Sweethearts

By all rites, this movie should have been crap. Low budget, questionable production values, B-Movie trailers on the video tape, etc.

A well developed script delivered by superb actors bootstrapped this movie out of its own mediocrity into something truly substantial. So nice to see a film about manic depression that doesn't sensationalise the disease, shy away from its realities, its highs and lows, and doesn't throw itself a pity party.

And then of course there's Janeane Garofalo as lead and film producer who, I imagine, could *sneeze* brilliantly if she wanted to.

This film was not what I expected at all but I enjoyed it immensely. For those who may have been misled by the previews, please take note that this film, although funny at times, is not a romantic comedy. It is a study of people, most of whom are at their most vulnerable points in life. The film is also quite real in its portrayal of Jasmine -- a bi polar manic depressive planning to commit suicide -- and Arliss -- a man who only wants to find his Miss Right. His encounter with Jasmine truly changes his life as their story will change yours.

This film showcases the brilliant skill of Janeane Garofalo. This actress/comedian continues to delight me in every film she does (She was the only thing good about 'Clay Pigeons'). I was also quite impressed by the performance of Mitch Rouse, who I have only seen opposite Janeane Garofalo in 'The Truth About Cats and Dogs'. He was the man so smitten with Uma Thurman that he courageously battles a bee in a coffeeshop. His portrayal of Arliss was so touching and realistic that you got angry at him every time he displayed a loathsome male characteristic and wept for him when he expressed his feelings for Jasmine.

If you feel like a moving character study about people who could be real and at the table right next to you in your local coffee house, rent this film. You will not regret it.

Janeane Garofalo is the only worthwhile thing in this low budget film. Her performance as Jasmine, the suicidal and embittered loner, is so original and on the mark that you wonder how much of Janeane's real personality is imbued into the character. I'm sure for many, Janeane's character is truly repellant. However if you'd like to watch a surly, sullen, and morose woman acting out, then this film is for you!

This film has zero production values. I believe the director must have been asleep at the wheel as the lighting is non-existent and the camera shots are inept. In fact, there are so many shots in the film that you can't see because there is literally no light. (And I don't think that was planned .

Despite these annoyances, Janeane's performance stands out as exceptional. I hope she develops this character further and brings it to a film that will better showcase her talent.

5/10

But this film bites the proverbial big one other than those funny bits. This film like so many other wannabe edgy indie films needed its script run through the old typewriter again. Janeane Garofalo is a whinny, annoying feminazi heifer frequently in her films, stand up, and life as well I would imagine and she is in this film too once again.

But her one saving grace is that she is very cute. And she is a good actress. She kinda looks like Kennedy from MTV in those librarian glasses she sometimes wears. Or maybe the Adrienne Shelly character in the great Hal Hartley film 'Trust'. The glasses are missing in this film, so that's a strike against it for me.

Bobcat Goldwhatever his name is does have some funny masturbation scenes though. But the arty red lighting in a lotta the scenes of this film has GOT to go. For die hard Garofalo fans only!

I saw a trailer for this movie last night and feel compelled to comment on it. In short, the trailer makes this film look like a sweet, quirky, romantic comedy. It isn't. Janeane Garafalo plays a suicidal loner who tricks a guy into keeping her company the night before she is going to off herself. Not exactly Notting Hill. While there were some laughs, this movie is very serious and depressing. If you like Garafalo, give it a shot. If you're looking for a light hearted romp, look elsewhere.