32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sadly overlooked movie, December 27, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Floating [VHS] (VHS Tape)
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.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun, Spunky, & Cool.., September 7, 2002
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!
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
'Your Recommendations' Comes Through!, October 2, 2001
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.
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