Humboldt County

HUMBOLDT COUNTY is a taste f the 60s and 70s drug culture when many disillusioned people, young and old, picked up and moved to the scenic wonder - and pot farms - of Humboldt County, California. Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs co-wrote and co-directed this little throw back in history and the result is a bit of nostalgia and some fine characterizations by a solid cast.

Jerry Hadley (Jeremy Strong) is a medical student trumped by his medical school professor father (Peter Bogdanovich) into failing medical school, and the only apparent way for the fairly clueless and disillusioned Jerry is to try the world outside. He begins with a strange relationship with Bogart (Fairuza Balk) and ends up headed to Humboldt County where he encounters folks living off the profits (both mentally and economically) of growing marijuana. He becomes friends with the free spirits Max (Chris Messina), Rosie (Frances Conroy), Jack (Brad Dourif) and in the midst of the atmosphere, Jerry 'inhales' and begins to figure out where his life should actually be headed.

The movie seems to be a bit of fluff, but written into the lines is a lot of wise philosophy - if you choose to take it that way. Good performances and a clever script make the movie a nice diversion.

Grady Harp

This film offered some fascinating character studies. The movie was beautifully shot. I thought the movie held up well for the first three quarters, but some plot turns in the last quarter struck me as being cheats. Nonetheless, the movie delicately handles the complexities of people who have chosen to leave behind their everyday existences in the "straight" world and exile themselves into the "wilderness" of Northern California. The film does a great job of examining the costs of reclusiveness with poignancy and dignity. While regret is a theme that is a constant in this film, self-examination and re-invention are also championed. Despite some sensitive subject matter, I think this movie could get some mainstream traction.

"Humboldt County" is a good overlooked drama film that has an interesting premise, creative writing and unique setting.

One major side of the story is focused on what you could call a "quarter-life crisis" of Peter the medical student who is somewhat dissatisfied and very confused in life. By sheer chance he finds himself in a new environment that seems totally alien to him. During the course of the movie we observe how these new circumstances shape him into a new person.

The other aspect of the story is a little less explicit. It focuses on the life and the struggles of the locals among which Peter finds himself.

In the end these two perspectives come together, that's how I would put it. The viewer, having experienced these different perspectives, can thus find value in the conclusion of the story.

The acting, the soundtrack and the scenery - all are solid. "Humboldt County" was an overall pleasant experience that gives you something to ponder about.

I saw Humboldt County at South By Southwest, and I love it! It was well written, beautifully shot, and had an outstanding cast. I've never been to northern California, but after seeing this film, I really want to visit. This is the filmmakers' first film and I am blown away by the complexity of the characters and the film's surprising emotional depth. The characters are all interesting and honest, but flawed, just like the rest of us. There is a warmth among this cannabis farming family that is engaging and intriguing.(And it doesn't hurt that both Jeremy Strong and Chris Messina are deliciously handsome men.) Madison Davenport's performance as young Charity is also outstanding. I can't wait to see it again!

This film is worth seeing whether you've ever been to Humboldt or not. In fact, its greatest transcendence is that of a move that features pot culture without exploiting it, over-stating it, supporting it or protesting it. The acting is all pitch-perfect, seriously admirable performances especially by the couple who own the ranch that the star finds himself at.

See and support this film for Humboldt & Arcata, CA;St. Louis, MO; off-the-grid living, and taking the path that moves you.

Awesome film, look for this director duo to release a screen adaptation of the Cardinals vs. Cubs novel "Three Night in August."

Who will play the corrupt-yet-lovable Tony LaRussa?