Customer Reviews

Apartment 12

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Disregard the previous arrogant and huffy review and take this movie for what it is - a sweet, silly romp meant to entertain, not probe the inner brain or elevate one to some erudite state of false wisdom. In fact, the movie itself pokes fun at that very type of pomposity in the art world. As romantic comedies go, it is refreshing and not so saccharine sweet as some. It is quirky and cool, in part because none of the actors are well known to this date except for Mark Ruffalo, who manages perfection in every cinematic genre he works with. Beth Ulrich was sexy in a so not cliche way, and the rest of the supporting cast are just plain fun, and very, very good. No, you may not come away feeling intellectually enlightened, but you probably will have a smile on your face, and that's probably the point. The DVD has extra scenes interspersed throughout the closing credits, so don't stop watching. Also, there's a great interview with Mark Ruffalo who, again, is always fascinating to watch and listen to.

I have always admired Mark Ruffalo's indie sensibilities. He has had some high profile and mainstream roles, but to me he'll always be an indie actor--a person to whom art is more important than commerce. But let's face it, you're not always going to hit it out of the park--not every project enhances your resume. Let's chalk "Apartment 12" up to a wrong headed misfire.

Nothing about this tedious film works. It's one of those "quirky" ensemble pieces where everyone is larger than life. These films can be delightful or disastrous--my inclination on "Apartment 12" should already be clear. In the wacky apartment complex Ruffalo finds himself in, there are the requisite oddballs. The situation rings as false as a bad sitcom with everyone leaving their doors open for the sole purpose of letting mayhem ensue.

But the film also wants to be a romantic comedy. Problem is--Ruffalo's character is such an unappealing guy, it's hard to imagine anyone thinking he was a catch. As a failed artist and pizza delivery boy, Ruffalo is childish, slovenly and superior--basically a loser in every regard. "I'm a painter, I should be dating models from Milan." That's about as much insight as the film has into his artistic integrity. His romantic partner in this escapade, of course, is too good to be true. But to show you the apparent lack of interest this film actually has in it's characters--we never know what she does for a living. It's something vaguely professional in a building with lawyers--that's all you really need to know.

Add to the wacky ensemble and forced romance--we have a self indulgent, empty headed look at the art community. Cliche'd in every way possible, much that occurs in this milieu is cringe-worthy. In typical Ruffalo fashion, at a showing he tells the artist his work is "unoriginal, banal and contrived." Hmmm--sounds like some films I know, too. KGHarris, 11/06.

This is an uplifting, low budget, independently produced film set in Los Angeles. It is about a confused intellectual yet a shallow artist who is trying to make it in the competitive world of art and in the process finds love. This is not a very serious film but one that will cheer you up on a dull, rainy day. Mark Ruffalo is excellent in his portrayal of Alex, and most of the characters in this film are at times over the top. But isn't life just like that? Sometimes we all meet people who are just very eccentric! I love the dialogues in this movie. Apartment 12 is a light hearted comedy about an artist, the girl next door and the neighbors in a low rent apartment building.

I was disappointed, this is by far not the best Mark Ruffalo has done. I do love him however, even if it was painful to sit through. He has come a long way from this film.

The main character is a painter/bum who will obviously break up with his girlfriend in the first act of the movie. He will then have to learn to take care of himself. He'll have to gain inspiration for his art and fall in love again. This is a straight-ahead no twists or turns free fall, and I'm talking in a very disappointing kind of way. Nothing worth noting in the film.

This movie will could never win an oscar, but it was just a nice sweet fun boy gets girl story with a rather good little message in it about feeling sorry for yourself. I recommend it!