Stark Raving Mad

'Stark Raving Mad' is one of those late-night, mid-week, B-movie feel movies that uses a recognisable face (Seann William Scott) to front a cast of lesser-knows talent (although I did recognise Patrick Breen from 'Men in Black' and 'Galaxy Quest'). Even so, this movie is a pleasing take on the usual bank heist concept and a nice little gem in a movie collection.

It may not be anything special to rave about, but the script is none-the-less fairly well-written. It certainly keeps everything moving at a decent pace without getting you loss and the dialogue has a nice straight-forward flow to it, so you can kick back and enjoy without having to think.

Some might say that the characters are obvious -- crime lords, cops, nightclub owner, the main man, etc., etc. I say that they're varied and eclectic, giving rise a range of amusing on-screen chemistries and antics. They're acted well enough, so I can't complain.

The movie also boasts some pleasingly creative (and if not creative, then definitely interesting) film-making. I particularly liked the way they presented narration/exposition.

The one thing, however, that I really like about this movie is the soundtrack. It's an original score (By DJ John Digweed) of nice pounding beat-y bassy techno dance music that gets you bopping every time. I will sit with this movie playing repeatedly in the background just to hear the music.

All in all, 'Stark Raving Mad' is an entertaining, light-hearted movie that probably deserves a bit more credit than it gets. I give this movie 8/10, not so much because there's anything spectacular about it, but just because I really like this movie.

Congratulations to all those involved in STARK RAVING MAD on a job well done! I was lucky enough to be present at one of the recent screenings and I enjoyed myself thoroughly!

Before I get into specific comments, let me me tell you a little bit about my personal likes and dislikes so you have some sort of frame of reference.

Some of my favorite films of late have been ELECTION, YOU CAN COUNT ON ME and RUSHMORE. I'm a huge fan of Woody Allen (The current frontrunner is CRIMES & MISDEMEANORS) and the Coen Brothers. I also love the KIDS IN THE HALL, A FISH CALLED WANDA and GROUNDHOG DAY, which, to me, is the perfect comedy.

That being said...

STARK RAVING MAD isn't perfect but God bless the filmmakers for trying and, on many more occasions than not, succeeding! This is a smart comedy that looks great, has a kick ass soundtrack, well-rounded characters, a plot that keeps us on our toes without being confusing or illogical and a heart that hits some pretty serious emotional moments without ever being trite and saccharine.

Here's how I'd sum up this film:

FAWLTY TOWERS in a rave!

Applause for Scott (Who really impressed me! He pulls off a tough role and debunks whatever theories his agents are probably telling him - Enough with the AMERICAN PIE movies already!) and Tim Sharp, who carries the emotional core of the film squarely on his shoulders. Both actors work well together and have a nice chemistry. In addition, the pizza delivery guy is HILARIOUS. I loved the pizza delivery guy! I also loved the guy on Scott's team who inadvertently takes ecstasy in the middle of the job! Very, very funny! And Dave Foley is great as the slimiest but funniest FBI agent I've ever seen!

Go see this film! It's a fun ride!

Hooray for the people in Hollywood who still take chances!

STARK RAVING MAD deserves better than to be dump onto video by its distributor. It's a much better caper film than a lot of caper films out there, including the rather uninvolving OCEAN'S 11 with its all-star cast.

Leading man Scott gives a terrific performance, and the facial hair works. It's hard to imagine this is the same young man in all those foolish High School comedies like AMERICAN PIE and OLD SCHOOL. Scott shows the same charm and likeability he did in BULLETPROOF MONK, only he is working with better directors here.

This is by no means the best film ever made, of course, but it's a definitely good way to past the time. The supporting turn by Lou Diamond Phillips, who is quickly becoming an actor who plays only cheesy villain roles, is better left unmentioned. The man is simply awful here. The role is so cliche that it hurts me just to remember it.

6 out of 10.

I literally just finished watching this film and to say that I was impressed is an understatement. This film is good, really good. It obviously has its flaws and some of the plot lines contained in the film are a little strange but overall the film works. The film follows Ben McGewen (Scott) and his band of thieves as they try to break into a bank vault through the wall of a night club where McGewen works. Over the course of the film, villains, the police and many other funny incidents are introduced to the audience and they all provide comedy and substance to the movie. There are several things in this film which must be applauded. First, Scott's performance is spot on and shows he can do characters outside of the Stifmeister. The supporting cast are also very good. However, what is truly great about this film, apart from the editing and direction, is the plot. Drew Daywalt and David Schneider (writers and directors) manage to create an environment where the audience are sitting on the edge of their seat waiting for the next bizarre occurrence to get in the way of the job. Sure, the conclusion is done well, but its the actually story that makes this film worth watching. Im surprised this film went straight to video and I hope that more people see it, if not for the immortal lines: Scott: So what are you doing now? Jeffrey Jay: I rob banks. Scott: What you doing here then? Jeffrey Jay: Robbing a bank. Brilliantly acted, directed and with a very suitable musical score I give this film an easy 8 out of 10.

Stark Raving Mad is exactly that! One of those movies where you check your brains at the door and just go along for the ride - and what a fun, breakneck ride it is. Seann William Scott has made a reputation for goofy performances - but this isn't one of them. And much to the better. What happened to the distribution of this movie is anyone's guess, although it sounds like some dumb studio exec simply didn't see it. A convoluted story about a break-in into a bank vault that is masked by the deafening music of an ongoing disco rave. Diverse characters with multiple story lines constantly threaten to derail the progress of the break-in, much to the viewer's delight. Funny, funny, funny. This has got to be the best performance from Seann William Scott, with his occasional asides to the audience regarding his personal philosophy on life. The story is constantly on the move, with a great, pounding soundtrack, unpredictable laugh-out-loud twists and an edgy cutting style that pitches you forward all the time. Kudos to everyone involved in the making of this movie! Sit back and enjoy!