Poor White Trash

Sometimes AICN reviewer Sean Archer reporting. "Goodbye Sunrise", which I'm told might change it's title to "Poor White Trash" sets a new standard for the Indie Comedy.

What sets this apart from 99% of the Independent films out there is the quality of the performances. Every single actor in this film is practically perfect.

Sean Young, who is usually sub-par in comedies, shines in as the tough, yet loving mother willing to give up everything for her son. Tony Denman, in a starring role, shows that he has what it takes to become a superstar. Forget pretty-boys like James Vanderbeek and Jason Priestly, Tony Denman is an ACTOR, something Hollywood is desperately running short of. The ever-hot Jaime Pressly scores big as the femme fatale, a role she could probably play in her sleep by now, but this lady shows that she has the chops to make "Sandy" unique. Devane is also shockingly good in a role unlike anything he's ever done, playing the profane, violent lawyer. Jacob Tierney, a rising star, was extremely funny as the off-kilter, explosive living Lenny. But, my biggest kudos go to Jason London who was amazing as the not-so-bright ex-jock who's throwing his life away in a fast-food joint. Supporting parts are solid, with fun cameo's by Emmet Walsh, SNL alum Kazurinsky, improv star Koher, and the brilliant young character actor Patrick Renna.

Tech credits are solid, with the nicest work coming from DOP Kowalski. He brings this zany, Midwest town to life with some beautiful shots. Harper-Thomas, who's costume design won an Emmy on Newsradio, doesn't disappoint with some scene stealing outfits. Set design, lighting, etc. was above average for an Indie. The print I saw was unfinished, and sound was rough, but that should be corrected in post.

The script, which I read several months ago when it was the buzz around town, is simply marvelous, and the work by Addis and Urban really give this film the heart and soul which make it stand out. The only thing which kept this film from getting a perfect 10, was the direction of Addis, who seems, at times, to be trying to hard. A few less cuts and tricky camera-work would have been nice, as it tended to get a tad distracting. He does show promise, and should only improve as he gets his feet wet.

I was, at times, reminded of the early Coen bros. work. If you're a fan of Raising Arizona or Blood Simple, you'll love this. Although, I feel that it should appeal to a wider audience than those films. Great script, great story, great characters, great acting; what else could a film fan ask for?

This movie was shot almost entirely in Franklin County, Illinois. When the crew came to town they told authorities their working title was Good Morning Sunrise. The locals anxiously cooperated in the production, including use of police uniforms and equipment to use of the Courthouse at night for filming courtroom scenes. (Although the Franklin County Courthouse in Benton was used for interior shots, exteriors were taken in front of the Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro. Many local officials auditioned for bit parts, and I was personally disappointed that a local police chief that had a noticeable stutter wasn't cast. When the movie came out with it's title Poor White Trash, the locals were infuriated and the film was blasted in the local papers. A side note- Mr. Snack's is an actual restaurant which was closed at the time of the film. It has since reopened and still stands on Route 14 in Christopher, Illinois. And one of our county judges proudly displays an autographed photo of M. Emmett Walsh.

With a name like Poor White Trash, this movie easily could have been mistaken as a low-grade comedy with stereotype characters telling stupid jokes. Instead, it develops characters as real people, with few cliches. Yes, there is a trailer park and trailer trash, but that is the real world, and real people live there. The writers do not make fun of their character's living condition, but rather use it to help understand them. The young men live in a world where stealing cheap beer and chasing cheap girls pass for culture, and they understandably want out. You're rooting for them, especially when things start to go wrong. Oh, and it's funny, and even poignant. Jaime Presley is beautiful and Sean Young is sharp and witty. To her credit, she's not afraid to play a woman her age, and she does so with dignity and grace. Buy the DVD and impress your friends with it in a few years when the young cast become major stars.

Just flipping through the channels when I happened upon this gem on Comedy Central.

Review above is seemingly 100% accurate as far as the hilarity of the acting and cinematography. The only thing missing from his review is a history of having spent 4 years going to the university at Carbondale, (SALUKIIIIIIIIIs).

Best line -- just right now -- "ya ain't gonna live in a trailer -- yer gonna live in a dorm !!"

Curses, I have to go to work!!

Anyway -- if you love purposefully bad films -- and if you love Southern Illinois trash !!! wooooh!! I can hardly contain myself -- this film seems to be the hot ticket!

This movie is for fans of Russ Meyer films! I was cracking up at this silly, wacky low-budget masterpiece. The cinematography was great and purposefully bad! The acting was hilarious. The story was chaotic and a pretty good representation of weird things that happen in a small American town. Jamie Pressly is truly funny and superb in this. If you don't 'get' this movie, that is really too bad for you. 10 out of 10!