Sexy Evil Genius

A group of guys are drawn to the same bar in downtown Los Angeles by an ex-girlfriend (Katee Sackhoff) they all have in common.

I have to say my least favorite Buffy actor (Seth Green) is canceled out by my favorite one (Michelle Trachtenberg). Green is as obnoxious and terrible as ever, while Trachtenberg is performing on top of her game. Round it out with Billy Baldwin and Harold Perrineau ("Lost") and this is a solid cast of characters.

This film is awesome to repeatedly reference My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, one of the greatest (overlooked) bands of the 1980s and 90s. And then actually playing it... wow. Never thought I would see that outside of a movie from Gregg Araki. (I do resent it being called "bubblegum", though.)

A great first feature from director Shawn Piller, who had already made his name in television with "Dead Zone" and "Haven". Writer Scott Lew is also a "Dead Zone" alumnus. I look forward to their future endeavors.

Sexy Evil Genius exposes a couple, often forgotten, universal truths. The first: A close shaven Seth Green can pass for a fifteen year old, any day of the week and twice on Sunday. The second: Even absent a billion dollar budget, CGI, 3-D, spectacular shoot-outs, or gratuitous nude scenes, a decent script, coupled with impressive acting is, as always been, damn entertaining.

I am content the above paragraph summed up my viewing experience of Sexy Evil Genius, however, the content gods of IMDb demand more input. To comment on the main character, the "genius", was she a manipulative, severely psychologically damaged individual? Absolutely. Was she someone that I, or any rational person, would wish to share company? No. Did she, and the film, hold my attention? Yes. Was the entire experience worth my time and the few dollars to rent the video. Yes.

Just looking at the writer and director behind the camera both alumni of the USA series "The Dead Zone" (of which Anthony Micheal Hall was the star). I will admit, off the top, I was quite dismayed with how small Hall's part was.. but that is only a MINOR quibble and in no way detracts from the film, he's just an actor whom I'd like to see more of.

Writer Scott Lew may be known for the more off beat "Bickford Schmeckler's Cool Ideas".. I don't know what the reputation is among others, its one of those quirky little films you come to.. but considering they got a fantastic performance out of Matthew Lillard (which seems rare, until lately). I would give the movie and its casting good marks.

We come to this film. And the one thing I can say is to me it was overshadowed by the darker more grindhouse driven (but similar old friends meeting in a bar) film "Sushi Girl", if you haven't seen that film I would HIGHLY recommend it.. but to the task at hand.

Seth Green does NOT SUCK. Let's just get that out of the way.. He's quite good here, as is Michelle Trachtenberg and Harold Perrineau (from HBO's OZ). I wasn't bowled over by William Baldwin in the film, then we come to the icy "sexy evil genius" herself Katee Sackhoff best known for the "Battlestar Galactica" revamp.

The basic story.. 3 former lovers of the title character all meet in a bar after a message to meet her. What are her intentions? That's the gist, and what really propels the movie forward. While the BIG twist at the end wasn't all that big a shock, its a film that's interesting to see how it got to that end as the characters bounce off crazy stories, each one seeming to relate an almost entirely different person to the others before a singular version begins to kind of form together.. before it gets pulled out from under us again. The flick isn't high on the stylish look, but it serves the film well enough and the easy dialogue keeps the film moving pretty quickly.

I won't spoil the film, but I will say its definitely worth a watch.. but I would more recommend the similar (as I said) but harder edged "Sushi Girl".. or even the Ryan Reynolds thriller "Buried" films that take place in more or less a singular location through out the entire film. The film keeps your attention for the entire running time, and while not as polished or glossy as the average big budget film giving some bigger stars and a lil more tech this could easily be in the multiplexes. Don't let that stop you from enjoying the film.

I must admit; with the likes of Michelle Trachtenberg, Katee Sackhoff, Seth Green, Harold Perrineau and Billy Baldwin, I expected this film to be considerably better. That being said; I found the plot intriguing, the acting exquisite and the actors engaging. The writing could have been (a lot) better - the finale a tad more climactic but I ultimately enjoyed the character interactions enough to say: I liked it.

Would I recommend this enough to spend $20? Probably not, but when it goes down a little in price, then yes – I would recommend it. (If only to watch Michelle, Katee, Seth, Harold and Billy interact.)

One question to anyone else who has watched "Sexy Evil Genius": did I hear Michelle's character; Miranda refer to Seth's character; Zachery as "Seth" (about 12 ½ minutes into the film)? And then later on when Katee's character; Nikki arrives also refer to Zachery as "Seth"? Or was it just me?

What a fun movie to watch and try to figure out what is about to happen! The entire setting (until the very end) takes place at one table and 'the ladies room' in one bar. The characters are distinct and the conversation is clever and at times mysterious. Just what is Nikki up to?? You will have to see this movie if your are curious.

Each actor gives a power performance and their interaction will keep you watching. I do not want to offer up any of the plot line because when I watched this movie I had no idea what it was about. It's one of those flicks (in my opinion) that makes you feel like saying - "That was good" at the end.

What you think one moment about Nikki will change numerous times during the story! I only gave 9 stars because I found the ending a bit hollow.