Sugar Town

Yes, I am a sucker for Rosanna Arquette. She actually did very well in this film as a former horror film actress married to the lead singer of a rock band that is trying to make a comeback.

Rockers include John Taylor from Duran Duran, Michael Des Barres from Detective, John Doe from X, and Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet.

Also features Ally Sheedy (High Art, Man's Best Friend) and Beverly D'Angelo (American History X, Vegas Vacation).

Vincent Berry (Free Willy 3: The Rescue, "Manhattan AZ," Baby) was really cute as a son, who was a product of a rock concert get together, and dropped at the door by mom. Turns out he is a big fan of horror movies and that helps with bonding with the lovely Rosanna. Cool.

Los Angeles may be full of rock and film stars but it is also full of those that used to be stars and those that want to be stars. On the edge of the LA scene is one band of former rock stars looking to rekindle the success they had together in the 1980's. Around them are an equal number of wannabes looking for the dream break whether it be getting a good part in a good film or making a record with a producer with at least one Grammy to his name.

Those unsure of whether or not they will like this film or not need only watch any 5 or 10 minute window of it and they will get the idea. This is because the film doesn't really seek to have a definite narrative in the sense of "this happened, that happened then this happened" but rather is about a particular scene and the characters within it. As such it does what it does well consistently across the film and, although some viewers won't like it, it is reliable if you do. For me I quite enjoyed it mainly because I found the characters quite engaging – perhaps not all that likable but interesting at least. It helps that Anders and Voss have written convincing characters and given them dialogue that rarely falls flat. It isn't anything amazing though and viewers shouldn't expect to be gripped or experience anything too strong in regards emotions.

The cast respond pretty well to the film being based on characters rather than actions and they mostly turn in good performances. The likes of Kemp, Des Barres and Taylor are understandably convincing and perhaps a little brave for opening themselves up to the risks within the story. Sheedy is not really in the main story but is still good as she delivers a frustrated and nervy character, manipulated by the ruthless side of others. Arquette is impressive in a role that again she was brave to take simply because of the comparisons that could have been drawn out by the directors. I found Doe to be a bit flat and Klein to be an bit difficult to like but generally everyone responded well.

Not a great film by any means but it is quite engaging and enjoyable. Some viewers will be frustrated by the lack of narrative flow and will perhaps not like the characters but generally it does work. I doubt it will stick with me and I wouldn't have wanted to spend too much longer in this world but for 90 minutes it was interesting and amusing.

I loved it. It's a good movie. Very Allison Anders-y (if you've seen any of her other films, you know she has a distinct style). Little stories told in parallel, sometimes intersecting, sometimes not. There is no Grand Plot, no apocalyptic scene...just characters, people, doing their thing. Kept my interest completely (yes, even in scenes that didn't include John Taylor *wink*) from start to finish, and I refuse to divulge any critical details, because the movie's better if you go into it not knowing too much.

WILL, however, say a few things:

* JT is _really_ good in it! Who knew he'd be such a good actor? Yes, he's playing himself, basically, but still. He does a _great_ job. *Proud Johnfan Moment* :)

* Michael Des Barres is, as usual, delightful and hilarious.

* Martin Kemp employs a kickass Cockney accent (but then, he IS on EastEnders nowadays, and is also quite good.

(who knew these musicians could act?!!)

* The woman who played Tita in the movie "Like Water For Chocolate" is in Sugar Town.

* Allison used real Duranies to play fans in the movie, bless her. One, Alyse, even uses her real name when 'Clive' (played by John) signs an autograph for her.

* some of the dialogue is unintentionally hysterical, because it SO parallels the real lives of the actors-- e.g. Clive remarks to his bandmates that they were all in "seminal bands [of the 80s]", and it is also mentioned later in the film that "in the early 80s, our singer landed no fewer than 42 magazine covers in _one year_...", prompting giggles from me and surely any other fan of 80s pop bands.

What's it ABOUT??? I'm not telling. Surprise is good.

The best line in the movie is Clive's:

"Because on that tour I made a point...of only getting blow jobs."

(he's denying that he had sex with a fan)

(I howled)

K. -- kellygirl

Allison Anders' best movie is a terrific ensemble piece, and what an ensemble! Seemingly playing themselves are ex-Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet members John Taylor and Martin Kemp, X frontman John Doe, Michael Des Barres (whose self-parody here deserves some kind of award), plus great turns from Rosanna Arquette, Beverly D'Angelo, Ally Sheedy, someone named Lucinda Jenney (I love her whoever she is) and a number of other actors who barely seem to be acting, they are so natural and the dialogue so true to life. This is one of those rare movies of perfectly observed little details, with not a false note struck; plus it gives a droll and utterly believable glimpse inside the LA music and production worlds. You care about each character, even the detestable ones (like central figure Gwen) and there are about 20 characters to follow. Reminds a bit of an early Alan Rudolph piece but breezier and less self-conscious. I give SUGAR TOWN 8 stars, or 3 1/2 on Len Maltin's scale. I live for movies this good.

Check it out. It's really sweet and funny and well-written. Good performances by all, but especially Jade Gordon, John Taylor (yes, from Duran Duran!), and Rosanna Arquette. They make you write four lines before they'll accept my comments so I'm just going to say I enjoyed it.