Purgatory House

I recently saw Purgatory House at the Gasparilla Film Festival. This film is brilliant, incredible, moving, powerful and breathtaking. A 14-year-old girl wrote this story about a 14-year old who committed suicide and ends up in Purgatory House, a sort of dorm for teens who've killed themselves. They have to wear the same clothes they had on when they died, can do all the drugs they want (who cares?), and have to attend "school" where they watch Earth TV to keep track of the people they left behind.

There were several funny parts (God is a drag queen who isn't really all that kind and loving, who makes the recently deceased compete in a game show to determine if they go to Heaven, Hell or Purgatory). In addition to being funny, Purgatory House is deeply profound. Parents should show this film to their children and movie lovers should show it to their friends.

Honestly, this movie is the reason teenagers don't make movies. The message, which, though undefined, is loosely construed as "Don't kill yourself" rings hollow, and, as a teenager, the complete lack of realism and depth to the characters makes it utterly unwatchable.

I think it is wonderful that a young writer got her break, but it falls short of being anything meaningful or even well-written. The acting is dreadful, but not quite as dreadful as the stale, unrealistic dialog.

The only saving point in this movie is Jim Hanks, but even his bright acting and excellent delivery can't save this sinking ship of a film.

The real question? How does a movie that reads like a public service announcement written by well, a fourteen-year-old girl, win seven independent film awards?

This film was great. Talks about the trials of teenagers today. Really well done & written by a 14 yr. girl, who stars in it @ age 16.

Lot's of neat F/X computer graphics.

Although several "time shifts" are presented it all shows well looking at the picture in total.

A 'must see' for all young girls and should be shown in all Jr.High Schools throughout the USA.

Check it out today!!!!

I must say, this is the best movie i've seen since American Beauty. I saw this movie at Waterfront Film Festival in saugatuck, Michegan, and loved it. the fact that it was written by someone MY age, just opened my eyes in a lot of ways. i can't wait until this movie comes out on DVD, it will definitely be part of my collection. I loved the way she portrayed God, as a dragqueen, and how she didn't lie about the s**t kids go through, its not all that fantasy for kids to shoot up in their high school bathroom. It is on my favorite list, (which also includes American Beauty, The Hours, Requium for a dream, Kids, you know..syco drug movies.) well thats my thoughts, go see it, its wonderful

I received the DVD today and i watched it and most of the special features. OH MY GOD!!!! I cant believe how fantastic this movie is!! Celeste is truly a gifted writer and actress, i cant believe she never acted before this she was so great. You have no idea how much this movie has touched my heart. In the last couple of months in my life i have been through a lot and seen my friends go through a lot, not to do with drugs really but to do with family and friends dying, getting hurt and getting sick. I have felt like killing myself a lot of the time and so have many people i know. If everyone at high schools around the world watched this movie then maybe they would think twice about killing themselves or ignoring other peoples pain. Through a lot of this movie i cried because i remembered that a 14 year old girl wrote this and felt this pain. A lot of people go through this pain everyday and we don't even realize it but this movie makes you realize and pay attention. This story is utterly true to life and i will never forget it.