Sweethearts

But this film bites the proverbial big one other than those funny bits. This film like so many other wannabe edgy indie films needed its script run through the old typewriter again. Janeane Garofalo is a whinny, annoying feminazi heifer frequently in her films, stand up, and life as well I would imagine and she is in this film too once again.

But her one saving grace is that she is very cute. And she is a good actress. She kinda looks like Kennedy from MTV in those librarian glasses she sometimes wears. Or maybe the Adrienne Shelly character in the great Hal Hartley film 'Trust'. The glasses are missing in this film, so that's a strike against it for me.

Bobcat Goldwhatever his name is does have some funny masturbation scenes though. But the arty red lighting in a lotta the scenes of this film has GOT to go. For die hard Garofalo fans only!

The idea is very interesting, and Janeane is downright brilliant. And I don't even mind how depressing it is. But halfway through I was ready to shut it off. If not for Janeane, I would have. I found the dialogue very unrealistic. And the fact that Arliss falls so hard for a woman who insulted, tricked and threatened him is very bizarre. I think Jasmine's comments at the end, on the phone, were right on. He had a White Knight thing going on. And what was the point of Bobcat's character always nipping off to the john for some self-gratification? I wonder if Janeane and Mitch were still a couple when this movie was made? That aspect made it interesting, but overall I wouldn't recommend this movie. I am waiting for Janeane to use her immense talent in a movie that will be better than just her performance.

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.

I urge anyone who cannot sit through a Meg Ryan film without wanting to scream "the world is not like this!" at the top of their lungs to watch this film. Sweethearts is an absolutely fantastic film, with a pair of top draw performances from Mitch Rouse and, especially, Janeane Garofolo who shows a grasp of pathos I for one had previously never even glimpsed. The choice of setting the film almost entirely in one locale (a trendy bo ho coffee house) is inspired, fostering an claustrophobic intensity that gives the emotional content that extra bite. The dialogue is, with one or two exceptions, in turns bitingly savage, wonderfully droll and genuinely touching. There are also some wonderful directorial flourishes, in particular during the rooftop scene. By far the best element of the film, however, is the way it consistently plays with the conventions of the genre it superficially falls into. Horvat masterfully leads the viewer into a falls sense of security ("oh, right, now he'll fall in love with her and she'll have a life changing epiphany and they'll all live happily ever after. And there'll probably be a dog involved somewhere") only to pull the rug out from under at the perfect moment. In all few films, especially romantic films, have left such a deep and lasting impression on me. I heartily recommend anyone with at least half a brain and half a heart to try to find this film (please, someone, release it one DVD), you won't be disapointed. 10/10

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.