Me and Will

It's amazing the way Hollywood squanders talent. Sherrie Rose and Melissa Behr have spent most of their careers doing exploitation and cheap TV shows. On their own they put out a movie like this. This is a very touching movie, a road picture with obvious debts to "Easy Rider" but also a lot to say about individual freedom and the choices made in life. This kind of movie was very prevalent in the 70's but is a lost art these days. And who paid attention to it? If not for an article in Femmes Fatales Magazine, I never would have heard of it. It's sad the treasure that goes unnoticed out there.

This was a great movie about a woman who finally comes to terms with who she is at the age of thirty. It chronicles the journey of two women who meet in a clinic after drug related incidents. It was touching to see a film about a strong friendship between two women who appear to be tough on the outside but are actually very emotionally fragile.

Even though the characters are very specifically blond, female, motorcycle-riding drug users there is something in them that speaks of the easily-bruised emotions in all of us. The glimpses behind the scenes of how a person might turn to a destructive life-style were also very revealing.

In the end, it takes the death of the younger woman, Jane, to make Will realize that she is actually luckier than some and that she does have the strength to survive, and to open up her heart to the genuine emotions she has found in a man who loves her. Despite the tragedy of losing a friend she has grown so close to, the end is uplifting both for Will and the audience. Though she has reached the end of their journey physically alone, the spirit and memory of Jane will always be with her, reminding her of how much she has to live for.

For those old enough to have experienced 'Easyrider', Me and Will holds no new vibes. I think it a true copy of this very famous 1969-movie. It is admitted to be so, by the way. What remains, is enjoying the nice American landscape the two bikers are travelling through. A short study on the differences between Me and Will and Easyrider also provides some entertainment: two girls (1999) against two guys (1969), a deeper explanation of the youth- and drugproblems compared to 1969, and a different death by one of the bikers. In 1969 he is shot, in 1991 she gets an overdose. For the fans of Traci Lords: she has a tiny role as a waitress, and does well.

Although this type of movie would generally not interest me, I bought the DVD because Billy Wirth was in it. What a shame too, that his appearance was so brief. This actor should receive the recognition he deserves. His unique acting ability is only one of his many talents and his outstanding good looks are incomparable to other, more recognized actors. After viewing "Me and Will", I was glad that I took a chance on it and recommend it for others.

Here we have a movie with an honest-to-Goddess STORY moving it along. No explosions, no gunfire, no special effects, no car chases. Just a damned good movie about two women who hit the road on their motorcycles, and find their souls while surfing the asphalt.

Melissa Behr and Sherrie Rose [motorcycle enthusiasts in real life] teamed up to write, produce, direct, AND star in ME AND WILL. It's the story of two women, Will and Jane--- burned out from the LA club-and-drug scene---who meet in rehab. They decide to set off on a Holy Mission: To find the chopper ridden by Peter Fonda in EASY RIDER. So they bust out of rehab and point their Harleys toward Montana, where Will is certain the Captain America bike has been stored lo these many years.

Will and Jane struggle with personal demons as they ride. Besides the temptation to use drugs, there are lingering "family of origin" problems which haunt them. Their friendship grows as they open up to each other, help each other, and encounter a variety of unusual---and sometimes frightening---people on the road.

Speaking of the road, get ready for some spectacular scenery. And the road sequences are set to some great tunes; anyone who sees these scenes and isn't tempted to jump on a Harley and head out on that highway probably has their spirit up on blocks.

In the end, things work out as they often do in real life: A spirit-lifting victory, albeit a victory intermingled with a poignant loss. Be sure to watch the credits all the way through, because there's a surprise second ending well worth waiting for…

If this film doesn't go down in history as the female EASY RIDER I'll be very surprised. And disappointed.