Home :: DVD :: Drama :: General  

African American Drama
Classics
Crime & Criminals
Cult Classics
Family Life
Gay & Lesbian
General

Love & Romance
Military & War
Murder & Mayhem
Period Piece
Religion
Sports
Television
johns

johns

List Price: $14.98
Your Price: $13.48
Product Info Reviews

<< 1 2 3 >>

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Flawed, but strangely moving
Review: "johns" isn't built on a unique idea, there have been many films exploring the the sordid world of prostitution and the impact it has on the people being exploited and degraded. It's a film that takes an unflinching picture of two young male prostitutes and their journey through-out a seemingly mundane Christimas eve. We witness their daily activities such as talking with the other street walkers, bumping into angry hustlers, and being used like worthless objects by people picking them off the streets. "johns" does illustrate the two lead characters, John and Donner, as credible human beings. They may have different reasons for their actions, but both depend on each other to survive the harsh streets they work off. Lukas Haas and David Aquette give affecting, haunting performances, they play their roles with a sense of integrity which doesn't waver. "johns" doesn't have much of a plot, which is to expected, but it's utter starkness is something that is virtually impossible to turn away from, especially towards the end. If the film has a major flaw, it's the director's use of religious imagery to add a new dimension to the story, which results in some unfortunate heavy-handedness. Overall though, "johns" is a fine piece of work which is worth seeing for several reasons. It may not succeed in everything it tries to reach, but the effort being shown by both the director and cast is satisfying enough.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: The Boys Are Back in Town
Review: A somber and at times depressing indie movie about the friendship of two male hustlers, "johns" is a fine debut for filmmaker Scott Silver. Urban and dark, yet still emotional, this story focuses the loneliness and little hope of two young adults, presenting a moving and gripping drama. David Arquette is great as the lead character and Lukas Haas is competent as his sidekick, even if the plot isn`t all that great and innovative. Melancholic and heartfelt, "johns" is a pleasant surprise.

Worth watching.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Closer to life than most would like
Review: Anyone want to catch a glimpse of what happens to kids who are neglected or rejected by their families? Then you need to check out this movie. While incredibly tame compared to real life, it at least takes the average "john" into a pseudo world of the streets, and the actors are excellent in their roles. I have watched this movie SEVERAL times and have cried at the end each time. While I agree that it is a dramatic close-to-life rendition, and many want a fantasy world in which to escape when watching a movie, it also has a great message, one which you must find for yourself. I believe this is why no other character has a background, save the one, so that each viewer can find themselves in one of the characters. I love David Arquette in this movie...he reminds me a lot of a close personal friend.
Oh, yea, and most of them don't work because they have been on the streets since a very young age. They have few skills, no address or phone number, and perhaps are even a bit scared. My advice, watch this without the rose colored glasses.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Bittersweet Drama
Review: Arquette at his dramatic best. Haas shines too in this bittersweet drama told on stark sets with painfully true dialogue.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Touching Bittersweet Drama
Review: Arquette at his dramatic brilliance. Haas is equally smart and poigniant. A quirky but touching drama that takes advantage of stark sets and painfully truthful dialogue. A must see.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Is that all there is?
Review: Depressing is the first word that comes to mind. I've know hustlers and Haas and Arquette just didn't measure up! If I was the type that cruised, I definitely wouldn't pick up these two mangy, unkept, seedly looking characters. I assume the story has a message but somehow I missed it. All I could think of was UGH!

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Please don't waste your money
Review: I bought the Johns on the suggestion of a friend and I seriously contemplated ending the friendship (afterall anyone who thought this movie was any good can't be worthy of my friendship). The movie had some funny scenes but that was it. I thought David Arquette performances was seriously lacking any believiablity. Lucas Haas was great however as the caring hustler who would do anything for his friend.

The plot was extremely unplausiable. I was hoping the movie from all the hype it had to atleast be as good as Leaving Las Vegas. It so was not. The picture quality was subpar and only added to make the movie even worse.

The movie was a big letdown and that is why my review is so harsh.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Gritty. Darkly Disturbing. Heavy.
Review: I decided to let this film sink in a little before writing a review for it.
Let me start by saying: This film is much darker than you may think considering it's star is a goof-ball with the majority of his other acting roles.

This is not a Comedy.
And it is not for the weak stomached.

The Jesus Metaphore throughout was a bit much at times...but worked very well with the story.
You MUST see the DVD for the extras. I watched the film then immediantly watched the David and Lucas commentary throughout the film. (DON'T WATCH THE TRAILER OR THE COMMENTARY BEFORE YOU SEE THE FILM...IT GIVES AWAY TOO MUCH).

VERY GOOD...A Flick that Sticks With You.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: is this movie closed caption?
Review: I do not have a review on this movie and did not know where to start as I'm finding out if this movie closed captioned. Thank You

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Worth seeing. . .
Review: I rented this film thinking that it would be a cute love story, and was very surprised. I found myself thinking about the character, that Haas played, for days after viewing the film. The end was very predictable, but overall a very touching film. I would strongly suggest watching this film.


<< 1 2 3 >>

© 2004, ReviewFocus or its affiliates