Coffee & Donuts

Who wants to see another boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, happy joy tra-la-la. Who gives a crap?!?

How about boy obsesses over girl to the point of physical illness and drug induced escapism, girl comes back to boy, boy seems human again, girl eats boy's heart in front of him and laughs demoniacally? Sounds more like my speed. We've all been there; unrequited love rotting our insides, delusional thoughts, smart-ass friends, retarded cats... OK no cat. But we all know how living through pain can make life hell. Green digs into the very heart of pain in this film, pouring his personal demons out on-screen in an attempt to connect with us in a mere 90 minutes.

Nightmarish dating scenarios and unsympathetic friends give us a feel of realistic human relationships lost in most on-screen interactions; much of it confidently declared. Not an easy feat to impress upon a group of strangers sitting in a dark room watching you in 2-D.

Lots of subtle, dark humor may be lost on audiences viewing for the first time. Context is tantamount, and if you're not intent on the high-speed banter, you'll miss a lot. If you can keep up, however, the brazen wordplay between Adam and Steve is classic. See it twice.

I saw this film by chance. A friend of mine had a copy and said that "I had to see it." I wasn't all that moved by his recommendation, but as soon as the movie began, I thought Steve and Adam did a great job portraying the life of a recent college grad, miserable in their jobs, disillusioned by life in general and really more interested in pursuing their dream job rather than concentrate on their careers. And as far as the relationships are concerned, Coffee and Donuts is great here as well by portraying Adam as a typical guy who can't get over his ex, who can't relate to that. Plus the movie does a great job of showing dating after college can be hell, especially when you can't get over someone else, as it was for Adam. I really think this movie captures a brief time in everyone's life, say somewhere between the ages of 22 - 24, and captures it well. And there are some genuinely funny scenes. I'd recommend this for sure. Plus made on only 400 bucks, that's even cooler.

A friend gave me a copy of Coffee & Donuts & it sat on my shelf for 5 months. After hearing it was made for $400., I expected something along the lines of a home movie from the 70's... but I couldn't have been more wrong......The main characters Adam & Steve were instantly endearing to me.Definitely humorous and oddly hysterical, (i.e. Green's rendition of "broken box") but it's all part of what makes this a great find....hope it makes it to the air waves, as the ending left me wanting more from these characters. I don't know how this was pulled off for $400. I'd also love to get my hands on the sound track if there is one!

Clips from a flick this good are exactly what you'll see when the "E! True Hollywood Story" is eventually made about its maker. While not exactly Spielberg's "Duel," Green's "Coffee and Donuts" firmly establishes itself as a stepping stone to greater things. It's not the best picture ever made (for $400 with borrowed equipment, apparently), but it's certainly my favorite. Having stumbled upon this dramatic comedy by luck (a friend of a friend of a friend had a copy of a copy ...), I found it to have an original story, given that it's autobiographical, although the lovelorn hero is analogous to Favreau's Mikey. Still, this is a great and uniquely moving film because its primary focus is the main character's internal conflicts rather than the arguably lesser end game: how Adam and Steve can become radio's next Opie and Anthony. Adam's personal struggle with a lost beloved is indeed universal, and that's part of the movie's genius. Coupled with a great soundtrack and almost intentional over-the-top acting, it reflects all that is innocent and unadulterated about independent films. I give it a 9 out of 10.

C&D is a no holds-barred comedy fueled by male angst, the music you grew up on, the girl that got away (or ran away), the dream of the little guys trying to make it big, and dialogue and gags that redefine how to cross the line (i.e. the developmentally disabled cat), and lastly a true story. It's a familiar model (except for the cat). But C&D is smart and fresh. Hi-Fidelity came out during the same year and they definitely share a point of view...C&D has more edge. Each scene pushes the limits. Some, like the extended guy-getting-over-girlfriend crying scene (think Ben Stiller here), are both funny and painful to watch because most of us can relate. And that's the hook in C&D. As outrageous as it is, you can really relate to it. Looking forward to more from Green.