State's Evidence

I got to see this movie in the Asheville Film Festival, towards the end of 2004. The description grabbed me, guy takes a camera to school to film his last days leading up to his suicide.... What I witnessed was simply extraordinary.... I personally believe, every parent should be forced to watch this movie, because it breaks down the issues of Child Suicide and the mentality that goes along with it, and what it can cause. Being not too far removed from my teenage years, I understood things like the Columbine Masacre and other such child tragedies. This movie finally brought that into the spotlight, and if you really watched this movie, you will get a glimpse at the mind set. It ends with the perfect political statement. "I hope this wakes you up, because if this doesn't, then something else, far worse will happen that will...." My only regret, a woman got up beside me after the movie was over and said, "Well, now to try to get THAT out of my head." I should have stopped her and said, "No, don't force this from your head, because if you do, you'll be forced to relive it...we all will...." All that said, I'm almost positive that the movie will never be picked up and distributed. It is controversial on a whole nother realm, because it will make everyone see what they themselves turn a blind eye to.... And if there is one thing American's can't stand, is seeing the truth of what is in front of them....

I use to be big into the independent scene, but recently it's been failing me. So, because I work at a major movie rental company, I've been forced to watch more mainstream movies or be bored out of my wits. However, State's Evidence kept me glued to my set, waiting for what was going to happen next. I think the casting was great, and not being to far gone from my teen years, I can look back and associate with most of the characters, but mainly Scott. So, I am going to be forcing my regulars to watch this movie...

BAD STUFF -Audio is a bit out of sync. -Not family friendly

GOOD STUFF -Made me think -Suspenseful

I love the internet as I come on here and cost film makers money if I don't like their films, not in a vindictive way (well maybe) but generally if I feel ripped off or taken for a fool as with States Evidence.

It is the worst sort of film, it's exploitation attempting and failing badly to be a meaningful examination of shootings in American schools. This is distasteful enough, but to do it in such a crass, arrogant, smug, naive way is unforgivable.

Four out of the five of the main actors are in their twenties and look it (Kris Lemche was 28 when this was made) which along with the badly realised device of actors filming themselves totally destroys any sense of believability.

Acting is self conscious and over the top and not helped by childish and pretentious dialogue. The deathless prose never ceases with a endless monologues of verbal diarrhea instead of structure and story.

This all makes up for a truly annoying and boring film with a mawkish, insincere climax so amateurish that it made me laugh instead of cry.

This movie had all the right ingredients for an amazing diamond in the rough. However, it falls short with it's endless lists of tired clichés that come off as another "adult's" perception of teenage-hood.

This movie isn't totally hopeless though. Douglass Smith and Kris Lemche steal the show with their opposing personalities: Cold, collected, reflective, intellectual philosopher(Smith) and rabid, hedonistic, irrational, desperate.(Lemche) Sadly, that's about where the shining ends.

The movie tries way too hard to pull off the 'The life of teenagers: XTREME, XTREME, XTREME' card. It's best moments lie in the most subtle scenes of self-contemplating, and views of the human psyche.

Long story short- could've been amazing. Didn't pull it off. A pure rent at best.

This film kicks ass. I just bought it and glad i did.. This film is Ground Breaking, it's a mix of Gus Van Sant's Elephant but way way more interesting to watch and has the boldness of KIDS. This film is truly a film for all to watch, a very strong message in this film. The Director put it all out in this film and should be proud. Very PROUD! He matched continuity like ELEPHANT which is just amazing directing, He got into the teenage mind from many different views and showed us what makes people say and do and act the way they do. makes you think and question yourself? This Director is going very far, as far as he wants. I look forward to his next projects!