Although it's been a couple of years since I've seen this movie, I felt compelled to write a review because of the crappy numerical rating it received on this site. This is the first thing I saw Billy Crudup in and I was pleasantly surprised to see that this pretty boy can act. It's also one of the few things I've seen Adrienne Shelly in since she parted ways with Hal Hartley. Essentially about the effect of infidelity on the three people involved (in this case two brothers and one of their wives), I found the movie to be well written, directed and extremely well acted. Not only that, it actually helped me through the period of my life after I found out my girlfriend was screwing around with my best friend. I highly recommend this movie for any indie-movie fan.
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merk21411 September 2000
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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.)
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jakewords27 June 2001Crudup and Peet are always watchable; this film won't disappoint their fans. If nothing else, add this movie to your list of "my life is at least better than these people's" movies to watch post-breakup or post-betrayal. Help boost this film's rating! Vote today and give a thumbs up!
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Sylviastel9 February 2020Billy Crudup played Eddie, newly released from prison, who goes to work at the factory where his father (Frank Vincent) and brother, Terry work also. Terry is married with a baby. His wife, Janey, was played by the late great Adrienne Shelly. Amanda Peet has a role here early in her career. The film was done on a shoestring budget in New Jersey. Eddie loves to race his car at the racetrack.The film has a surprising tender love story between Eddie and Janey. The story falls short by the ending. It's not clear what happened and it ends abruptly. I caught this gem at the dollar tree store.
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z88zepo5 May 2003i caught this little gem on cable over the weekend and was so
unexpectedly moved that i felt compelled to write about it. it's an
intelligent and very truthful look at a blue collar new jersey family
and the pursuit of their american dreams. the locations, (from the
factory cluttered landscapes to the swampland drag strips), all of
the performances, the overall texture... were right on the money!
-like a bruce springsteen song vividly brought to life. i was
especially taken by the complex relationship between the brothers
played by billy crudup and paul schulze. nothing in this film rang
false, though as a result the overall tone may be a little too bleak
for the masses. i found it refreshing to find an american indy
director that is less interested in flash and trend than his
commitment to telling a gripping, honest, and meaningful story
about everyday people. -
Mark-33318 February 2002I 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! -
Gritty Kitty19 November 2000I 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. -
Johnboy122130 December 2008To say this is one of the best indie films ever made might seem strange, but to me it is.
It would have been just another made-for-TV drama, except that the writers, directors and actors elevate it to a much higher plane.
Most actors shy away from their first films, but Billy Crudup need not do that with this one. His acting is exceptional, and was just so good that he moved on to other mainstream work, which was richly deserved, in my opinion.
Paul Schulze had already made several good movies, but in this one he shines. At first I thought that he was miscast, due to the fact that he looks nothing like his "brother" Eddie, but through skillful acting by both of them, I soon forgot that they didn't look at all alike. They "were" brothers, and after all we've all known brothers who looked nothing alike. Schulze has never disappointed me in any of his work, and this is one of his best. I really felt sad for Terry, the "good" brother.
Lovely Adrienne Shelly, bless her heart got much more name recognition for being brutally murdered than she did for her moving performance in this, or any other movie she made. So sad.
If you get the chance to see this movie, do it. It may be small in budget, but it's a well made film, and one that will stick with you. -
bzxkvjvw1 January 2023This movie was really really good in my opinion! I always liked indie movies. This one was great. I like the cast this was I think the first movie I saw with Billy Crudup and I really like his acting for this and the morning show and almost famous etc. And Adrienne Shelly I loved her it is really sad what happened to her. She was a really talented actress and director and so much more. Ugh I miss her and Amanda peet man who doesn't just love her and her work she's also really talented. The story is really good I love the drag racing and just everything about this movie. I really recommend watching it's a good film.
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frightliners4 July 2017I 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! -
etsuil27 June 2001This is an excellent indie film -- especially for first time director Kentis who clearly shows he knows his way around a camera and editting room. The quality or actors is very high and their performances are excellent. While the subject matter may not be for everyone, the story is realistic and well-portrayed. Worth seeing!
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paintbrush_200315 February 2004Pretty much a character driven movie, and, while a bit predictable, not too bad. In some ways the predictably has to do with the ironies of life... *slight spoiler* -- although I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say that the minute the Old Man shows his son the calendar with his retirement date "Freedom Day" circled on it, you know that the Old Man is going to die before he hits retirement. It's just that kind of movie. The plotline follows a realistic arc through the lives of these people, with the consequences of their actions not far behind.