Adam E

I had heard nothing on "Animal Room," but when I saw it in the video store, I noticed it had a big cast of young future stars and it sounded like it had an interesting premise. I figured I'd give it a try and was quite impressed with it, finding it to be quite a hidden surprise.

The story centers around Neil Patrick Harris (who we all know as Doogie Howser, M.D.) as a teen who has a bit of a drug problem and finds himself stuck in a school dropout prevention program where he finds himself often fleeing from a group of mean students there, led by Matthew Lillard (SLC Punk). They often torture and beat up Neil, with the only aid is his best friend (Gabriel Olds, Calendar Girl) who is the only bright spot in his depressed life. Neil hopes to find whatever way he can to avoid the bullies just in time so that things don't get uglier than before.

I wouldn't recommend this to many mainstream audiences or those looking for a cheery movie, since "Animal Room" is probably one of the more depressing and disturbing films I've seen. But its also a fascinating and creepy film that gives you plenty to think about and talk about when the movie is finished.

The actors are fantastic in their roles. Harris is quietly intense in the lead part as the confused teen. Lillard is the most powerful I've ever seen him. Lillards acting is phenomenal and I look forward to seeing Lillard in even more films for how talented he is. Olds performs the likable part really well that shows plenty of skill and charisma. Amanda Peet (The Whole Nine Yards) and Catherine Hicks (Childs Play, TV's Seventh Heaven) have small, but memorable roles as Olds concerned girlfriend and Neil's crazy mother.

The directing by Craig Singer is excellent and the camera work is both beautiful and dreary at the same time, which makes it perfect for the films gloomy atmosphere. It has your eyes glued to the screen right from the beautiful opening shot in an old carnival. The hallucination sequences in the film in particular are quite eerie and have the right creeped-out look to them. If I had to mention a gripe on the film, the script by Singer keeps you thinking, but it feels a little bit sloppy and tries to pack too much into one film. It tends to feel a bit uneven around spots and not all the subplots in the film aren't fully developed.

Overall, I would recommend this for art house fans looking for something different or those who are fans of the stars. I found it to be an unforgettable and VERY intense little film that will most likely shock you. Those who don't like brutal movies though should stay away since its a really graphic and violent movie.

I came in the screener with little expectations, since I've seen very little on the movie and though I think he's the perfect casting for a Bond, Pierce Brosnan's Bond films have been pretty mediocre. This one was a huge surprise though. The storyline was very well written and all the characters were great. Robert Carlyle (who I barely noticed) was an excellent villain and Brosnan really gets to show off charisma in this Bond role. The ladies were great too instead of wallpaper; Sophie Marceau was the best casting, playing a role full of zest and shows off her amazing looks (after getting stuck in the dud Lost & Found). Though I'm not a huge fan of her and didn't expect her to pull it off well, Denise Richards does an excellent job as the sexy sidekick Jones. Directed by Michael Apted, this film is full of impressive action, with one of the greatest chase scenes on a boat shot on film. 128 minutes really fly by sitting through this one. It should be one to please both Bond and non-Bond fans, finding it to be my favorite Bond flick. While waiting for "End of Days," check this one and "Sleepy Hollow" out on the same weekend.