andyudis

Lots of twists and turns in this surprising comedy. At first you'll think you know what's going to happen -- but wait, and watch the movie to the very end, including the credits. Several in this extraordinary cast (perhaps especially Jennifer Aniston) step outside their "comfort zone" and display aspects of their personalities and acting skills that may surprise you. I find it difficult to impossible to say which actor is "best" only because so many of them are extremely good.

The "R" rating for this movie is for real, and is about the language in particular (when you have a character whose very name can't be mentioned in the trailers and reviews you know you're in that territory). Many qualities of this movie (including the screenplay, the directing and editing, and the superb original score) had to come together for it to be as good as it is -- and they do.

This movie came and went without little comment or fanfare - and for good reason. I helped Frank Zappa assemble the orchestra for "The World's Greatest Sinner" -- good musicians drawn from L.A. Studios, local colleges, the L.A. Philharmonic, etc. All were given a $50 I.O.U. against the eventual proceeds of the movie for each day of work, and none was ever paid. Timothy Carey treated Frank very badly, often ignoring him, forcing him to edit in a filthy garage, and so on. Carey had no idea what a talent he was working with. Carey attempted to entice audiences with over-the-top descriptions of the movie (including a campaign in Variety), and that effort failed. I was blown away when John Cassevetes, whose work I respected, made glowing comments about this amateurish film. Didn't understand his response then, and still don't. A few of us in the orchestra pulled together for this movie had worked with Frank on other projects, but many had not. For them, it was an experience they've never forgotten (I was often chided by people who still had their IOUs from Frank, but have been able to remind them that the piece of paper signed by him is probably worth far more than the face value of the IOUs.)

We saw the movie at an early preview, and had no idea what we were getting into. At first, Cry Wolf seems like it's going to be a traditional, straight-forward slasher movie, but soon you begin to realize that there are layers within layers, and the result is a movie that's increasingly suspenseful and intriguing from beginning to end. It would be highly unfair to give away the plot. It's appropriate only to say that each of several of us was surprised by the ending. Most of the actors are talented unknowns, with a couple of established actors (Jon Bon Jovi, Anna Deavere Smith) artfully used (Bon Jovi in a major role, Smith in a minor one). The movie cleverly weaves in current technologies (especially instant messaging) in a way that heightens the suspense and is sure to enhance its appeal to young audiences. Great production values, cinematography and editing -- all elements contribute to a movie that's one of the best of its genre.