Fast Sofa (2001) User Reviews (26)

Strange, tasteless trashy road film fun.

[sixtwentysix · 6/10 · 30 April 2004]

One problem is, you look at the cast and expect gold, I'm here to say DON'T. Enjoy it for what it is and you're going to have a good time.

Fast Sofa is a strange watch. It's a movie that will leave some very cold towards it. A crazy cast delivers some very watchable moments and it's got very nuanced, strange performances from both Crispin Glover and an over the top Jake Busey. I recommend this on some conditions...

The problem with this movie, it lacks direction. Even in a buddy road movie about two people with NO direction you need to have a somewhat coherent plot. This movie misses on that, no matter, it keeps you watching with cheap shock value, strange exchanges and funny moments. The film seems to be schitzo, but again that doesn't necessarily make it a bad film. The director could have reigned in the camera trickery as it plays out like a bad art student film at times but I found it tolerable. Interesting credits.

While this film is hard to watch for some people as it tends to meander, Jake Busey and Crispin Glover make this is a must for fans of strange trashy late night films.

I really at times wonder why Busey hasn't done more, he's got great timing and strange charisma. Ah well, put this one on your late night viewing list, keep your expectations low and enjoy. 7/10

Great Cast: Interesting Failure

[colinmcsloy · 6/10 · 29 March 2005]

When I was kid growing up in Scotland, there used to be a really cool cult film show called MOVIEDROME. It was hosted by Alex Cox (director of Repo Man) and each week he would pick a film, talk about it very honestly (often pointing out shortfalls and foibles of the production) and then show it. This was before DVD of course, so it was a great opportunity to see some pretty weird and wonderful films, things like RIVERS EDGE, NEAR DARK, and something with Dennis hopper escorting a dead body across the united states on a train(don't remember what this was called).

This is exactly the kind of film that would have been on moviedrome, great and improbable casting (Crispin Glover and Eric Roberts together at last!), unachieved potential etc. Busey really impresses as Rick, he really takes his character on a journey, and towards the end he really starts to impress. I think the pairing of Busey with Indie film legend Crispin Glover, helped Busey achieve this performance. Whether because of the good on screen chemistry they obviously have or because Glover sets the bar pretty high acting wise.

Other plus points include the credible and snappy dialogue, and a great cameo by Eric Roberts as Jennifer Tilly's husband/manager/pimp. On the downside, we have a pretty uninspired performance from Tilly, and a meandering plot that doesn't seem to get its act together until the last 20 minutes or so. There also parts by played by Goldberg and Lyon (is that right?, the girlfriend) that are so underwritten that they could almost have been left out they do that little to forward the action. The terrible split screen sequences are extremely half-arsed and should have been left on the cutting room.

All in all very interesting failure. BBC bring back moviedrome and might even pay my license fee this year.

don't come

[Rogue-32 · 5/10 · 21 October 2003]

So you're couchin' out one night at the ol' crib, semi-inebriated and seekin' some kick-ass passive entertainment of the televised variety and ya notice this film on your tv listings cable crawl, and so you check it out because it says Jake Busey, Crispin Glover, Jennifer Tilly and Eric Roberts are in it. How bad can THAT be, right?

Two hours later you're cross-eyed and tentatively aroused but more than that, thoroughly confused with what you've just witnessed. What stands out most in your mind is the kinked-out-to-the-nines bondage scenes, of course, with Eric Roberts sticking his gun in Jake Busey's mouth while Tilly (as his wife, a strangely UN-sexy porn star) straddles him and Roberts warns him menacingly not to - ahem - enjoy it, shall we say - or he'll blow his brains out. Fun stuff, boys and girls. And then we have Crispin as a traumatized bird freak who accidentally killed a hawk when he was a child and he's still a virgin with an excellent vocabulary who invites himself along on Busey's deranged road trip to hell. It doesn't end too happily and it doesn't make much sense getting there, but, hey, the closing credits are dangerously creative, and Busey is still alive at the conclusion (at least I THINK he was), so all's well that ends well.

Crispin Glover saves the day (barely)

[kellynoise · 4 August 2002]

This film is a sort of torture, but with just rewards. If you can make it through the first 27 minutes and 36 seconds, you are rewarded with the always-delightful Crispin Glover, playing a red-headed wandering-eyed bird-loving robbery victim. His greatness just barely balances out the awfulness of his partner-in-crime, Jake Busey's drug-wielding porn-addict with about all the acting skill of a porn star himself. Watching him hit on various women throughout the film is both embarrassing AND sleazy at the same time! Luckily Adam Goldberg, Jennifer Tilly, and Natasha Lyonne are all also present, still enjoyable actors despite their miniscule mediocre roles in the film. This movie is worth it if you are a diehard fan of Crispin Glover(fast fowarding through most of the other parts is a must, though), or a fan of ridiculous pornography that pretends to be a real film I suppose.

modern day version of Midnight Cowboy

[corgi4u · 3/10 · 12 March 2003]

This is a very strange movie. Lets get that down first. It is similar in that regard to recent films like Doom Generation and Freeway 2: Confessions of a Trick Baby. It is violent, can be repulsive and disgusting, and is not for everybody. But if you like this type of film, this is a great film. By all means I recomend it highly, especially if you want to see more of Jennifer Tilly than you have before. Definately an unusal but fun (if you are into this type of film) ride.

Trashy from beginning to end.

[redwhiteandblue1776 · 2/10 · 9 April 2015]

I kept waiting for a storyline, a plot, something other than a series of actions by a group of pretty pathetic characters. Jake Busey is fun to watch and did OK. I just wanted to slap Crispin Glover. The only way anybody could be so stupid and unaware of the real world is to live in his basement bedroom with no radio or television his entire life. And never go outside. And as an actor, wherever I see he's going to be in a movie, it always seems to be the same character. Not sure about his range as a performer. Jennifer Tilley's character was all over the place. I couldn't figure out where she as coming from. It just goes to show that even with a voice like hers, you can make it in movies. I should give all would-be actors hope. At least Busey's character knew what he wanted. Sex and beer and then sex and any other kind of liquor that was available. Seemed like someone knew that if you make a movie and throw in enough skin, boobs, drinking, drugs and weird sex there will be an audience. Unless you are pretty open minded, not recommended as a "date movie."

Fast Sofa not fast enough

[javamikey · 3/10 · 1 December 2002]

To see a film with such a good ensemble of actors is wonderful... except in the case of FAST SOFA where the film is choppy and has a raw look along the style of a student film. Maybe that's what they were going for, but it was a bit distracting.

Better than expected.

[Yethpith · 7/10 · 14 July 2003]

I read some of the reviews on IMDB before taping this movie, and didn't expect to make it very far in (still needed to tape because of Natasha Lyonne) but ended up watching the whole thing and enjoying it.

The first third is so sleazy and stupid it actually entertains. For the rest of the film, Crispin Glover is fascinating and funny as an naive intellectual who's seemingly left the house for the first time. Through a chance encounter, he hits the road with wildman Jake Busey (who is also excellent and likeable in this role).

Jake Busey's character gets into a number of quandaries throughout the film as a result of his drunken or selfish behavior, and those serve as the mini plots in a film that has no larger one. But it was enough to keep me tuned in, along with the delicious film characterizations.

Corrections

[dylan7589 · 2/10 · 12 August 2003]

Just to correct some earlier posts.

1- Eric Roberts is NOT an Oscar winner. That was his sister that won.

2- Jennifer Tilly uses a body double in this movie. It's Asia Carrera, the porn star.

The movie? A waste of time and $3.99. Two out of ten.

Definitely worth a watch

[saywardstudio · 7/10 · 8 August 2009]

If you're looking for a different movie, this is definitely one to look into. I watched this one on YouTube movies, so you can watch it there if they still have it. The characters are bizarre, the plot is bizarre, and it ends pretty bizarre. There was more than one "What the..?" moment throughout. There is plenty of gratuitous sexuality and drug use as well as some genuinely funny moments. This movie made me laugh out loud more than once, which I thought was unique because it was not listed as a comedy and was funnier than some movies that claim that title. There seemed to be a good level of character development, and even though Rick seems like a drug head porn addict, he is clearly compassionate with his newfound friend, who is passionate about birds (as his father has built a bird store, and now new owners have it), and regrets accidentally killing a bird as a child, and he never quite got over it. The little showdown in the bird store brought the characters around full circle, as Rick sides with his friend about the mistreatment of a hawk. The ending is sad and in a way ambiguous. Rick and his friend are thrown from the car in an accident, and the full closing of one body bag means he didn't make it. Rick's bag however remains open, with a quick shot at the end of the zipper being pulled up, but it's so quick I wasn't sure if he had lived or died. It made me feel weird, much like an unresolved problem in life that I can't fathom out, I can't change. The movie is over, there is no more. I quickly recapped and remembered how many emotions are tied up in this film. It is weird, funny, tragic, erotic, sad. It was over too quick. Then I sat back, thought about it for another second and thought, "That WAS a GOOD movie."

This wasn't all bad...

[ChrisB-7 · 3/10 · 9 February 2002]

The film was certainly interesting with its use of camera work, funky shots and general creativity, but more often than not, that 'funkiness' was used to excess. Cropped images linked together, lens tricks, and so on distracted from the picture more than aiding it.

(Minor spoilers may follow.)

The story itself has very little to do with the plot outline as listed on the main details page for this film. The Japanese anime-watching character (Adam Goldberg) was minor in this film. The picture revolved around a metalhead-type loser (Jake Busey) whose dream of being with a porn star (Jennifer Tilly) leads him on a strange road trip after he is dismissed by his girlfriend (Natasha Lyonne). Along the way, he picks up Jules (Crispin Glover, in another obscure yet excellent performance), a bird-loving, awkward man.

The writing was at best mediocre. Many portions of the plot which should have been expanded upon were summarily discarded. This is the first thing I have seen from Salome Breziner; if this is any indication of Breziner's style of writing/direction, then I'm not in any rush to see anything else.

This was based on a book by Bruce Craven, and perhaps it was just a poor adaptation. Not having read the book beforehand, I just don't know what the main culprit was in this film's set of problems. Regardless, this was not a film I would consider overly enjoyable.

*1/2 of ***** for some good work by Eric Roberts, Jennifer Tilly and Crispin Glover.

Very Underrated

[thepartydjz · 9/10 · 1 September 2015]

This film will strike a chord with those that appreciate such films as "Repo Man" and other "cult classics". I've read several reviews and I have to disagree with most if not all of them.

If you enjoy films that have strange characters and give talented actors the opportunity to elaborate on such characters you are definitely in for a special treat.

First off Jake Busey who possesses nearly all of his father's natural charisma is as far left of your standard Hollywood leading man as you can possibly get. His character grows on you as the film progresses. His most unlikely sidekick Jules (Crispin Glover) is as off the wall as can be and the role is mastered by the quirky Glover as only his style can deliver.

I've read several negative reviews on Jennifer Tilly, I think they are completely unfair and I truly believe she nails her role (no pun intended) she plays a porn star. A porn star who believes she can break into "straight" films and become a star. She lives an insanely crazy life and is dominated by an equally crazy and controlling husband. Enter Eric Roberts, his performance is simply amazing. As usual give Eric an insane, controlling, bad guy role and he excels.

Many of the scenes will be disturbing to some but they are also very gripping scenes and I believe the editing adds to the tension of the scenes. There is also some very clever dark humor involved, if you don't get it this film is probably not for you.

Also worth mentioning is Tilly's character's favorite song, the classic rock ballad "I'm in You" by Peter Frampton, if there is a hidden meaning in this film then this is as deep as it gets.

Please view this film with an open mind, there is no deep message or hero. Many have labeled it a "Road Trip" film, I'll simply call it a trip, and invite all who enjoy breakout characters to come along for the ride. If you're tired of typical Hollywood flicks you will find this film very refreshing.

And, I am very critical of films, out of 50 I might really like one, and I really like this one. My only requirement is that it must be "different" and this one certainly fits that description. You will also want to view it multiple times, the scenes and the acting are that good. It does get better each time you see it.

Not that Bad

[hybridblues · 7/10 · 18 November 2004]

I admit the first 30 - 40 minutes wasn't that great but it somewhat kept my interest. I'm not a big fan of Jake Busey but I thought he was OK in this at times. Crispin Glover stole the show, he always plays the odd character so well. All the other actors were tolerable but Glover was definitely the only one that shined. Jennifer Tilly was totally annoying. This is definitely not a movie for everyone, it's definitely an acquired taste. I found out about this movie about 6 or 7 months ago, I wonder if it ever got released on DVD in major stores. I purchased the DVD online and it took me awhile to find it. This movie I definitely wouldn't rate it a 9 or 10 but it's worth checking out especially if you're a Crispin Glover fan.

embarassing!

[TheEmulator23 · 1/10 · 22 January 2003]

I am not sure who okayed this movie, but i know if i were to put my money into this garbage, i would be truly angry. Maybe I just didn't get the whole, "I have a better life than i thought" message. It just didn't seem to matter. Will someone please give Crispin Glover a good role already? I mean he was good in the "Charlies Angels" movie and all, but the man is much more talented than what he is in. Jennifer Tilly (Oscar nominee for "Bullets over Broadway") and Oscar winner Eric Roberts, (yes Julia's estranged brother) what the hell were either of them thinking? Must have just been a few days of shooting i guess. Please don't waste your time with this 2 hour bore show.

A Fast Bore

[film1freak · 26 November 2002]

Crispin Glover rocks! The rest of the film on the other hand . . . does not. In fact, the rest of this flick was the minor millipede getting squashed by the crispy rock. Interesting enough to keep you until the end but for some reason the movie forgot to deliver.

Pure garbage

[=G= · 2/10 · 16 December 2002]

"Fast Sofa" manages to take a bunch of B-movie actors and drag them down with this sub-C project which probably never saw the light of a projector. There's nothing in this piece of garbage floating like flotsam now on cable worth mentioning. Watching paint dry would be more entertaining. (F+)

Get Off the Couch

[wes-connors · 2/10 · 3 February 2009]

Long-haired drug and pornography fan Jake Busey (as Rick Jeffers) finds his Los Angeles apartment robbed, and trashed. So, he decides to soothe his sorrows by visiting Palm Springs, where he hopes to meat up with promiscuous adult film favorite Jennifer Tilly (as Ginger). The otherwise luckless Mr. Busey had once enjoyed the pleasure of Ms. Tilly's company, after a street encounter. Along the way, Busey picks up quirky bird rights activist Crispin Glover (as Jules Langdon). Under Busey's tutelage, Mr. Glover learns how to drive, have sex and party - but, not all goes well...

** Fast Sofa (2001) Salomé Breziner ~ Jake Busey, Crispin Glover, Jennifer Tilly

New York City, Mall Town

[glgioia · 8/10 · 31 March 2003]

Enjoyable but totally off the beaten path film, which might be why i found it so likeable. Gets kind of old seeing the same old crap with different titles if you knw what i mean. Besides, I am a complete sucker for almost any road film. Its a bit on the rough side, language, and the sex kind of pushes the envelope, but for some reason it really brought me back to my days of living out in crazy LA.

Great Cast and Interesting Story

[Tiger_Mark · 10/10 · 20 October 2003]

I liked this film, I liked it a lot. I like all trashy films that deal with the Southern Cal porn industry. Moreover, include Crispin Glover, Busey, Goldberg, Tilley and Lyone? Man, this is a great cast! The story is an odd little mixture of various weird characters trying hard to make a happy existence in a somewhat ugly world. You want further proof that this is a great film? Ron Jeremy is cast as a sleazy restraunt manager that hits on his young waitresses. What more can I say? This film has sex, drugs, rock n roll and a bunch of unique actors being given the freedom to be crazy. Good Stuff!

One of the best movies I've seen in a long time

[Annette83 · 10/10 · 8 July 2004]

32 people out of 138 gave this movie an 8, 9, or 10. That means that over 23% of people who watched it and bothered to vote were smart enough and thoughtful enough to actually get it... that's not too depressing.

I thought this movie was awesome. I couldn't stop thinking about the psychology of the characters and how much thought must have gone into writing this. Natasha Lyonne's and Adam Goldberg's characters are boring and "normal" characters, whereas Crispin Glover(Jules), Jake Busey(Rick), and Jennifer Tilly(Ginger) are caricatures of three different types of people. Rick is completely driven by hormones and impulses, Jules lives in his head and observes the world but doesn't really live in it, and Ginger is addicted to attention and mental abuse. Their attempts to live life this way eventually fails for each of them.

Unique. In a good way.

[sedatemeplease · 10/10 · 9 October 2002]

This is such a strange film. It's not trying to cater to the entire audience, so I'm positive not everyone will like it. It's a love it or hate it.

I think it's good because it's not your everyday film. He feel weird and a little sick while watching the movie, just because of how the characters act. But everyone acts well, even Jennifer Tilly, who's acting bad on purpose.

Another scratch on the plus side is the very cool shot effects. They kind of move, and add extra scenes the parallel with whats going on. You'd have to see it to understand.

So, I give this movie a solid 7/10, maybe 7.5/10. Good flick, definitly give it a chance, at least.

ok

[Club Kid · 23 March 2002]

I rented this movie with high expectations. i was disapointed... It's not that it is a terrible movie, it just wasn't what i was expecting. I love the actors in this film, Natasha Lyonne, and Bijou Phillips but they weren't in the film enough to save it. The main character in this film is a loser, with a girlfriend that loves him, played by Lyonne. She's awesome in this film, the scenes that she's actually in. and of course Bijou is amazing. Not a great film but at times entertaining.

A very interesting and unique movie.

[killalotlml · 8/10 · 24 January 2004]

I personally enjoyed this movie a lot. It doesn't have neither a sophisticated story line nor stupid cheesy elements which are so often encountered in mainstream films. The movie has a nothing-to-lose feel about it, which is very relaxing and enjoyable. I especially enjoy road-trip films (see Going To California), which makes this one very close to my heart. Also my fondness of Heavy Metal allows me to relate to the main charachter Rick. Probably the best scene in the movie is the one in which he wakes up in the morning after being beat up and drives off to kick his offenders' asses to the sounds of Ace Of Spades.

Fast way to turn off a film!

[WhiteTigerPat · 25 April 2002]

This movie was pretty bad. The only reason I rented it is because of Eric Roberts. He is in it only maybe 7 minutes at the most. It's a great cast but all the talent is wasted on this crummy film. This is a terror for long term fans of any of these actors. It's a bust! I mean a real bust! Fast cars, fast women and fast food! What the hell is this movie about anyways? Even the beautiful Jennifer Tilly could not save it! Rent The Fast and the Furious if you want a quality movie! Out of 4 stars i give this a big fat 1/2 star! That bad folks! Love ya Eric Roberts but dam choose another film buddy!

Palm springs road trip yes

[sofagirlsalome · 8/10 · 23 May 2018]

This film deserves a re-watching! It's very 2018. Very precient and very cool. Very moody, great acting great directing