Customer Reviews

Chuck and Buck [VHS]

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

Chuck and Buck were childhood friends, until Chuck moved away. Now both of them are all grown up. Chuck (now called Charlie) comes to visit Buck when Buck's mother dies. Buck, however, never really grew up. He sucks on lollipops obsessively, and is now fixated on Chuck, who wants nothing more to do with his childhood best friend. It gets even creepier when we find out what Buck wants from Chuck ("Remember those games we used to play?")

Most people, on hearing that synopsis, would immediately dismiss "Chuck and Buck" as weird and truly creepy. But give it a chance. It's always fascinating and never false. Its strengths lie in characterizing Buck not as a caricature but as a real human being who we can feel sorry for, and even see a little of ourselves in. The two main characters of Chuck and Buck could easily have ruined the movie if they had been played even a small bit off. Mike White and Chris Weitz both find the true nature of their characters, making this film nothing less than believable.

This just shows how confused the MPAA was, and is. The "sexuality" in this movie consists of... no nudity - and abbreviated remarks concerning sexual acts. But let's leave that aside. Just have a guy kiss another guy and the MPAA goes into a frenzy--knee-jerk "R".

Anyway, this flick was way better than critics had led me to believe. It's a movie about a guy who just can't get over his boyhood lover. He's about one step away from the loony bin, in fact. But the saving grace of this movie, which normally I would not like (not being a fan of crazies) is that there is NO violence. (Not that the stupid MPAA cared.) I kept expecting "Buck" to pull out a kitchen knife or some such trash - my expectations having been formed by Hollywood. But no, Buck's apparently a harmless kook. As most kooks are, if treated gently--perhaps.

After wincing for the first 30 minutes, I actually began getting into the whole scene of Chuck's continual rejection of Buck. This is a most unusual movie and wins points for originality. Have we ever seen one like this from the movie industry? No. Is it a subject worthy of treatment by film? Yes. Some of us have indeed thought about old flames from the past - and wanted to do something "crazy" to try to win them back. This movie is an interesting exploration into one crazy guy who stopped short of almost nothing.

What a surprising beautiful and tragic film that Mike White has created. I say Mike White instead of the director (who also did an exemplary job) because it was his penmanship that crafted this film into such a powerhouse. When I rented the film, I did not expect to be so submerged with so many bold styles and emotional thematic elements. I was not expecting to see such a high caliber of acting and storytelling mixed together into one small Sundance winning picture. In other words, I wasn't expecting really anything when I placed this film into my DVD player, so when the film finished and I picked my jaw off the floor, it became instantly clear that I would never experience another film like this one again. From the way that it was filmed, to the small budget of the production, to even the taboo subject it presented, Chuck & Buck is one of those films that will shock, amaze, and really pull at the strings of your heart. It is a film, first and foremost, about friendship and the destructive impact that childhood moments can have on our futures.

I cannot speak of this film without mentioning first the brilliant mind of Mike White. Not only did he accomplish the first challenge of this film ... writing it, but he also stole the entire film by also playing one of the leads, Buck. While most film watchers, sadly, will remember him as Jack Black's friend in School of Rock, his true talents are completely showcased in this film. He completely looses himself in this character and it is absolutely obvious to those of us watching the film. During all of this film, I never once saw Mike White, the actor, but instead I saw the character of Buck. That is a rare accomplishment in the acting world. Nine times out of ten in these types of films, you are handed moments where the actor or actress is simply themselves with a different type of voice. That is not the case with Mike White, he completely embodies his character. From the hand motions, voice, and even reactions, he is Buck. He is the character he has set out to play. This can happen because you can tell he is very compelled to this character. He is not into the story for the money, but instead to tell the story as honestly as possible. This was very obvious throughout the film. These actors, now directors and writers, placed their heart and soul into this picture, and it seeped through the television. This is truly one of those rare instances where you could see why people decide to make films.

While I wasn't overly impressed with the acting ability of Chris Weitz (since Mike White overshadowed him), he did help contribute to the overall scheme of the story. This is a thrilling tale, and it is difficult to see it as the comedy that IMDb has labeled. This was a completely human story told with such precise honesty and honor that I have no doubts that anyone that watches it will walk away with a different perspective. This wasn't your typical "stalker" film, there were so many different and deep layers to this story that you could easily watch it three or four times a day and still get caught up in a different aspect. I don't know if this makes sense or not, but there were moments when I could see the friendship, the insanity, and the sorrow. The ending brought the story full circle and really had me in suspense until the final moments. Nothing is handed to you right away, as the story develops, you are shown more and more until the utter power of this film is hanging on your own shoulders. It is deep and amazing, and I cannot stop using that word "amazing" enough.

Overall, I thought this was an exceptional film for 2000. I think that White should have been handed more and more acting roles throughout the years, but it still makes me happy to see him writing. This was a film about friends who never quite left their childhood years, and have been waiting for that one moment to close the door of to their past. This is not a film for everyone, but if chosen to explore will reveal some thickly layered characters with superb acting by Mr. White. This is a drama that carries relevance in today's society and will continue forever to be a cultural staple in the film world. I loved it, and hope others will see the powerful nature of Chuck & Buck.

Grade: **** out of *****

i was blown away by this movie. the guy who played buck was so dorky/creepy/loveable/hilarious/riveting that i was simultaneously feeling his pain and suffering skin-crawling squeamishness at the very sight of him.

plus, before the movie reached the shocker of the consummation in the motel room, there was something so distinctly unlikeable about the other guy, the so-called normal one. this was a smart move by the filmmakers. as an audience, we are made to feel that the hideous freak might actually be onto something when he asks whether chuck's job is really "real" and when he lumps chuck's fiancee in with chuck's possessions (e.g. car, house) while analyzing chuck's feelings about them.

there is something so pure and undeniable about poor buck's obsession -- about his utter defenselessness in the face of it -- that one can't help loving him. the shot of him at the wedding at the very end is simultaneously heart-breaking and improbably optimistic, i thought.

the casting of the guy who acted the role of chuck in 'the play within the play' was brilliant. so was the guy's performance. (it was an added, solondz-like bonus that we could literally see the shape of the man's penis thru his too-tight jeans during his audition in the community theater.)

equally spectacular was the scene in which buck offers a lollipop to a child actor and then stands by while the kid sets off a firecracker and nearly blows himself to bits.

i can't say enough good things about this movie. it was creepy in the very best way.

This is one of those movies that makes you laugh and squirm at the same time. Mike White's script and his impressive performance are the driving force behind the film. If you like smart dark comedy, I recommend this movie highly.

Mike White's strangely fascinating little movie is one of those rare masterpieces that hits all the right notes; there is not a moment in this movie that does not feel utterly real, it even looks like a grainy documentary, as if we are seeing something private unfold. Buck, a repressed, sad, obsessive man-child, cannot move past his childhood experiences with Chuck, his best friend. The turns that this story takes are alternately funny, touching, disturbing, and complex. Mike White's performances is extraordinary; it is a testament to his enormous talents that you leave this movie with a tremendous sense of feeling -- melancholy, sadness, even a little bit of hope. A complete surprise, and one of the best movies of the past year.

I loved this movie. It really made me think of my childhood and my best friend. It is hard to believe that as you get older, you realize how simple things are when you are a kid. I recommend this movie, highly, to everyone. Have fun:-)
The song in the movie, that runs throughout, is so weird, but catchy. Oodley, Odley, Oo!

From the moment the theme song, "Freedom of the Heart" (the "oodley, oodley, oodley" song) was played on the soundtrack over the opening titles, this film had me hooked.

No time was wasted getting us right into the story.

And for all the bizarreness showcased here, the acting -- indeed, the whole production -- is generally superb.

You will never see anything like Mike White -- as Buck -- in another movie. He plays this character with simple goofy honesty, doesn't round off the odd corners, and avoids the stupid "actorliness" which most Hollywood performers would bring to similar roles -- think Billy Bob Thornton in "Sling Blade", Tom Hanks in "Forrest Gump", etc.

The rest of the cast is consistently superb. Especially Lupe Ontiveros. She brings to her role a sensibility that is sadly missing from the work of many actors. She's not trying desperately to entertain us. She's just doing her job. And, sure enough, we're entertained. Amazing how that happens.

The casting of brothers Chris Weitz (as Charlie "Chuck" Sitter) and Paul Weitz (as Sam, (...) untalented, (...) with very grandiose illusions about his possibilities as an actor) is a wonderful touch. The characters need to be physically similar since Sam is selected to act the "Chuck" part in a play Buck scripts -- but these guys are terrific. Where Chris Weitz is all restrained cool and control, Paul Weitz hits the mark in every one of his scenes portraying Sam as (...) unabashed(,) he is without making the character into a caricature.

There are so many fine moments in this film. Director Miguel Arteta and company did a great job.

You get the feeling they made a genuine attempt to understand the story they were filming. That shouldn't be the sign of an exceptional film...but sadly it is these days.

"Chuck and Buck" (...)displays an astonishing amount of heart, compassion, and psychological savvy.

Sure, if you were relating the plot to someone, they might stop you and say, "What? Are you kidding me? Who would want to see a creepy film like that?" But they'd be wrong.

This film portrays the creeps -- and all of the characters -- as human beings. Disturbed imperfect human beings, yes. But human beings nevertheless!

This is a truly rare American film.

I must admit, I was a little put off by the newspaper reviews that I read about "Chuck & Buck". The subject of psyhological stalkers and arrested development are not two subjects that would appeal to a mass market. But, a friend of mine offered to loan me his DVD of the film. It took me a few days to get the nerve to watch it. All of my fears were unfounded. This is an incredible movie, which has a depth that is not found in conventional Hollywood movies. It makes no apologies, and is gritty and to the point.

Mike White, who plays Buck, helped write the screenplay for "Dead Man On Campus", which initially piqued my interest in this odd movie. I mean "odd" in a good way. I like quirky movies, and this is definitely one of them. Chris Weiz, who portrays Chuck, is also an underestimated talent. He co-wrote and co-directed "American Pie" and "American Pie 2". Besides the "Behind The Scenes" of "American Pie", I've never seen him until this movie. Both gentleman are not your typical beautiful Hollywood actors, which makes this movie even more enjoyable. I do believe everyone knows someone like Chuck and Buck.

The presentation of this movie reminds me of a mix of "I Shot Andy Warhol" and the lovely British film "Beautiful Thing". The lighting is very effective, considering this was filmed digitally. Many people will be turned off by the subject matter, which consists of sexual ambiguity and the apparent stalking of Chuck by Buck. I don't consider it stalking, really. I feel that Buck has suffered a great loss (his mother dying) and has been treated like a child his whole life, he needs someone to cling to who is familiar. Chuck has been Buck's pal since childhood. Chuck has moved on into adulthood, yet Buck has stayed childlike.

There are very fine performances by the supporting cast, most notably Lupe Ontiveros, who portrayed Yolanda Saldivar in "Selena". Finally she doesn't portray a stereotypical Latina, yet she portrays a very straightforward person, who sees what's going on between Chuck and Buck. Without saying a word, she speaks volumes with her face. But also, her dialogue is the funniest stuff you'll ever hear in an indie film. She's so abrasive and to point. What a breakthrough performance by such a highly underrated actress!

Hollywood should take note of movies like this. Even though the subject matter is tough to digest, it is one that could truly happen. Not all movies should have happy endings, and not all characters should be sweet and gorgeous. I love the dialogue of this film. It's almost ad-lib in the style of "Annie Hall" blended with Andy Warhol's "Trash". I believe that many will be shocked at the characters. Not that they are shocking in an odd sense, but shocking as in you will actually know these people. Everyone knows these characters, in some form.

I highly recommend this movie! It is one that you will want to see over and over, just to get a deeper sense on where these wonderfully conceived characters are coming from. This is indeed in my collection now. You will not be disappointed in the least if you love real, true, gritty and, in some way...great characterizations of true to life personaes.

Buy it, rent it, borrow it...just see it. It's a very very very satisfying movie.

Buck is a man who became developmentally arrested, in terms of social skills, shortly after his chilhood best friend (Chuck) moved away while they were still children. Mike White, the character who portrays Buck, actually wrote the screenplay. White also wrote for the short-lived television show "Freaks and Geeks" and it shows. There is an awkwardness and insecurity to Buck that was a veritable staple of the television show. "Chuck and Buck" goes a step further in that the awkwardness is relentless. You cringe as Buck (seemingly impossibly) outdoes himself each time he fails to read the social cues of those around him. His childhood friend, Chuck (who now goes by Charlie), is initially confused, then visibly frightened by Buck's adoration. What unfolds is amazing. The informal, almost documentary-like feel to the film is probably enhanced by the fact that the actors (with few exceptions) aren't really actors at all, but writers, producers, and directors. The exclusive use of video cameras lends to this feel as well.