Rating: 
Summary: quirky and worth watching
Review: geeks coming of age in the burbs. great film. steve buscemi is amazing.
Rating: 
Summary: Not sure who will like this flick
Review: Steve Buscemi and Thora Birch star in this misfire attempt to film the graphic novel "Ghost World". I'm not sure who this flick will disappoint more - those who've read the original and will nitpick over the differences, or those who have no familiarity with Daniel Clowes's offbeat characters, and may have no other reason to bond with the characters. Like the original the movie tells of the what may be the end of a great friendship - the final summer for Enid and Rebecca. With high school over, their ideas of the future (vague at first, but soon to reveal themselves as painfully distinct) may tear them apart. Enid and Rebecca aren't so much as friends as two girls of similar age who loathe themselves and the entire world, but strangely not each other. In their minds, the world is surrounded by freaks and fakes about whom they pursue, joke and otherwise exploit ruthlessly. The film gets the graphic novel's surface gloss right - John Ellis, Josh, the creeps who hang out at the "Zine-o-Phobia", the Satanists, Melorra, Enid's lame father, that "Weird Al" looking waiter (not played by "Weird Al" though) and that pair of pants that nobody ever picks off the street. Now, Enid must take summer art classes to get her HS diploma. A gifted cartoonist in the Daniel Clowes vein, Enid must nevertheless pass muster with a dippy art school teacher (Ileanna Douglas) and her PC students. More significantly, the flick bravely tries splitting the friendship between Rebecca and Enid who finds herself drawn to another. While the original Enid had desires, the flick gives her the chance for a real relationship. In the book, Enid and Rebecca cruelly prank an older guy with a faked personal ad. While the graphic novel victim dissappears in a cloud of anger, the flick hangs onto him - turning him into a luckless, feckless misanthrope with a name to match: Seymour (Steve Buscemi). Curious at first, Enid gets closer to Seymour determined to help guide the guy to a real relationship, one apart from the losers who share his love of old 78 records. Determined to use her powers for good and not evil, Enid becomes determined get Seymour snagged. Unfortunately, when efforts prove successful, and Seymour improbably snags the woman of his dreams, Enid begins to realize her own feelings for Seymour. Unsure of what she wants, Enid's mixed-up life begins to strain her relationship with Rebecca (with whom she's apartment hunting) and her art classes (which she must take to graduate HS). "Ghost" the graphic novel was an enigma, a grab bag of mixed-up tricks and treats. The flick seems impenetrable, unfortunately to the guys who wrote it, and it's not as sucessful at turning the original's episodic storyline into a coherent narartive. Seymour's painfully underwritten, especially given Buscemi's normal gift for banter - and nothing explains why Enid's attracted to him. He ofcourse finds her beautiful, which is a problem - Enid wasn't supposed to be beautiful. Not to be true to the original for the sake of authenticity, but Thora Birch is simply too radiant (if malevolently so) and youthful to play the self-loathing Enid. Enid's secret desire is to suddenly become someone else and leave home forever. In the novel, that works, but it doesn't seem to go with the rest of the movie, making the final shot (or panel) look forced - what is she supposed to be running from. The flick also suffers the loss of Bob Skeetes, a mysterious seer whose few appearances in the story are more than compensated by the presence he casts over Enid's world. IN SUM: If you never read GW, you'll probably spend most of your time just scratiching your head. If you loved GW so much that you'll do anything to see Thora Birch say "Joey McCobb, he's our god!!" this is your flick.
Rating:
Summary: A Real "Me" Film
Review: ... I ...watched the film. At first I thought it was too long but then I watched it again and realized, it was worth every minute. Thora Birch is [cute]...as ever and Scarlett Johanson is perfect in one of her first major "teenager roles". I can't wait to see Scarlett in Lost in Translation. Of course what is an indie film without Steve Buscemi? He plays the character of Seymour very well and is a veritable imitation of director Terry Swigoff through inspiration of cartoonist Robert Crumb. Other good performances come from Bob Balaban as Thora's father, his stuttering and spontaniety kept me in stitches! Brad Renfro was good playing the straight man Josh. I'd never seen Brad in the Client so seeing his acting was a first for me! David Sheridan, better known for playing Deputy Doofy in Scary Movie is hilarious here as mullet head punk Doug. The film is based on a comic book which I bought after seeing the movie and it is wonderfully written and the art is done in all light green. That's something else to look for throughout this movie. The color green is in just about every scene. I also own the soundtrack which has a lot of old blues songs; some taken from the original 78s of Terry Swigoff's own collection. As for the DVD extras. There are 3 deleted scenes which aren't really necessary; an alternate shot of Illeana Douglas' character showing the infamous pavement pants to some museum gazers telling them its title is "Wasteland", and 2 alternate shots of Doug fighting with the convienence store clerk. The DVD contains a soundtrack spot commercial which is nice. The theatrical trailer which as I stated earlier rocks! Theatrical trailers of other DVDs connected with United Artists. A Making of the Film. And finally one of the most funniest extras is the complete "music video" of Mohammed Rafi's "Jaan Pehechan Ho" playing at the beginning of the film; taken from the 1960s Indian film "Gumnaam" which is actually one of the most violent movies in the world but this one part that was used from it is pure 60s rock and roll hilarity. I can really relate to this film. I myself had no idea my life would turn out the way it did after high school. I am surprised I have come this far. If you are a fan of Thora Birch, Scarlett Johanson, Steve Buscemi or you enjoy teenage dramedies, check out Ghost World and go to your local comic book store to see if they have any copies of the book! I LOVE YOU THORA!
Rating:
Summary: It's not me that's weird, it's the rest of the world
Review: Well, sometimes you put together a slice-of-life film about two people who are totally clueless as to how to interact with society. So, we have this basic theme about self-deemed losers who are are totally unable (or totally unwilling) to adjust to and interact with the "Ghost World" around them. On the surface, the two characters couldn't be anymore different, but both have the same motive for their indifferent attitudes towards the purpose of life. Enid is an immature teenager with a chip on her shoulder, struggling to find any sense of identity, let alone a direction. She comes from a broken home, living with a father who scarcely knows her. 40-year-old Seymour is more seasoned and is less naïve and more accepting of the way life treats him. He's an introverted bachelor music-nerd with a slew of unattractive habits and personality traits. Enid and Seymour are not rebelling from society--they are simply clueless and careless regarding their reputation among others. They both feel rejected and misunderstood, or as Seymour puts it, 'Some people, you just give them a Big Mac and a pair of Nikes and they're satisfied'. The two of them unite inauspiciously when Enid plays a cruel joke on Seymour, but quickly finds herself inquisitive of the man. She befriends him, and they hit it off relating to and trying to help each another with their problems. However, the movie ends with a sense of apathy and despair for both characters. The supporting characters, with the exception of Enid's girlfriend, are chiefly there to add some badly-needed comedy to a somewhat dragging plot. The actors have a sharp script to sink their teeth into, with Steve Buschemi being the highlight-everything this man touches turns to gold! All things considered, a fantastic film that explores the depths of human loneliness and indifference. Thank You
Rating: 
Summary: how totally amazing...............
Review: no im not being sarcastic. I really do think amazing can be used to describe this film. Maybe not so on the first viewing but once you watch it a second/third time youll be more in tune with it. Not everyone will like the film. I think you have to either identify with the characters or at least get the humour. Which is dark and most of the time quite subtle. If you love, films like she's all that and programmes like dawsons creek then you probably wont like this. Basically, 2 friends (enid and rebecca) who dont fit into "society" (arent your typically mallrat teens at the end of the day) graduate from highschool and look to getting a flat together. Unfortunately, while rebecca tries to make an effort to earn some money by getting a job, enid doesnt even want to fit into that kind of world. She has an "everything sucks" (which it does, mostly) attitude. So probably out of boredom, she and rebecca set up , what seems on the surface, a sad old loser (Seymour) on a fake blind date. However, things change as does enid's attitide towards him..........not so original you may say,. Indeed on paper, the plot isnt and enid isnt necessarily a charcter you can sympathise with. but you do. The originality and beauty is in the style of the film (which it has, without being pretensious), the way the charcters and story unfolds and the performances. Its edgy and different. And whilst many films like (the recently released "in the cut") try to be, they fail where ghost world succedes. Its not necessarily a teen movie but you do have to be over 15, i think, to really appreciate it. The best things about it is thora birch's performance. Its real, subtle and not cliched like her character in american beauty. My only fault with it is that it can feel a little slow, during the last part of the movie especially after the beginning but I think that in fact makes you think about it and appreciate the ending more. Its my favourite film so far cos I can really identify with enid but even if you cant, its still worth watching for its humour and characters.
Rating:
Summary: A sensitive,intricate film
Review: This film is beautifully and uniquely crafted. From the deliciously colorful costumes and set designs, to the quirky, perfectly developed script, to the bordering on brilliant acting- ILOVETHISMOVIE. This is one of those rare films, that feels more like a relevation than anything else. It may take a while to get to you, but once it does, I swear it is one of those films that will never leave your heart+head+soul. I'm not gonna give you a depiction of the plot, because I hate doing that, and plus, I think you can get from other reviews a plots analysis. The thing that might get people turned off from this movie is the one simple fact that in this movie, practically nothing happens. That's right-you get no soft core love scenes, million dollar action thrills and special effects, overblown love stories/affairs.You just get a glimpse into the life of a couple of people living in a small, suburban town. That's it. They meet, they talk, they cry, they listen to music and visit bars. They have fights, and they feel lonely.If you can't stand watching a movie as real as that, then I suggest you stay away from Ghost World.With this movie, I think the director was trying to show how not a lot has to happen to make people feel deeply. To show how everyday life can be so monotonous and blank,so scary and not worth living.It's not a depressing or boring movie, it's just a movie that depicts life. It's a movie about trying to find, if only just another human soul that you can connect with. The musical score is amazing, especially the theme song which adds such a sad, fragile feel to the movie's cynical surface. Scarlett Johansson is a great sidekick and deserved some more exposure in the film. Everything from her expressions and body language, to the timbre and inflections in her voice makes her captivating to watch. Thora Birch is good as the heroine. There really is little sympathy expressed for her in this movie, and yet, inexplicably, you still find yourself feeling sorry for her.But Steve Buscemi, hands down, steals the show. The man is a genius, and his acting had me in shreds by the film's end. This movie is also funny. Not in the roll over, laugh out loud kind of way that you would later share with your friends at lunch. More in the subtle, dry, witty kind of way that would make you smile coyly while watching the movie. In conclusion, this movie isn't for everyone. I wish I could say it was, since it's so darn good in my view, but it's not. I can only imagine how many viewers would call it shallow, or monotonous. However, if you like sensitive films with a sad, melancholy undertone, and some dry wit thrown in, check out Ghost World. You could hate, or you could fall in absolute love with, as I have. In fact, it's one of the best films I've seen in recent memory.And, believe whatever you want to believe but Ghost World is in no way a teen movie. I doubt most adults would be able to feel it out.
Rating:
Summary: Suburban Isolation is so chic...?
Review: For those that have read Daniel Clowes' graphic novel about the trials and tribulations of Enid and Rebecca in the post highschool graduation world, you could not ask for a better visual interpretation! Terry Zwigoff had proven his fanscination with cartoonists on the fringe with his doco 'Crumb' about Robert Crumb(the often maligned creator of Fritz the Cat amongst others).
This is a great film and all the better being able to watch at home, a perfect DVD for a night in with your intelligent friends. It is always refreshing to have a good selection of special features on a disc including deleted scenes which I'm sure you have your favourite, though tell me any of these scenes would have made the film better, no way!
The casting is brilliant. Thora Birch is 'Enid'up and down, forget all of these character actors like De Niro and Palcino because no actor has ever identified with their character like this. Thora plays 'Enid' as the perfect anti-hero. Steve Buscemi is inspired casting, as his face looks like it came straight out of the pages of the original comic. 'Seymour' is the ultimate loser and Steve walks and talks it well. Scarlett Johansson is great in the support as 'Rebecca',the ying to Enid's yang, perfect together and devastating apart. Each character is never at their best without the other. This film has absolutely no faults to be found with a top notch cast and great directing.This film quickly went into my all time top ten films with the recent 'Donnie Darko', also a beautiful portrayal of the teenage psyche. Do not miss it!
Rating: 
Summary: By the numbers "indie" for the masses
Review: I don't supposed anyone has noticed, but there are apparently so many disaffected people who don't fit into society that if you are one of these people then you are not a minority any more. You belong to a growing group of lazy losers who claim that they are too special to be forced to fit in (read: actually get a job and make something of yourself). Of course, you still need clothing and food and that sort of thing. So if you can't obtain these things for yourself legitimately you either have to steal them or get someone like the government to steal them for you. In any case if you do not make your own way in life you instead become a ward of the state or of some charity. In this case, far from becoming someone who is alienated you actually become someone who is totally dependent on the good graces of others and are in fact completely the effect of others and you have absolutely no independence at all. Sure, you might live in some self-delusory state of independence.... that is until you get hungry and show up at the welfare office. This nasty reality is never picked up in these angst-ridden little indie flicks. Everyone oohs and aaahs about how disaffected Enid supposedly is when in fact she is totally dependent upon the goodwill of others. Enid is in fact a prime example of what we call a mentally ill paerson. She lives in a delusory state where she believes that she is deftly criticizing society and avoiding being pushed into one of its boxes when in fact she is a permanent resident of one of the most pathetic boxes of our society. The truly independent are successful people who have learned to deal with society enough to amass control over their own lives. One usually does this by communicating well with others... not by descending into some psychotic personal mental universe where one spends most of one's time making others miserable. So unless Enid can get a job making crap movies like Ghost World she is doomed to a life of dependence on others. The bus that takes her away is probably just driving over to the set of Soylent Green. I imagine that if some indie producer put a 90 minute film on screen of a steaming cow pie we would find 100 5 star reviews on Amazon.com. However calling a pile of steaming cow pie art doesn't change the fact that it is still a steaming cow pie...like Ghost World. A cowpie if there ever was one. As long as people will line up to pay their $9 the Hollywood machine will continue to churn out teen-angst cowpies like this one.
Rating:
Summary: Utterly glorious
Review: What is it with Hollywood? Almost everything they produce is utter dross. But from time to time something comes out of the American film industry that puts one back in touch with the reasons one had for starting to love movies in the first place and is a joy to watch from start to finish. And his must be one of the best movies to come out of 2001 from any country. Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson are Enid and Rebecca, two high school graduates is an anonymous small American town. They are cool, cynical, contemptuous of all around them and desperately desperately ironic. They are so knowingly disengaged as to come out on the other side of cool in a place that is really a bit pathetic. They are completely adorable and hilariously funny. The script - by Daniel Clowes and Terry Zwigoff - Clowes wrote the graphic novel (which I haven't read) it is based on- is perfection: razor sharp, witty, intelligent and perceptive. And it is perfectly realized by the cast. Birch and Johansson are so good that even Steve Buscemi, who has stolen most films he has appeared in and who has done nothing better, fails to steal this one. And Illeana Douglas is perfect too as a dumb ditzy hippie art teacher. Buscemi plays Seymour, a lonely nerdy middle aged man who lives for his collection of old blues records. ("Actually, technically, what he was mostly playing would more accurately be classified in the ragtime idiom...") Enid and Rebecca meet him by way of looking through lonely hearts ads for losers to laugh at and call him up for a wheeze. Only Enid at least bites off more than she can chew and finds herself liking him: "In a way, he's such a clueless dork, he's almost kinda cool." So she sets herself up, a la Diane Keaton in "Play It Again Sam", as his find-a-girlfriend consultant. Only, of course, that's not quite where things are heading and, given the demographics, it can only end in tears. Meanwhile Rebecca shows signs of starting to outpace Enid in shedding the teenage supercool poses and turning into a rather ordinary middle-American and the friendship starts to show a certain strain. The main theme is a straightforward one but one rarely if ever better handled on film. It's about pretty well everyone in their late teens - desperately trying to strike all manner of cool punk attitudes, but in reality clueless, confused and vulnerable. Birch and Johansson are skilled enough comic actresses to bring the former characteristic off to wonderfully exaggerated effect; but also good enough all round actresses to bring the latter off tremendously as well. It's one of the funniest, most honest and interesting American movies of the last decade. Glorious. An instant classic.
Rating:
Summary: Good but not great
Review: I have a feeling this story is much better in its original form (as a comic book), and just didn't translate well into film. While attracted to the whole "teenage misfits" concept, I simply found the two lead characters (played by Thora Birch and Scarlet Johanssen) to be flat and uninteresting. Their sarcastic barbs and "scathing irony" are not all that funny, and it seems they're only being used to fill a vacuum. That may be the point, but I also thought the plot lines were way too neat and tidy for a supposedly real-life movie. A lot of the other characters were deliberately cliche and predictable, with occasionally humorous results, but again more suited to comic books than live action movies. Probably worth watching once, but don't expect to be blown away.
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