Arizona

I saw this film at a packed screening in Orange County. Overall a very solid piece. The filmmakers made up for what seems to be a low budget with an intriguing story and characters. Also, for being so serious, it had some really funny moments as well. There's a great moment involving a car and a scooter that has to be seen. However, the themes of abuse and family neglect give "Arizona" a strong emotional weight. The older brother character is by far the most interesting and the guy playing him did a great job. The one problem I had with the film is that is involves a lot of subtle plot points that can be overlooked in the grand scheme of things. Almost too much stuff to think about and take in with one viewing. Definitely recommend a second viewing...or third. Overall, highly recommended for those looking for a independent cerebral experience.

Here's a riddle for you: What has the look and feel of a really bad, early 70s horror flick but is actually a boring, nonsensical piece of cinematic trash? Answer: Arizona.

I can't believe I ordered this awful junk from On Demand. I also cannot fathom how such a low budget, no-name film even got on a pay per view list in the first place. The movie makes absolutely no sense. You're constantly waiting for something to happen but all that does happen is that the plot (or lack thereof) drags on and on without any direction. Catch it on late night cable if you're having trouble sleeping and have run out of Ambien.

Earnest, amateurish. I got about 6 minutes into it and had to give up. Classic moments from those ten mins: the closeup like an arrow on a goodbye note, followed closely by a "perils of alcoholism" zoom through a wineglass; the complete and fantastically impossible total mute of party noise when "I wrote this for you" guy leaves a door ajar, and the canned sentimental piano music which swells up in the scene which ensues.

That's where I bailed.

One wonders if this is a film-school project which garnered affection and support. At any rate, as of this writing there are no 'external reviews' for this release: that says something.