Rating: 
Summary: suburban girl goes mad..
Review: I was impressed by the film from the opening reel.. ilike the style the director chose and the cast was absorbing, especially Monika Keena.. Keena plays a teenage girl living the white suburbanite dream. She lives in a big beautiful house, shes dating the footbal pretty boy, she is popular and her parents hate each other.. Her mother (Ellen Barkin) is married to a man she doesnt love and obviously hasnt loved in some time.. but he takes care of her, so she doesnt leave, until she meets a man that makes her happy.. her husband finds out and gets into a fight with her new beau in the local yogurt shoppe.. this causes turmoil in the young girls perfect existence.. suddenly people are taling about her, and she isnt popular anymore.. not to mention that there is some creepy kid following her around taking pictures of her.. then mom moves out and step daddy turns up dead.. and of course.. mom is blamed because a neighbor heard her say she hoped he died, and there is a life insurance policy.. but mom didnt do it.. will the real killer come forth or will mom be convicted for a crime she didnt commit?? i really enjoyerd this movie.. i went in with no expectations or reservations, and i enjoyed it..
Rating:
Summary: Not nearly as bad as critics say
Review: I'll admit, when I first heard that a movie based on Dostoevsky's novel was going to be released, but set "in suburbia" I was quick to dismiss the film as trash. My opinions seemed validated at the time, as almost every critic (with the exception of Roger Ebert) panned the film as an uninspired, pretentious mess. So as I was browsing through the aisles of my local video store, I saw this film in the used bargain bin for a few bucks. Being in the mood for some campy, so-bad-it-makes-you-laugh fun, I bought this film, expecting it to be awful. Much to my surprise, the movie isn't that bad. While the writer took liberties with the source material, the director captured one of the main themes in the novel. It deals with conscience, guilt, and redemption in a way that was fresh, but those familiar with the book could see the parallels between film and book. The main problems that I have read about this movie stem from the director's use of transitions and "chapter titles" to draw attention away from the film to the director. In addition, some have said that the movie takes itself way too seriously. For me, none of these were problems...in fact, I enjoyed the flair that the director showed, and the tone seemed to fit the subject matter. Yes, the film feels uneven at times, and no, it doesn't follow the novel to a T. But this was a throroughly enjoyable film that was undeservedly underrated.
Rating:
Summary: Not nearly as bad as critics say
Review: I'll admit, when I first heard that a movie based on Dostoevsky's novel was going to be released, but set "in suburbia" I was quick to dismiss the film as trash. My opinions seemed validated at the time, as almost every critic (with the exception of Roger Ebert) panned the film as an uninspired, pretentious mess. So as I was browsing through the aisles of my local video store, I saw this film in the used bargain bin for a few bucks. Being in the mood for some campy, so-bad-it-makes-you-laugh fun, I bought this film, expecting it to be awful. Much to my surprise, the movie isn't that bad. While the writer took liberties with the source material, the director captured one of the main themes in the novel. It deals with conscience, guilt, and redemption in a way that was fresh, but those familiar with the book could see the parallels between film and book. The main problems that I have read about this movie stem from the director's use of transitions and "chapter titles" to draw attention away from the film to the director. In addition, some have said that the movie takes itself way too seriously. For me, none of these were problems...in fact, I enjoyed the flair that the director showed, and the tone seemed to fit the subject matter. Yes, the film feels uneven at times, and no, it doesn't follow the novel to a T. But this was a throroughly enjoyable film that was undeservedly underrated.
Rating:
Summary: An interesting movie
Review: I'm a fan of weird movies with cruel or unusual characters. I loved Cruel Intentions because I know people like those characters. The same can be said for this movie. I know people that remind me of the characers so I like the movie. It is an interesting movie overall because the story the movie is based on is easily related to high school. Don't bash this movie because it's "another teen" movie. Check it out because the story relates to everyone.
Rating: 
Summary: Remote from Dostoevsky's masterpiece...
Review: In a mundane suburban area where high school students sort themselves into groups of popularity. This is where Vincent lives and finds the love of his life, Roseanne. However, she is one of the popular girls who would never date someone like the rebellious loner Vincent, unless something would change the situation for Vincent. Roseanne's family seems to be happy on the exterior, but their daily routine seems to be filled with sarcasm and hostility. The parental arguments increases as Roseanne's mother finds another man and wants a divorce, and this also begins to change Roseanne's status at school. The beginning social change that Roseanne undertakes is only the tip of the ice berg. Crime and Punishment in Suburbia is a loose adaptation of Dostoevsky novel Crime and Punishment where the director leads the story toward adolescent enlightenment in psychological, social, and emotional issues. The film offers a satisfactory cinematic experience that intrigues the viewer with social issues, but it is far from a superior film.
Rating:
Summary: It was a OKAY
Review: It was one of my favorite movies, but not anymore. I've lost interest in the actor, (Vincent Kartheiser) who plays Vincent in that movie with (Monica Keena) who plays Roseanne, a popular girl in high school. Vincent is a weird gothic kind of person who is obsessed with Roseanne. He takes pictures of her and just fascinates her in his wet dream. Roseanne has a football boyfriend, Jimmy played by (James DeBello) to fool around with. But when Roseanne still has to take care of her reputation, she has problems at home. Her mother and her stepfather had a fight one night. Despiting of her alcoholic stepfather, she had to protect herself from being rumored at school. Roseanne and her boyfriend, Jimmy plans to kill the stepfather while her mother roams away with her new boyfriend. It was a nasty scene... bloody hell... But things aren't getting better. Jimmy gets injuryed and steps back, leaving Roseanne alone guilty. However, after the murder, Roseanne's mother is arrested after she declares she did it (in order to protect her daughter's innocence) Too bad, Roseanne appoarches to the court and pledges guilty. All during that time, she has to turn to Vincent for help. Vincent helps her undergo court trails and her place in prison. Every day, Vincent visits Roseanne at the prison, developing some awkward relationship between them. Jimmy is soooo scared of Roseanne, the murderer. I didn't really enjoy this movie much but I didn't regret renting it.
Rating:
Summary: good for its part
Review: its good for some time then it wallops in a slow pace, but then the kicker is the muder and the twists and turns. Michael Ironside seems miscast but thats me. Monica Keena and Vincent Kartheiser have a weird chemistry that makes it spark. Jeffrey Wright is awesome in one of his best roles since Basquait. fans will notice Kartheiser because of his Angel fame.
Rating: 
Summary: A great cast and soundtrack equals a great movie
Review: Like other people who have seen this film, I must admit that I rented it once and then bought a copy immediately afterwards. Supposedly based on Dostoyevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment" with a modern, suburban American setting, this film from director Rob Schmidt (Wrong Turn) is an enormously entertaining look at the plight of alienated youth. I know, I know; the idea of "alienated youth" is so ridiculous and so overdone these days that just referring to the phrase ought to elicit snorts of derision from the viewing public. What elevates "Crime + Punishment in Suburbia" above the usual fare in this genre is the great cast, how Schmidt organizes his film, and the grand soundtrack. Of course, the gorgeous Monica Keena in the lead role of Roseanne Skolnik certainly made my heart thump a few times. Yes, this movie is a teen drama, but it appeals even to an old fogy like me. There are a few flaws, especially the extremely loose association made with Dostoyevsky's novel, but they are few in number overall. Roseanne Skolnik, on the surface, seems to have everything a young bubblehead could want in this world. She is beautiful, lives in a huge house, is extremely popular in school, and even dates a star member of the football team. Behind the face she presents to the public, however, Roseanne aches inside. Her alcoholic salesman stepfather, played with incredible range by the versatile Michael Ironsides, torments Roseanne and her mother every chance he gets. Skolnik's mother Maggie (Ellen Barkin) can barely contain her increasing sense of frustration as she attempts to navigate around her drunken husband. We learn about Roseanne's tortured private life through the eyes of social misfit Vincent (Vincent Kartheiser), a Goth type guy who has a major crush on Roseanne. Vincent follows her around wherever she goes taking dozens of photographs of his love, and he quickly realizes she is a fellow sufferer in desperate need of assistance. Vincent stands back for the most part, though, because he recognizes that he must wait for Roseanne to freefall before he can help. Skolnik's destruction isn't long in coming after her stepfather commits an appalling act and Roseanne enlists the assistance of her boyfriend Jimmy (James DeBello) in order to seek bloody revenge against her tormentor. Horrible crimes, however justified they may be, often lead to unforeseen circumstances. This is exactly what happens when the police pin a murder charge on Maggie Skolnik, a prime suspect in the death of patriarch Skolnik because she had left her husband for another man shortly before the crime took place. Roseanne must confront her guilt and soon finds herself gravitating to the soothing influence of Vincent in order to assuage her conscience. A terrible choice must be made, and ultimately is, and the conclusion of the film deals with the aftermath of Roseanne's actions. I simply adored the cast of this film. Monica Keena, who deserves as many accolades as possible, plays Roseanne quite well. It is interesting to see her physically change as the public humiliation caused by several family incidents turns her into a social pariah. Vincent Kartheiser plays his role a little too smoothly perhaps, as it is difficult to imagine a teenager having his life this together, but he also gets you to root for his character and hope that this odd looking kid wins over Roseanne in the end. Ellen Barkin really needs no description; she is always good in any role no matter how major or minor. Is it just me or is Barkin one of those women who get better looking the older they get? The real standout performance in "Crime + Punishment in Suburbia" is Michael Ironsides as the rapidly disintegrating Fred Skolnik. We usually see this actor playing the heavy in movies like "Scanners" and "Total Recall," but here he plays a different type of bad guy, one who Schmidt invests with enough contradictions to make the viewer sort of feel for the man. What he does to Roseanne is obviously beyond the pale, but the problems he faces in life and the difficulties he has with his wife should invoke some sympathy on the part of the audience. It helps that Ironsides possesses the chops to pull the role off. The only character I disliked was James DeBello's turn as the thickheaded Jimmy. "Crime + Punishment in Suburbia" is a visually interesting film, centered as it is on several noticeable book like chapter breaks. There could have been less MTV style editing, a technique I think has been done to death over the past few years, although even I have to admit it works well here. A few scenes left me scratching my head, such as the "Triumph of the Will" type football pep rally; perhaps subsequent viewings will allow me to decipher what the significance of scenes like this mean. Fortunately, most difficulties in the film disappear due to the excellent characters and marvelous soundtrack. The DVD version of the movie offers a commentary with director Rob Schmidt and Michael Ironsides (no Monica Keena, regrettably) and both widescreen and fullscreen picture transfers. A final note: ignore the over the top box cover and just watch the movie. If you like fine performances, you will enjoy this movie.
Rating:
Summary: A great cast and soundtrack equals a great movie
Review: Like other people who have seen this film, I must admit that I rented it once and then bought a copy immediately afterwards. Supposedly based on Dostoyevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment" with a modern, suburban American setting, this film from director Rob Schmidt (Wrong Turn) is an enormously entertaining look at the plight of alienated youth. I know, I know; the idea of "alienated youth" is so ridiculous and so overdone these days that just referring to the phrase ought to elicit snorts of derision from the viewing public. What elevates "Crime + Punishment in Suburbia" above the usual fare in this genre is the great cast, how Schmidt organizes his film, and the grand soundtrack. Of course, the gorgeous Monica Keena in the lead role of Roseanne Skolnik certainly made my heart thump a few times. Yes, this movie is a teen drama, but it appeals even to an old fogy like me. There are a few flaws, especially the extremely loose association made with Dostoyevsky's novel, but they are few in number overall. Roseanne Skolnik, on the surface, seems to have everything a young bubblehead could want in this world. She is beautiful, lives in a huge house, is extremely popular in school, and even dates a star member of the football team. Behind the face she presents to the public, however, Roseanne aches inside. Her alcoholic salesman stepfather, played with incredible range by the versatile Michael Ironsides, torments Roseanne and her mother every chance he gets. Skolnik's mother Maggie (Ellen Barkin) can barely contain her increasing sense of frustration as she attempts to navigate around her drunken husband. We learn about Roseanne's tortured private life through the eyes of social misfit Vincent (Vincent Kartheiser), a Goth type guy who has a major crush on Roseanne. Vincent follows her around wherever she goes taking dozens of photographs of his love, and he quickly realizes she is a fellow sufferer in desperate need of assistance. Vincent stands back for the most part, though, because he recognizes that he must wait for Roseanne to freefall before he can help. Skolnik's destruction isn't long in coming after her stepfather commits an appalling act and Roseanne enlists the assistance of her boyfriend Jimmy (James DeBello) in order to seek bloody revenge against her tormentor. Horrible crimes, however justified they may be, often lead to unforeseen circumstances. This is exactly what happens when the police pin a murder charge on Maggie Skolnik, a prime suspect in the death of patriarch Skolnik because she had left her husband for another man shortly before the crime took place. Roseanne must confront her guilt and soon finds herself gravitating to the soothing influence of Vincent in order to assuage her conscience. A terrible choice must be made, and ultimately is, and the conclusion of the film deals with the aftermath of Roseanne's actions. I simply adored the cast of this film. Monica Keena, who deserves as many accolades as possible, plays Roseanne quite well. It is interesting to see her physically change as the public humiliation caused by several family incidents turns her into a social pariah. Vincent Kartheiser plays his role a little too smoothly perhaps, as it is difficult to imagine a teenager having his life this together, but he also gets you to root for his character and hope that this odd looking kid wins over Roseanne in the end. Ellen Barkin really needs no description; she is always good in any role no matter how major or minor. Is it just me or is Barkin one of those women who get better looking the older they get? The real standout performance in "Crime + Punishment in Suburbia" is Michael Ironsides as the rapidly disintegrating Fred Skolnik. We usually see this actor playing the heavy in movies like "Scanners" and "Total Recall," but here he plays a different type of bad guy, one who Schmidt invests with enough contradictions to make the viewer sort of feel for the man. What he does to Roseanne is obviously beyond the pale, but the problems he faces in life and the difficulties he has with his wife should invoke some sympathy on the part of the audience. It helps that Ironsides possesses the chops to pull the role off. The only character I disliked was James DeBello's turn as the thickheaded Jimmy. "Crime + Punishment in Suburbia" is a visually interesting film, centered as it is on several noticeable book like chapter breaks. There could have been less MTV style editing, a technique I think has been done to death over the past few years, although even I have to admit it works well here. A few scenes left me scratching my head, such as the "Triumph of the Will" type football pep rally; perhaps subsequent viewings will allow me to decipher what the significance of scenes like this mean. Fortunately, most difficulties in the film disappear due to the excellent characters and marvelous soundtrack. The DVD version of the movie offers a commentary with director Rob Schmidt and Michael Ironsides (no Monica Keena, regrettably) and both widescreen and fullscreen picture transfers. A final note: ignore the over the top box cover and just watch the movie. If you like fine performances, you will enjoy this movie.
Rating:
Summary: AN ANTITHESIS OF MOST MODERN TEEN GENRE FILMS!!
Review: Never before have I seen such a sombre, and utterly dark film aimed at teens. I mean of course there was Heathers, but that of course had it's share of humour. Crime and Punishment in Suburbia, though it has changed most of the important roles in the novel around, has still managed to encapuslate the ideals that Dostoyevsky held so true. True love, honour, sin, and ultimately redemption are explored in a manner that is both sophisticated and entertaining. This movie is however, an accquired taste. Those teens who eat up the pulp pop products and image produced today like candy will not understand the films underlying message, and will likely be bored by the films slow pace. But us more intelligent teens will rejoice that for once, filmakers are not looking down on us as stupid people who will go to see whatever is thrown their way. If u missed it in theatres (since it was such a small release), catch it on video or dvd, and you will be treated to a cinematic journey unlike many I have experienced before. Show Hollywood that we enjoy smart films like this, if we don't, then we will endlessly be forced to watch repeated screenings of DUDE WHERES my CAR until eternity rolls around! Now that my friends is the true ideal of hell!
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