jmcgraw7

Despite negative reviews, I liked this movie. I think the reason I had a problem with movies like "Titanic" and "Forrest Gump" was because of all the hype--when I finally got to see them they just didn't live up to all the praise they received. I was let down. I think the opposite happened here--I wasn't expecting much, a mediocre movie at best--and as a result enjoyed the movie. Not a great movie, by no means--not even as good as "Boogie Nights," which it parallels, and yet entertaining in its own right. Ryan Phillippe has taken more criticism for his "poor" acting than he deserves--I thought he was quite effective as the naive, sensitive and not-too-bright Shane O'Shea who thinks he's made it big until the sh** hits the fan; if you've spent any time around adolescents from northern New Jersey, they do sound just like this. He was very likeable and sympathetic (not to mention very nice to look at). Neve Campbell also did a fine job as Shane's love interest, but I think the romance could have been better developed (the fault of the movie being too short to really develop *any* characters enough). And I definitely agree that the very funny and talented Mike Myers did not have nearly enough to do--his Steve Rubell was humorous and tragic at the same time--and you wanted to see more of him. The soundtrack was good, but the dance-floor scenes were somehow lack-luster, and had the feel of a daytime soap. I think if the movie had been longer, a lot of these problems would have been solved. I think Ryan Phillippe has a lot of potential as a dramatic actor--once you look past the "dumb blond" persona he presents here. Not a great movie by any means, but much better than you've probably heard. Give this movie a chance!

I have already commented (very positively) on this film, but must add something else that not many other people have mentioned--the similarity between this film and 1990's "Jacob's Ladder." While seeing "Lost Highway" I kept being reminded of this other movie and felt I had to see it again. There are many parallels--the non-linear, almost circular plot...haunting images and silences that enhance the suspense...protagonists that are at a total loss as to what is happening to them and why...surrealistic, dreamlike quality in both movies...I could go on. The main differences between these two films is (1) Jacob's Ladder contains a message of hope that is totally lacking in "Lost Highway", and (2) "Jacob's Ladder" is a more mainstream film and will therefore appeal to a wider audience...But if you loved "Lost Highway", as I did, be sure to rent the woefully underrated sleeper "Jacob's Ladder." You'll have a lot to think about.

I couldn't agree more with Akira. A bad, bad movie that glamorizes all the debased things in life and totally lacks depth or integrity. It isn't even good art. A better, more interesting film that also has a non-linear plot (if you like that sort of thing) is "Lost Highway"--it's also about the seamier side of life but unlike "Pulp Fiction," really makes you think. I forced myself to watch "Pulp Fiction" twice thinking perhaps I missed something the first time--my only conclusion is that most people's standard of a "good movie" is pretty low. Sorry if I insulted anyone.