Cherish

Rating:
Summary: If I could, I'd give Robin Tunney 10 STARS!
Review: "Cherish" is a very entertaining movie about a lonely woman named Zoe (Robin Tunney) who, as a result of being carjacked by a stalker and framed for a crime, is placed under house arrest and forced to wear an ankle bracelet so that the police can monitor her whereabouts. The movie then becomes a brilliant character study as we watch Zoe try to cope with her isolation and eventually develop independence, all while trying to prove her innocence to Bill (Tim Blake Nelson), the deputy in charge of visiting her regularly to examine the ankle bracelet. This good dark comedy is made into a great one thanks to the incredibly powerful performances given by the actors, ESPECIALLY ROBIN TUNNEY!

I can't lavish enough praise on Robin Tunney for her brilliant portrayal as Zoe. I never really had an opinion on Ms. Tunney before "Cherish", as I usually saw her in forgettable movies like "Vertical Limit" and "The Craft", but she blew me away in this one. Robin nails all the necessary emotions. In one scene, I actually had to fight back tears as Robin's Zoe begs a delivery-man to stay with her because her isolation has left her so starved for company. In another scene, Robin's Zoe had me laughing hysterically as she tormented the tightly-wound Bill by roller-skating around her apartment while he tries to examine the bracelet. There are many other wonderful moments as well...the kind-hearted Zoe befriending the crippled man who lives below her...the once-weak Zoe becoming fiercely independent...it's impossible to not fall in love with Zoe. Robin Tunney grabs your attention as soon as she hits the screen and doesn't let go until the ending credits. Plus, there is the incredible chemistry between Robin's Zoe and Tim's Bill. In fact, according to the commentary, a growing romance between Zoe and Bill was originally not in the script, but was added in during filming because the director was so impressed by the chemistry between the two main actors. I guarantee you will be mesmerized by this movie.

So if I enjoyed watching this movie so much, why did I only give it 4 stars? Well, my biggest problem with this movie was that I felt it really fell apart in the last few minutes and had a very unsatisfying ending. As many of the other reviewers have mentioned, the "Zoe stalking her stalker" scenes were not nearly as interesting as what had happened before. And while I won't give away the ending, I'll say this... a key character does some completely illogical towards the end, and this leads to a disappointing ending. There was no reason for this character doing what they did, except that the director was apparently trying to go for a twist at the end. In fact, one of the people in the commentary mentions that every person who asks them about the movie asks why that character did that at the end. NOTE TO DIRECTOR: If everyone asks for someone to clear up the same point, then you didn't do a very good job conveying this on-screen.

Another problem is that while it's a very entertaining movie, it is also very uneven and inconsistant at times. You often wonder why characters are acting the way they are. A perfect example is when Bill defends Zoe after a police officer makes a rude comment to her...and then Zoe "thanks" bill by screaming at him and throwing him out...yet in their very next scene together, Zoe is warm and openly flirts with Bill...did we miss something that happened inbetween? And I the found it odd that at the beginning of the movie, Zoe was supposedly unable to keep a man around for longer than one date as they never called her back, yet every man who meets Zoe in this movie almost instantly falls in love with her??? The commentary reveals what I already suspected...a lot of this movie is improvised by the actors, and as a result, the movie feels uneven and it doesn't always flow well.

So to summarize, I would definitely recommend this movie, mainly because of the incredible acting. (Robin Tunney easily deserved an Oscar for her perfect performance) The movie is sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic, and always compelling. However, be warned that the end is somewhat unsatifying, and you may be better off just shutting the movie off once Zoe starts stalking her stalker. Yes, the movie is flawed, but if you watch it for what it is (an incredible character study), you'll fall in love with it just like I did. I can't wait for Robin Tunney's next starring role.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best films of 2002
Review: "Cherish" is directed by Finn Taylor--who previously directed "Dreaming With the Fishes." Taylor is a native of Oakland, California, and the film is set in San Francisco. It's the story of a girl, Zoe Adler (played by Robin Tunney) who isn't exactly much of a social success. She works in an office full of other employees who would rather ignore her, and she's the one who's never invited to parties. She tries to make conversation with workmates, but nothing seems to work--she's always on the outside looking in at those who "fit in."

She decides to change all that by inviting herself to a party held at a local bar. Fate intervenes, and by the end of the evening, she finds herself in jail. Zoe's lawyer argues that Zoe should be placed on the "bracelet programme"--under house arrest pending her trial. At first, this option seems preferable to jail, but Zoe soon discover new degrees of isolation. Forced to sell her condo to pay lawyer fees, she is confined to a warehouse-style apartment, which measures 57 feet from one end to another, and so the warehouse becomes, in effect, her prison, and yet another method of isolation.

One of the very few people Zoe interacts with is Bill, a lonely policeman who maintains Zoe's ankle bracelet device. At first he feels no sympathy whatsoever for Zoe, but barriers gradually wear down, and Zoe discovers that "trust has to be earned." Slowly, Zoe builds a network of odd friends--other outcasts who are also isolated for a variety of reasons, and so Zoe, in her forced isolation, is accepted and assisted by others.

The fantasy sequences are quite remarkable and add significantly to the film's beauty. This is a strange story, full of strange characters, and I was very quickly transfixed. As an added bonus, the film has an incredible soundtrack, and the DVD's "alternate ending" is worth watching. Don't pay much attention to the cover--it really gives the wrong impression of this rather serious film.

Rating:
Summary: Cherish DVD
Review: "Cherish" is the kind of movie that needs no introduction. At first glance, I was led to believe that this independent film was doomed to fail. When I looked again, I saw Robin Tunney playing another offbeat character to perfection. Her billiance has stretched from 1997's noteworthy indie classic "Niagara, Niagara" and places her on the catapult of underrated actresses that deserve more then thier fair share. Tunney plays computer animator Zoe Adler who one day finds herself under house arrest over a crime she didn't commit. Tunney is helped by Tim Blake Nelson of "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" fame. Thier performances are effulgent together with strength that gets provoking from each scene. "Cherish" does have its flaws and never seems to distinguish facts that seem implausible. This film seems more apparent leaving you to guess what is not being said then to write it into your head. It's often charming, sometimes distubing but it always gives us the reflection of loneliness that is self taught through experiences of revelation.

Rating:
Summary: If I could, I'd give Robin Tunney 10 STARS!
Review: "Cherish" is a very entertaining movie about a lonely woman named Zoe (Robin Tunney) who, as a result of being carjacked by a stalker and framed for a crime, is placed under house arrest and forced to wear an ankle bracelet so that the police can monitor her whereabouts. The movie then becomes a brilliant character study as we watch Zoe try to cope with her isolation and eventually develop independence, all while trying to prove her innocence to Bill (Tim Blake Nelson), the deputy in charge of visiting her regularly to examine the ankle bracelet. This good dark comedy is made into a great one thanks to the incredibly powerful performances given by the actors, ESPECIALLY ROBIN TUNNEY!

I can't lavish enough praise on Robin Tunney for her brilliant portrayal as Zoe. I never really had an opinion on Ms. Tunney before "Cherish", as I usually saw her in forgettable movies like "Vertical Limit" and "The Craft", but she blew me away in this one. Robin nails all the necessary emotions. In one scene, I actually had to fight back tears as Robin's Zoe begs a delivery-man to stay with her because her isolation has left her so starved for company. In another scene, Robin's Zoe had me laughing hysterically as she tormented the tightly-wound Bill by roller-skating around her apartment while he tries to examine the bracelet. There are many other wonderful moments as well...the kind-hearted Zoe befriending the crippled man who lives below her...the once-weak Zoe becoming fiercely independent...it's impossible to not fall in love with Zoe. Robin Tunney grabs your attention as soon as she hits the screen and doesn't let go until the ending credits. Plus, there is the incredible chemistry between Robin's Zoe and Tim's Bill. In fact, according to the commentary, a growing romance between Zoe and Bill was originally not in the script, but was added in during filming because the director was so impressed by the chemistry between the two main actors. I guarantee you will be mesmerized by this movie.

So if I enjoyed watching this movie so much, why did I only give it 4 stars? Well, my biggest problem with this movie was that I felt it really fell apart in the last few minutes and had a very unsatisfying ending. As many of the other reviewers have mentioned, the "Zoe stalking her stalker" scenes were not nearly as interesting as what had happened before. And while I won't give away the ending, I'll say this... a key character does some completely illogical towards the end, and this leads to a disappointing ending. There was no reason for this character doing what they did, except that the director was apparently trying to go for a twist at the end. In fact, one of the people in the commentary mentions that every person who asks them about the movie asks why that character did that at the end. NOTE TO DIRECTOR: If everyone asks for someone to clear up the same point, then you didn't do a very good job conveying this on-screen.

Another problem is that while it's a very entertaining movie, it is also very uneven and inconsistant at times. You often wonder why characters are acting the way they are. A perfect example is when Bill defends Zoe after a police officer makes a rude comment to her...and then Zoe "thanks" bill by screaming at him and throwing him out...yet in their very next scene together, Zoe is warm and openly flirts with Bill...did we miss something that happened inbetween? And I the found it odd that at the beginning of the movie, Zoe was supposedly unable to keep a man around for longer than one date as they never called her back, yet every man who meets Zoe in this movie almost instantly falls in love with her??? The commentary reveals what I already suspected...a lot of this movie is improvised by the actors, and as a result, the movie feels uneven and it doesn't always flow well.

So to summarize, I would definitely recommend this movie, mainly because of the incredible acting. (Robin Tunney easily deserved an Oscar for her perfect performance) The movie is sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic, and always compelling. However, be warned that the end is somewhat unsatifying, and you may be better off just shutting the movie off once Zoe starts stalking her stalker. Yes, the movie is flawed, but if you watch it for what it is (an incredible character study), you'll fall in love with it just like I did. I can't wait for Robin Tunney's next starring role.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best films of 2002
Review: "Cherish" is directed by Finn Taylor--who previously directed "Dreaming With the Fishes." Taylor is a native of Oakland, California, and the film is set in San Francisco. It's the story of a girl, Zoe Adler (played by Robin Tunney) who isn't exactly much of a social success. She works in an office full of other employees who would rather ignore her, and she's the one who's never invited to parties. She tries to make conversation with workmates, but nothing seems to work--she's always on the outside looking in at those who "fit in."

She decides to change all that by inviting herself to a party held at a local bar. Fate intervenes, and by the end of the evening, she finds herself in jail. Zoe's lawyer argues that Zoe should be placed on the "bracelet programme"--under house arrest pending her trial. At first, this option seems preferable to jail, but Zoe soon discover new degrees of isolation. Forced to sell her condo to pay lawyer fees, she is confined to a warehouse-style apartment, which measures 57 feet from one end to another, and so the warehouse becomes, in effect, her prison, and yet another method of isolation.

One of the very few people Zoe interacts with is Bill, a lonely policeman who maintains Zoe's ankle bracelet device. At first he feels no sympathy whatsoever for Zoe, but barriers gradually wear down, and Zoe discovers that "trust has to be earned." Slowly, Zoe builds a network of odd friends--other outcasts who are also isolated for a variety of reasons, and so Zoe, in her forced isolation, is accepted and assisted by others.

The fantasy sequences are quite remarkable and add significantly to the film's beauty. This is a strange story, full of strange characters, and I was very quickly transfixed. As an added bonus, the film has an incredible soundtrack, and the DVD's "alternate ending" is worth watching. Don't pay much attention to the cover--it really gives the wrong impression of this rather serious film.

Rating:
Summary: Completely charming. A great indie date flick.
Review: Alfred Hitchcock once said you can make a film using a closet as its only location if you know what you're doing. Well, the loft that is the main location of CHERISH is a lot larger than a closet, but nonetheless the filmmakers use it perfectly. The viewer never feels as trapped as Robin Tunney's beautifully developed character Zoe. (One of the best understated performances of recent memory! Made me wish we saw more of this fine actress.) The set up is quick and to the point, getting us into the loft and Zoe's head. The cinematography is always inventive, the set design imaginative, costumes perfect, and the supporting players believably weird (and with a low budget, those are very high compliments). And did I mention the soundtrack? Wow! Not being a fan of cheesy 80s music, I was a little worried, but somehow it all works. (Anyone who can make good use of a Halls & Oates song has talent!)

I first saw a preview for CHERISH while working on a movie in LA over the summer, but it opened the weekend we began filming, and I couldn't take it in. I watched it today (on its first day of DVD release), and wish now I had sucked it up, gave up a little sleep, and caught in in Santa Monica.

CHERISH is easily on my top-10 list for best movies of 2002.

Rating:
Summary: Ayeayeayeayewesang
Review: bootyfully photographied movie with ze hawt actress Robin Tunney being stuck in here appartiment with no place to go because she is like undah hizzouse arrizzt. We like this movie because we get to see her throw herself at the grocery delivery boy and listen to such a kwel soundtrack. We don't like the movie because it's a bit long and weird, but that's ok bcuz it's a kwel movie which is rightiousness to be true, you know.

So, like, watch this movie if you want to see a house arrest/thrilla movie with an Übercute actress playing a cute character who likes kewl 80s tuñez.

Rating:
Summary: Ayeayeayeayewesang
Review: bootyfully photographied movie with ze hawt actress Robin Tunney being stuck in here appartiment with no place to go because she is like undah hizzouse arrizzt. We like this movie because we get to see her throw herself at the grocery delivery boy and listen to such a kwel soundtrack. We don't like the movie because it's a bit long and weird, but that's ok bcuz it's a kwel movie which is rightiousness to be true, you know.

So, like, watch this movie if you want to see a house arrest/thrilla movie with an Übercute actress playing a cute character who likes kewl 80s tuñez.

Rating:
Summary: Cherish is the word I use to describe (this movie)
Review: Cherish became one of my favorite films of 2002. The plot is refreshing and original--An eccentric woman named Zoe (Robin Tunney of The Craft and End of Days) accused of murdering a cop, goes under house arrest with the bracelet program (the bracelet on her ankle sets off an alarm if she tries to leave her apartment), and begins an unlikely romance with Bill (Tim Blake Nelson of O Brother, Where Art Thou? and The Good Girl), the lonely and lovestruck man who monitors the program. Finn Yaylor's directing is superb and the soundtrack of 80's music is absolutely fantastic. Add to that a supporting cast feauturing Jason Priestly (perhaps sending up his 90210 character?), Nora Dunn, and indie rocker Liz Phair, a suspenseful, edge-of-the-seat climax, plus a semi-shocking revelation, and you have a truly enjoyable, extremely memorable film. I loved it!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Totally tubular tunes & twisted romance
Review: CHERISH is a twisted love story between a woman under house arrest, Zoë (Robin Tunney), and Bill (Tim Blake Nelson), the man who attaches her ankle-bracelet monitor. It is also a thriller -- Zoë has not committed the crime she's under arrest for and she is anxious to find the guilty party, who also happens to be her stalker. This film is a little confusing, not entirely successful, but has some noteworthy elements.

It's another great performance from Nelson, a top-notch character actor. Bill, all business in his short-sleeved dress shirts and striped ties, hardly knows what to make of Zoë, as she skates around her kitchen/roller rink, blasting tunes from the local 80's station (great soundtrack). Zoë is difficult and flirtatious, which is equally confounding and alluring for Bill. In one of my favorite Bill moments, he methodically ages a brand-new boom box for Zoë, which he 'nonchalantly' presents claiming it was an old one he had around the house.

Robin Tunney can't quite make up her mind as to Zoë's character, but it's an admirable attempt. The story first presents Zoë as the frizzy-haired neurotic outcast of her office, excluded from a coworker's hot party, falling into bed with various men who never call, with no real sense of herself. Following the trauma of her arrest she retreats into a comfortably delusional mode: dressing up in various costumes and singing into her hairdryer in the mirror. Eventually fed up with the legal process she is inspired to take a more proactive approach to her time, trying to work around the confines of her geographical limitations, first to have more physical freedom and in the process, to find her stalker.

The supporting cast is a hoot, including indie-rock goddess Liz Phair and not one, but two, Beverly Hills 90210 cast members. Jason Priestly is hilarious as the floppy-haired BMOC/object of affection of Zoë's office, particularly as presented in misty fantasy sequences.

Hardly a life-transforming experience, but worth a rental.