Pups

I respect what Ash was trying to do with this movie, and the guerilla film making style could have worked. To make a great movie, you don't need a huge budget, fancy distribution, or heavy promotions; but you do need a good script.

When you're trying to watch a film that realistically depicts the angst of today's youth, cliche lines like "what about when you touched me down there?" only detract. Trouble is, this film is filled with cliches that tend to take away from the message.

The film also would have done better to just be honest instead of trying to prove it's cool factor. I mean, Kurt Loder??? The idea of having Kurt freaking Loder in a movie sounds more like the idea of a bunch of 50 year old balding executives wearing suits in a boardroom trying to be "hip" and "cool" than that of a director who actually is hip and/or cool. In fact, that pretty much sums up a lot of this film: it tries to be cool instead of just being cool. It almost seems like a big budget film trying to pretend it was made by a young hipster director on a tight budget.

Then, why is the lack of professionalism sorely evident in the lackluster acting and weak script? The kids probably could have done a decent job with more time and coaching, but this seems like it was shot in a single day. The raw talent is there, it just isn't polished. The same can be said for the film making itself...I even saw the boom mic in one shot.

Pups is a decent movie that could have been great. There are seeds of truth in Pups and a fair amount of honesty. You just have to be willing to weed through the cliches, rammed down your throat morality, fake coolness, and Kurt Loder to see it.

Obviously, the studio didn't think much of this movie. The DVD isn't even widescreen. If you want to see a movie that is cool without trying so hard to be, then definitely watch Clerks or Doom Generation. If you want to see an average movie that perhaps offers a glimpse into the angst of teens without telling the full story, Pups is a decent romp. If you can imagine a younger version of SFW, that's pretty much what this movie is.

Oh, by the way....Burt Reynolds, your career called. It said it's jumping off a cliff.

When I first began watching this movie, I didn't think it would be good. After spending 10 minutes of my time to see the first bits of the movie, I was glued to the T.v. This movie was excellent it all ways. The characters where interesting and believable, the plot had you on the edge of your seat, and the ending has you shocked in disbelief. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend that you see this movie, it is defanitly worth your time. With all the action, and serious parts in this movie, Ash, the writer, threw in some comidy to losen you up. Stevie (Cameron Van Hoy) shows an excellient proformace! ( "I'm Psycho" ) and Rocky plays what a real 13 year old girl might think. After watching this, the only thing i could say was "Wow!"

An excellent film depicting the upsurge of 'meaningless' youth crime and the problems faced by the authorities when having to deal with it (is it OK to shoot children in this situation?).

Maybe not completely realistic but engaging and thought provoking nonetheless.

What struck me most after seeing 'Pups' is how intense the whole experience is - you feel as though you have lived through it. As such, at times it is not a particularly enjoyable film, but thought provoking to say the least - especially in the way it challenges the viewer to evaluate their own motives for seeing the film, practically daring the viewer to enjoy it. Worth watching (if you can stay with it for the whole distance) just for the last 10 seconds. They'll stay with you for a long time.

I thought of Pups as a good movie. So what if it has bad acting. So what if they blur out F*** in every sentence. I liked it! I know most people hate it, and I know why and I respect your Opinions, but some people need to be a little open minded sometimes. Misha Barton is a great actress...but she was so bad in this film. And believe it or not....Burt Renolds was good in it. Has This world gone mad!!!

My Rating: 8/10