Me and Will

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.

I stumbled across this film on the Sundance Channel one night and got hooked right away. It's a simply told, yet amazingly powerful and affecting story about two women who find a common bond, form a friendship and take to the open road on their motorcycles for a journey on which both will confront a few of their personal demons, leading to a poignant yet somewhat uplifting conclusion.

I'm surprised that this movie never made it to theatres. Sherrie Rose and Melissa Behr were already actresses when they got together to write, direct, and star in this film and I look forward to seeing them get back behind the camera again; they are definitely film-makers to watch out for! I hope this movie gets released on video and DVD so that others can discover this simple yet powerful story. ***stars

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.

This has to be one of the best independent films I have ever seen. Sherry Rose and Melissa Bher are truly two very talented writers. The simple combination of two women escaping from a mental institution, their developing friendship, and what emotion means to even a couple of druggie biker-chicks makes for a perfect drama. Jane's emotional chains to her father reflect how even childhood problems can haunt you forever, as does Will's relationship with her obsessive compulsive mother. Also, the cracking of an emotional shell of two hardend bikers may appeal to some drama hounds. The acting was four stars, even from a very tatooed Patrick Dempsey, as the boyfriend of Jane. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone looking for something to satisfy an uncontrollable urge to see a fantastic film.