Scumrock

Moritsugu and Amy Davis, in their fun-loving, intellectual hybrid continue to jab at normality while appealing to the alienated and outcast. They have been and continue to be one of the real counter cultural alternatives to any sort of traditional, Hollywood film-making style.

"Scumrock" is another great film from them, this time taking on the world of video, dragging it through the mud shooting the entire film on High8 instead of Digital. In their own playful way, they've made a statement that equals Godard's "In Praise Of Love".

The film itself is a fun look at competitive rock bands in the Bay Area. Mixing some of the elements of their last feature, "Fame Whore", with the feel of one of the Lovedoll films, they've created a hilarious satire sure to make this a cult film of the future. A second story stars Moritsugu as a Richard Kern type underground filmmaker. He's poking fun at his former home and himself at the same time.

Despite all the intellectual analysis of some of his films, it's well worth mentioning that they are very accessible and hilarious. You just have to wonder if they're laughing with you or at you.

Now, this is not a good film in the same way that, say, The Godfather may be. Nor is it funny in a way you'd might expect. It's honest. Plain and simple. It makes little compromise, and that's why I love it so much. Moritsugu is possibly one of the best underground directors out there...

True, he reverts back to the scuzzy, punk-and-roll films he made early on in his career. Yet in ways, he takes bold new steps in a different direction completely. This is no Terminal USA. This movie is mature, and at times, it has a lot of heart. The plot is intentionally stingy and hard to follow early on, constantly jumping back and forth. However, its short segments only reflect the music it pays homage to. The characters are believable and well-acted. The score is totally rockin'. This is a movie you're gonna wanna watch more than once... and maybe even more than twice.

Hell, I've seen it four times!