Trapped in a Purple Haze

This movie is definitely the best, if not then one of the best movies ever to highlight the teenage lifestyle we go through. The film actually brought a tear to my eye - the first film EVER to do so - and the storyline was nothing what I had imagined it to be. Finally, we have a film that truly does show teenage drug culture at it's worst (and best, in a way). It's kind of a Pete Doherty story (or would be if he would sort himself out!), and I'm afraid I have to admit, had I not watched Phone Booth before Purple Haze, I probably would have cried! My girlfriend and I watched it last night, and I had to grip her hand at parts, it got to me that much. It's one of those films that, if you don't see things before, this will put everything (and life, in general) into perspective. 5 star, 10 out of 10, 100%, A*, A+ rating for Trapped In A Purple Haze.

This film is a realistic portrayal of the problems faced by Max (well-portrayed by Jonathan Jackson). He is drawn into a relationship with a female student (Carly Pope) who seems to just be temperamental at first, but then it unravels as she is on drugs (heroin) and brings Max into her world.

JoBeth Williams is Max's mom and Colm Feore (as the Dad) gives a realistic performance of a man who loves his son and offers help. For some reason Max's mother has issues with this, and her son ends up on the street. Some of the scenes as when she sees her son pan-handling at the mall, and chooses to avoid him, are realistic and disturbing. There is a sad scene toward the end.

This film has a good message as it addresses Max's point of view. He just wants to fit in and be with his girlfriend (Carly Pope). Highly recommended. 9/10.

This movie shows a really good reason why you shouldn't do drugs that are illegal and most certainly not take love so seriously. Jonathon Jackson plays a hockey college student who feels is out of touch with his family. It seems nothing is going for him until he meets this beautiful girl played by Carly Pope. The boy finally falls in love with the girl and they hit it off instantly. Suddenly the girl introduces him to drugs (Cocaine,dope,and even heroine) and thats when the boy's life is spiraling out of control. This movie is very extreme in a way where a man's life is crashing all because he wasn't receiving the love he wanted. Its very sad but it teaches a lot of people a very valuable lesson. Unless you want your world crashing down on you slowly than you better do the triple Ds (Don't Do Drugs).

Of course if you ask me Jonathan Jackson is the best actor out there, but that's not the point of this comment is it. I greatly enjoyed this most, despite the "storm watch" (that didn't come until 2:00 in the morning) which took up the last 2 minutes of the movie. I believe the acting and writing and everything was superb with the given time limited and "adult content" in which could be shown for a made for tv movie. This is a really strong plot in which they could haven't written more about (like more about what Max was like before, his relationship with his family, etc), but since they had to tell the story in roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes the decided to only use the basics, and in my opinion did a great job. Carly Pope did a good job at her character, and so did the Hanson family. Within 30 minutes you knew a little bit about everyone of them, and that made the story line much stronger. Jonathan Jackson has some of the best facial expression, the kind that shows emotion. He has this way of making you belive that he is that person and he by far is one of the best actors I've seen, but I've already said that haven't I. Well I could go on forever talking about how great Jonathan Jackson is, but who would want that. Buh-bye

"Trapped in a Purple Haze" is a great movie flick that will guarantee to engage teenage viewers until the very end. It shows the viewers the darker, less respectful side of life of a teenage boy, Max. The movie is set during Max's stage where he is on his road to self discovery and when he is at his most vulnerable stage ultimately leading him into the world of drugs. Before seeing this movie I personally thought that men were the ones that influenced women into doing drugs but this movie was a great contradictory statement for me as it showed me a different viewpoint that women can be just as influential and seductive. "Trapped in a Purple Haze" is of the desperate struggles of a boy wanting to get his life back on the road. A fantastic movie full of life's lessons and morals that will guarantee to touch everyone's heart in one way or another.