Godmoney

Rating:
Summary: Godmoney?
Review: I'm a huge fan of STRIFE (or was before they broke up - I'm not a big fan of angermeans). I was psyched to see a film that Rick Rodney did. I almost didn't recognize him with his hair grown out. Anyhow, I think the film overall is pretty good, though I don't think it carries the impact that I was hoping for. In my opinion the plot was a little underdeveloped and some of the flashback sequences were too blatantly symbolic and overused. I like the idea of the story and Rick Rodney does a great job playing the part of Nathan; it's very believable. The part of Matthew, played by Bobby Field, however, isn't very believable and is somewhat annoying.

The music is great and it fits well with the sequences it is accompanied with. I'm not sure it's the "Apocalypse now for suburban teenagers" as the cover claims because it really didn't bring to light everything a kid in suburbia has to deal with. It touched on most of the issues, but it focused heavily on drugs and violence.

I think it was worth the money I spent to buy it, though the DVD extra features seem like they were slapped together at the last minute. Overall, it's worth buying and it's definitely worth watching at least once.

Rating:
Summary: Predictable and Unconvincing - But at least Earnest
Review: Maybe not the POPULAR opinion as far as reviews here go, but I found this film to be predictable and unconvincing from the start. The opening B&W flashback looked like a "video-recreation" from some cheap tv cop show and from there it's by-the-numbers all the way. Do we need to spend 90 minutes with a loser going nowhere as he tries to rise up above the non-life he is living in the San Fernando valley? Not really, because if you can't figure out how it will all end up within the first 15 minutes, this is probably the first film you've ever seen. Junkie-murderer tries to go clean, moves west, gets a job, but then falls on hard times, gets mixed up with drug-dealing again, then decides to go clean again, but needs to do that "one last job" before he gets on the bus ..... god, what a cliche! The script is the major flaw here...one note all the way (minus a semi-twist at the very end which is just too little too late). The actors try hard, but most end up just looking unconvincing since they are stuck in this unbelievable environ.

The director seems to be assure of himself and does an admirable job using flash-editing and fluid camera...this is above average for a new director. And the soundtrack is sure to please fans of the many bands featured (could they be the only audience for this film?). All in all, worth one look, but I'm glad I rented this one instead of buying it. Don't like my opinion? - then tear me apart and leave an "unhelpful" review vote - and get your godmoney!!!

Rating:
Summary: Predictable and Unconvincing - But at least Earnest
Review: Maybe not the POPULAR opinion as far as reviews here go, but I found this film to be predictable and unconvincing from the start. The opening B&W flashback looked like a "video-recreation" from some cheap tv cop show and from there it's by-the-numbers all the way. Do we need to spend 90 minutes with a loser going nowhere as he tries to rise up above the non-life he is living in the San Fernando valley? Not really, because if you can't figure out how it will all end up within the first 15 minutes, this is probably the first film you've ever seen. Junkie-murderer tries to go clean, moves west, gets a job, but then falls on hard times, gets mixed up with drug-dealing again, then decides to go clean again, but needs to do that "one last job" before he gets on the bus ..... god, what a cliche! The script is the major flaw here...one note all the way (minus a semi-twist at the very end which is just too little too late). The actors try hard, but most end up just looking unconvincing since they are stuck in this unbelievable environ.

The director seems to be assure of himself and does an admirable job using flash-editing and fluid camera...this is above average for a new director. And the soundtrack is sure to please fans of the many bands featured (could they be the only audience for this film?). All in all, worth one look, but I'm glad I rented this one instead of buying it. Don't like my opinion? - then tear me apart and leave an "unhelpful" review vote - and get your godmoney!!!

Rating:
Summary: "Underground" hit for "Mainstream"
Review: So far, I have seen mixed reviews about this movie. What it boils down to is that many viewers feel GODMONEY rips off American History X. However, this is not the case. Godmoney was made a year and a half before AHX. However, both movies, when stripped down, have alot in common. Godmoney is about a young man named Nathan (Ric Rodney of straightedge punk band STRIFE)who is searching for his identity. We learn about his past via black and white flashback techniques throughout the movie. The search for identity also leads Nathan to confront what is "morally" right. This is signified by the symbols of religion (churches, cross [or lack of in some cases!]). There is a significant use of symbolism with in this movie, so look out for them! I'm not trying to give away too much to the movie, so will just say, if you liked American History X, this movie is deffinitely for you. In fact, this movie is more "raw" than AHX, which gives it more credibility in my eye's. AHX is sugar coated to attract more "mainstream" theatre viewers. Whereas, Godmoney sticks to it's guns and delivers the goods, with out selling out. If anything, Tony Kaye, aka "humpty dumpty", should take directing lessons from newcomer Darren Doane. Doane created a more powerful movie than Kaye with lesser named actors (Rodney vs. Ed. Norton, which have you heard before? Who would win in a fight? My money is on Rodney because he is no "Brad Pitt ala FIGHT CLUB"). However, just like the great Aristotle said, it is the plot, not the actor, who makes the play (movie in this case). The plot, in effect, is what makes the actor a "star". So give Rodney and company their due, or give Doane more than a $200,000 budget, so he can showcase his talent.

Rating:
Summary: "Underground" hit for "Mainstream"
Review: So far, I have seen mixed reviews about this movie. What it boils down to is that many viewers feel GODMONEY rips off American History X. However, this is not the case. Godmoney was made a year and a half before AHX. However, both movies, when stripped down, have alot in common. Godmoney is about a young man named Nathan (Ric Rodney of straightedge punk band STRIFE)who is searching for his identity. We learn about his past via black and white flashback techniques throughout the movie. The search for identity also leads Nathan to confront what is "morally" right. This is signified by the symbols of religion (churches, cross [or lack of in some cases!]). There is a significant use of symbolism with in this movie, so look out for them! I'm not trying to give away too much to the movie, so will just say, if you liked American History X, this movie is deffinitely for you. In fact, this movie is more "raw" than AHX, which gives it more credibility in my eye's. AHX is sugar coated to attract more "mainstream" theatre viewers. Whereas, Godmoney sticks to it's guns and delivers the goods, with out selling out. If anything, Tony Kaye, aka "humpty dumpty", should take directing lessons from newcomer Darren Doane. Doane created a more powerful movie than Kaye with lesser named actors (Rodney vs. Ed. Norton, which have you heard before? Who would win in a fight? My money is on Rodney because he is no "Brad Pitt ala FIGHT CLUB"). However, just like the great Aristotle said, it is the plot, not the actor, who makes the play (movie in this case). The plot, in effect, is what makes the actor a "star". So give Rodney and company their due, or give Doane more than a $200,000 budget, so he can showcase his talent.

Rating:
Summary: Have not seen it but ordered it!
Review: This is gonna be the best movie...Darren Doane is by far the best director of music videos and now movies ever! Can't wait till i get it to give a complete review of it...

Rating:
Summary: if everyone involved with this movie would just cease living
Review: this was the worst movie i have ever seen (and i have some pretty low standards). the acting was completely over done and the story line was followed so pitifully that i want to shoot myself thinking that i spent two hours working just to waste the money on this piece of [...]! i am now selling it on (the resale market)with a disclaimer that even though the movie packaging is in great condition i don't vouch for the actual movie being remembered as a good purchase for anyone.

Rating:
Summary: if everyone involved with this movie would just cease living
Review: this was the worst movie i have ever seen (and i have some pretty low standards). the acting was completely over done and the story line was followed so pitifully that i want to shoot myself thinking that i spent two hours working just to waste the money on this piece of [...]! i am now selling it on (the resale market)with a disclaimer that even though the movie packaging is in great condition i don't vouch for the actual movie being remembered as a good purchase for anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Haven't seen it. Will see it. Know it's gotta B-good!
Review: To all you fellow punks, this movie does not contain all those rad songs on the "soundtrack". However these songs inspired the maker to develope GODMONEY. I've searched for this movie far(no pun intended)and wide, with no positive results. Until now. Support Darren Doane and your local economy, buy LOCAL (or support the corprate ".com") your choice. Other bands I might have included would be Raised Fist_BHR, Anti-Flag_NRA, and maybe even Trigger Happy_BTR. But that's me, and it's not mine, so, Whatever_LAR. Great job Darren.