Sweethearts

This film was not what I expected at all but I enjoyed it immensely. For those who may have been misled by the previews, please take note that this film, although funny at times, is not a romantic comedy. It is a study of people, most of whom are at their most vulnerable points in life. The film is also quite real in its portrayal of Jasmine -- a bi polar manic depressive planning to commit suicide -- and Arliss -- a man who only wants to find his Miss Right. His encounter with Jasmine truly changes his life as their story will change yours.

This film showcases the brilliant skill of Janeane Garofalo. This actress/comedian continues to delight me in every film she does (She was the only thing good about 'Clay Pigeons'). I was also quite impressed by the performance of Mitch Rouse, who I have only seen opposite Janeane Garofalo in 'The Truth About Cats and Dogs'. He was the man so smitten with Uma Thurman that he courageously battles a bee in a coffeeshop. His portrayal of Arliss was so touching and realistic that you got angry at him every time he displayed a loathsome male characteristic and wept for him when he expressed his feelings for Jasmine.

If you feel like a moving character study about people who could be real and at the table right next to you in your local coffee house, rent this film. You will not regret it.

By all rites, this movie should have been crap. Low budget, questionable production values, B-Movie trailers on the video tape, etc.

A well developed script delivered by superb actors bootstrapped this movie out of its own mediocrity into something truly substantial. So nice to see a film about manic depression that doesn't sensationalise the disease, shy away from its realities, its highs and lows, and doesn't throw itself a pity party.

And then of course there's Janeane Garofalo as lead and film producer who, I imagine, could *sneeze* brilliantly if she wanted to.

While this movie sports an all-star cast of some of my favorite comics (more Cho please), this is a DARKLY comic look at urban loneliness as well as the loneliness implicit with mental illness. The script starts out humorously enough with Jasmine (Garofalo) answering a personal ad and messing with the respondee at an espresso shop (run by Cho and Goldthwaite) named the Asylum. The name is apt because it becomes more and more obvious that Jasmine is not a happy puppy. I will not go on and spoil it but be warned that this is not a "happy' movie. There are funny moments but the overall tone is pretty dark if not depressing at times.

I am a HUGE Janeane Garofalo fan ( as well as Cho and Goldthwaite) and rented this with the expectation of having a good laugh and a smile. I must tell you that this not the movie for that. I don't think it's a bad movie but... damn... this is NOT a funny movie.

I love the crazy romance story between Jasmine and Arliss but the ending depresses me. Janeane plays her role brilliantly, adding both humor while showing the dark side to manic-depression. Definitely a movie that makes you think and challenges your outlook on things in this world.

Some reviewer called it unrealistic. They think that because its so different. Jasmine isn't endearing, but she isn't meant to be. However, you begin to care for her just as Arliss does, against your will and with a feeling of doom. She's frustrating, but in a very real way (maybe i just think so because i know someone very much like her, not quite so far gone). Its shot almost entirely in one restaurant, at 4 different tables, with just the two actors and some very funny supporting by Cho and Goldthwait Its rather Shakespearean in the way that does not rely on set or atmosphere, the two leads are great. Just be open minded.