Floating

Rating:
Summary: Sadly overlooked movie
Review: I actually saw this in the theater during its limited release last year when I couldn't get into Blair Witch (at the same theater).

Don't be fooled by the cover: this is not some sexy teen romp. (There's actually very little sex in it). It's a coming of age story about this ne'er-do-well kid named Van (Norman Reedus) who has few propects for a future and hangs out with the wrong crowd. Chad Lowe plays the son in the picture-perfect family that moves into Van's old house, which Van and his handicapped dad have to leave when Van's mom takes off. The movie explores identity at the intersection of the past and future, and the influence of others' expectations on you.

The leading cast is really good. Both characters' fathers are very compelling. I wasn't familiar with Reedus' work before, and let's just say that for once, Chad Lowe manages to actually act convincingly and shows glimmers of talent that might make him more than just Mr. Hilary Swank and the baby brother of the image-rehabbed Rob. I guess that could be credited to the director, William Roth, who I've never heard of before, but hopefully, there will be other movies from him.

It's also very gorgeously filmed. It takes place around a lake and the scenery just looks so textured and rich, like a travelogue, which helps keeps your interest when the story gets a little stale. In fact, the cliched ending keeps me from giving it five stars, but all in all, a very enjoyable movie for those of us who still believe that there's still a pulse somewhere in the bloated body of independent film these days.

Rating:
Summary: fulgar language at the utmost
Review: I bought this video based on the reviews and was so disappointed that I never got past the first 20 minutes. I am not a prude, but to use the f word in every sentene as an adjective, verb and however else it may be used was a complete turnoff. I put the video in my recycle box. Maybe it had some substance, but I could not get past the first 20 minutes

Rating:
Summary: fulgar language at the utmost
Review: I bought this video based on the reviews and was so disappointed that I never got past the first 20 minutes. I am not a prude, but to use the f word in every sentene as an adjective, verb and however else it may be used was a complete turnoff. I put the video in my recycle box. Maybe it had some substance, but I could not get past the first 20 minutes

Rating:
Summary: Quiet Integrity
Review: I enjoyed this quiet film. It'll reward you if you pay attention. The dark twists of the surprising script when compared to mainstream college stories like American Pie II makes me glad these film makers had the passion and dedication to bring their melancholy story of two swimmers to the screen.

They did kill off the gay guy so the straight guy could grow. But do gay characters always have to die in a politically correct way? Gay teen suicide is still common in small towns so it's not unrealistic to have the gay guy die, and gays are still fodder for the growth of plenty of straight folks.

A make out scene with the two swimmers would have made this a cooler film (and more commercial with gay audiences). The characters were almost there when they wrestled, straight guys make out all the time, why not give the audience some merging man flesh?

This is a film about an ordinary summer. With neither violence of Basketball Diaries, nor the over the top gross out of American Pie to titillate audiences these cinema artists offered instead a calm lake, a beautiful male body and two characters struggling to break free of their fathers.

Making a subtle understated film like this is risky, thankless work in Hollywood. We should be grateful for their efforts.


Rating:
Summary: 'Your Recommendations' Comes Through!
Review: I had never heard of this movie before Amazon listed it on their welcome page as one of their 'Your Recommendations' for me. After looking into the movie, it sounded intriguing. I wouldn't call it one of my favorites, but I'm certainly glad Amazon suggested it. Despite a dark and sometimes tragic story, this movie offers some great moments of friendship, warmth, and humor. It's a quiet film that relies mostly on acting, setting, and an occasional surprise.

Rating:
Summary: pointless
Review: I think my title says it all. It was directionless and pointless. The only character that elicited any sympathy at all was Doug, and even he seemed to be drifting without any purpose. Even the gay issue failed to elicit any tension between the characters. I kept wondering when the plot would start, but it didn't

Rating:
Summary: An unpretentious, character-driven drama
Review: I was channel surfing one day and accidentally got sucked into this film. It's a refreshing take on the "coming-of-age" genre, depicting how in real life the maturation process is often a very painful and conflict-ridden process. I especially appreciated how the story was driven by the characters, moving along in an unforced pace. Keep your ears perked for an interesting narrative trick that the the film plays on you. It compels you to rethink your perception of the main chracter after it's all over.

Rating:
Summary: Fun, Spunky, & Cool..
Review: Norman Reedus just might be the new River Phoenix in this sweet & heartfelt film. I personally liked the way the Writer didn't base this movie with a strong "Gay Issue", he kept Doug (Chad Lowe) in the closet to his pals & I love the way Van (Norman Reedus) finds out his new friend is homosexual. I sympathized with Doug in many ways, as from being out & seeing how a father can live in denial for so long. I felt the script as well as the characters themselves did a great job! My hats off to you, the makers & actors/actresses of "Floating". A must buy/rent!

Rating:
Summary: someone in MA
Review: This is one of my favorite movies of all times... i hope to see more from William Roth in the near future!

Rating:
Summary: Great movie...
Review: This was an amazing film... No hollywood glitter, but an great story...