Wylderaven

I'm a sucker for indie flicks and same person writer/director movies. There's less off the Hollywood tampering and making things "Good for the general public" and more heart and reality. Rollercoaster is pure heart - disturbed, angsty, and mildly depressing heart, but pure nonetheless.

MOST people aren't going to like this, aren't going to understand it, and aren't going to be able to grasp such a non-linear format. Some of those "most" won't be able to admit that this could very well be reality, because it doesn't fit into the wonderbubble that is their lives. I'm not most people, I loved it.

The cinematography was beautiful, editing - brilliant, characters (aside from Sanj, admittedly) were exceptionally well developed. I knew those kids growing up.

Brendan Fletcher, though obnoxious in the beginning (his character calls for it, he was playing it well) throws out one of the most heartwrenching lines of the movie with such simple depth and emotion that it gives you chills.

Kett Turton deserves just as much praise playing the one hiding the most from the world. You can see it on his face, but you can't. He's a million people in one, putting on masks to please the people around him, when he's the one that's the most in pain.

It's not for everyone, and it doesn't end the way you want it to. This movie isn't handed to you on a silver platter like most Hollywood flicks - you're given a spork, and some salad tongs, and you have to use your brain to figure out how to cut the prime rib into bite sized edible pieces. But if you're like me, you like a challenge in a good movie.

Ah, yes, I was adamant that I would never see this movie, being a huge fan of Anne Rice, and knowing the back story with the script and rights to the story - knowing that Mrs. Rice had taken her name off of it. I knew it was going to be nothing like the book, and I didn't want to have any part of it. Then all of a sudden Anne's name was on it again? Could it be that she sold out? So at a particularly desperate moment in life I decided, well, why not, and went to see the movie. ...and I fell in love. Saw it even a few more times after that. Can't wait for the DVD. "Explain yourself!!" you shout at me. Well okay...

I went to see it with no expectations, knowing that it would be nothing like the book - and that the actors were going to have no physical resemblance to the characters and that there would be a gratuitous love story thrown in for the kiddies - and that's what I got - I got a totally enjoyable VAMPIRE flick. With a totally intriguing lead character. With perfect music, and beautiful and unique fight sequences.

I will be the first to tell you that this movie should not have been called Queen of the Damned, and Anne Rice should have signed off on it and stayed that way - but I will also admit that it was fun. A simple fun movie for those of us out there who can handle a movie with little meaning and can allow ourselves to "dumb down" for a little just to enjoy some beautiful people and sights, without needing great dialogue or intricate plot. (don't get me wrong, I will very rarely allow myself to do that...yes I'm pretentious when it comes to film, I'll also admit that)

But overall, if you're having a slumber party, rent it. If you're having a few friends over, rent it. And definitely, if you've had a crap day at work, and want nothing more than to settle into the couch with a Frangelico and cream, rent it, and allow yourself some escapism for an evening. It'll make you feel better.

The first time I saw this movie I was bored to tears. Having bought it for a buck for my ingrained love of Rickman and Reedus, I wasn't expecting much, and that's what I got...at first. There's a twist ending, which made me cock an eyebrow and proceed to tell my fellow film lover friends the entire plotline. Though I warned them that it wasn't a good movie, they insisted I show them. I took a deep breath and prepared myself to be bored again. Instead I was enthralled, seeing the very subtle actions and expressions that foreshadow the ending, and hearing the dialogue with entirely new meanings. It was BRILLIANT! The pacing is slow, and yes the sound verges on sucking (get a home theatre system and turn it up really loud so you can hear all the good stuff). Once you overlook those faults, and see it the second time, you realize that this truly is one of those film gems that you treasure and bring out on a dark rainy night to show your unsuspecting friends. It's different, and obviously there are few out there who will really appreciate it. But for those of us that do, it's cherished.

The acting is phenomenal, the setting and cinematography are breathtaking, and every word of dialogue has a distinct undertone. I recommend it to everyone - you can hate me for it only AFTER you've seen it a few times - if you still don't like it...then see it again.