Coffee & Donuts

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!

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.

I found this film to be a joy to watch. It had so many elements in it that reminded me of my life right after school, and before I had a steady job; The dating nightmares, the friends that cruised through my life and turned potential victories into disasters, The Roommate who watched me self destruct and still managed to find something redeeming about me to still consider me a friend, And of course the old flame that would bounce in and out of my life just long enough to rip my heart out, and leave me licking my wounds. This film may not have all the belly laughs of American Pie, but it has the heart and soul to make up for it.

This is a great first film for Mr. Adam Green and I expect to see great things from him in the future. If nothing else I know his heart is in the right place.

Blade

This project by ArieScope Pictures is an amazing testament to the talent within this company--especially when considering the limited budget with which they had to work! Both the writing and production are exceptionally well done. Some of the acting is a bit raw but impressive nonetheless for the newcomers and volunteers.

The movie bleeds heartache and viewers are quickly compelled to feel for the main characters--most often empathizing with them as they stumble through all-too-familiar painful situations. However, through most of the movie, comedic overtones and great writing lighten the mood making it easy to laugh (by far, my favorite scene is the "Living Dead Girl" date gone bad!). The dialogue makes you feel like you're hanging out with your best buddies, which is a rarity that I find exceptionally endearing (and impressive) when done well, and the biting wit and quick-paced banter are a huge relief from the insipid, formulaic drivel found in many romantic comedies. There's so much heart, sincerity, and truth in this film that I find its simple existence redeeming to the film industry as a whole!

Overall, the movie is a treat leaving you wanting to see more from this team...and with this kind of talent, I expect we will.