Titreenp
SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?
Protraph
Lack of good storyline.
Holstra
Boring, long, and too preachy.
Lechuguilla
To appreciate this film the viewer needs either to be in a jazzy, rebellious sort of mood, or have some interest in Neal Cassady, an American who figured heavily in the development of the "beat generation" of the 1950s.Set in the 1940s during one notable period of Cassady's life, the film is mostly a character study of Cassady (Thomas Jane), and his relationship with other people in his life, including his friend Harry (Keanu Reeves) and various romantic interests, the central one being Joan (Claire Forlani).But Cassady was a quirky kind of guy, a rebel, a nonconformist, fun loving, with a restless energy, a person constantly on the move, both physically and philosophically. As presented in the film, he is a cross between James Dean and Jim Morrison.Cassady's offbeat personality is mirrored in the film's offbeat style. It's shot partly in color and partly in B&W. Plot structure seems deliberately chaotic, frenetic, loose. Jump cuts can be jarring for viewers expecting a smoothly flowing, linear plot. And the tone alternates between silly and philosophical. Background music is mostly jazz with some blues thrown in. Accordingly, a lot of viewers will find the film's unorthodox style off-putting.But I liked it, for the most part. The plot would have been stronger if it had focused on Cassady's 1950s relationship with other historical figures, like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, instead of his romances with random women. Otherwise, the cinematography, the music, and the performance of Thomas Jane are terrific.
keanuette
Seeing that the whole movie is based on a letter from Neal Cassidy to Jack Kerouac, I reckon Stephen Kay did an excellent job of re-creating the essence that was Cassidy and his neer-do-well existence.You felt for Neal (played very well by Thomas Jane ). He could almost taste the sweetness of a well balanced life - the honey at home the white picket fence the dog running around in the yard, but circumstance (his likings for the female of the species, penchant for stealing cars and his friendship with good 'ol HARRY [played brilliantly by KEANU REEVES]), just got in the way of true happiness.The supporting cast give good all round performances, especially Claire Forlani as the girl of Cassidy's 'dreams'.This movie catches the 'beat' excellently with great visuals and a Class A soundtrack.Highly recommended.
heidigreta
Intelligent character portrayal of figures who profoundly influenced popular culture. Not for everyone, but if you want to be more than spoon-fed, its great. Claire Forlani and Gretchen Mol give terrific performances. Not your typical Reeves flick, but a refreshing performance from his normal brain dead stuff.
Jimmy Jimmereeno
Okay, it has Keanu Reeves in it. Normally, that alone would be enough for me to slam a movie. But this is about the "beat generation", well just one beat actually, Neal Cassidy. I'm obsessed with this small literary movement so I was definitely interested in seeing this movie. If you have any interest in the inspiration for Jack Keruoac's On the Road, you can probably overlook the Keanu thing. He doesn't play the lead either. If you never heard of Neal Cassidy and hate Keanu Reeves, see this for the two females in it, Gretchen Mol and Claire Forlani who are both excellent. I guess I was surprised at how low a rating this movie got, it's not classic or anything but it's not exactly awful either. It's definitely worth a rental. Anyone ever heard of a movie called The Source?
