people when I decided to watch this fertilizer-bomb. 22 of those people were obviously homeless alcoholics who were reward with a bottle of Thunderbird in return for a high star-rating. I was especially floored by the terrible actor who was cast as a grade D Jack Nicholson look-a-like. Please, you've only got one life, do not spend 2 hours of it on this wretched movie. Lilly, the physical therapist is cute. Too bad the actress had an early debut in this disaster. I am struggling to find anything else positive to day about Worst Friends... was about to offer, as a positive, that it is not subtitled, but if it were subtitled, we wouldn't hear the awful script.

woodstockrockjock this one surprised the hell out of me. it has toilet humor like a seth rogan movie and suburban relationship angst (and new jersey settings) like a todd solondz movie. it treads that line between sentimental and dead pan. the movie itself is rough around the edges to be sure but it gets at some depressing, sad truth about growing up and losing friendships that don't grow up with along with us. most of those rogan and apatow movies are about two dudes learning to love each other more and "bro out." this is one that is more real and takes a look at a friendship with a different sort of destiny. certain parts could have used a bit more to them like the love interest where not much is done, but what wasn't there is left to the imagination and sometimes that works. here is that very time.

brucenadler This is a damn funny little flick chock-full of great character actors in lead and supporting roles. The most recognizable faces include Geoffrey Arend (Snozzberries!) and Katherine Erbe (from Oz and Stir of Echoes), but there's a ton of others, including many people you know you know from somewhere but can't necessarily place it. There's Larry Fessenden (the first kill in You're Next), Deanna Russo (the first kill in Rest Stop), Kristen Connolly (the final girl from Cabin in the Woods), Cody Horn (tough End of Watch chick), and Richard Tanne (dude who gets eaten alive in Swamp Shark). It's a lot of fun just going through the film and figuring out where you know everyone from. Tanne and Noah Barrow (a newcomer) give the strongest performances. They star as two childhood friends who re-unite in their 20s when one gets into a car accident and needs a live-in helper. That probably makes it sound like an uplifting drama but quite the opposite. It's a demented comedy that lives somewhere between a Kevin Smith film and a Wes Anderson film. Maybe with a little Todd Solondz sprinkled in. Loved it!