Coffee & Donuts

I saw this film by chance. A friend of mine had a copy and said that "I had to see it." I wasn't all that moved by his recommendation, but as soon as the movie began, I thought Steve and Adam did a great job portraying the life of a recent college grad, miserable in their jobs, disillusioned by life in general and really more interested in pursuing their dream job rather than concentrate on their careers. And as far as the relationships are concerned, Coffee and Donuts is great here as well by portraying Adam as a typical guy who can't get over his ex, who can't relate to that. Plus the movie does a great job of showing dating after college can be hell, especially when you can't get over someone else, as it was for Adam. I really think this movie captures a brief time in everyone's life, say somewhere between the ages of 22 - 24, and captures it well. And there are some genuinely funny scenes. I'd recommend this for sure. Plus made on only 400 bucks, that's even cooler.

A friend gave me a copy of Coffee & Donuts & it sat on my shelf for 5 months. After hearing it was made for $400., I expected something along the lines of a home movie from the 70's... but I couldn't have been more wrong......The main characters Adam & Steve were instantly endearing to me.Definitely humorous and oddly hysterical, (i.e. Green's rendition of "broken box") but it's all part of what makes this a great find....hope it makes it to the air waves, as the ending left me wanting more from these characters. I don't know how this was pulled off for $400. I'd also love to get my hands on the sound track if there is one!

C&D is a no holds-barred comedy fueled by male angst, the music you grew up on, the girl that got away (or ran away), the dream of the little guys trying to make it big, and dialogue and gags that redefine how to cross the line (i.e. the developmentally disabled cat), and lastly a true story. It's a familiar model (except for the cat). But C&D is smart and fresh. Hi-Fidelity came out during the same year and they definitely share a point of view...C&D has more edge. Each scene pushes the limits. Some, like the extended guy-getting-over-girlfriend crying scene (think Ben Stiller here), are both funny and painful to watch because most of us can relate. And that's the hook in C&D. As outrageous as it is, you can really relate to it. Looking forward to more from Green.

Clips from a flick this good are exactly what you'll see when the "E! True Hollywood Story" is eventually made about its maker. While not exactly Spielberg's "Duel," Green's "Coffee and Donuts" firmly establishes itself as a stepping stone to greater things. It's not the best picture ever made (for $400 with borrowed equipment, apparently), but it's certainly my favorite. Having stumbled upon this dramatic comedy by luck (a friend of a friend of a friend had a copy of a copy ...), I found it to have an original story, given that it's autobiographical, although the lovelorn hero is analogous to Favreau's Mikey. Still, this is a great and uniquely moving film because its primary focus is the main character's internal conflicts rather than the arguably lesser end game: how Adam and Steve can become radio's next Opie and Anthony. Adam's personal struggle with a lost beloved is indeed universal, and that's part of the movie's genius. Coupled with a great soundtrack and almost intentional over-the-top acting, it reflects all that is innocent and unadulterated about independent films. I give it a 9 out of 10.

W. Axl Rose the cat absolutely steals every scene he's in, tremendous acting. The retarded cat truly brings back memories of the real Axl up on stage freaking out and such. The cat is up to no good, attacking any bystander with fury. Axl Rose would be proud of this cats performance, whether it's licking it's paws or going to the kitty liter it's just an amazing all around performance. The rest of the movie isn't great but W. Axl Rose the cat's performance lifts this film out of the gutter and up to a level where it will be remembered for years to come. It was so tragic to see the cat pass on just one year after it's breakthrough performance, before it could reap the Hollywood riches and fame it so much deserved. It was also a shame Axl Rosed didn't perform a memorial concert for this talented cat. W. Axl Rose the Cat has everything legends are made of.