Customer Reviews

Hellcab [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

...Also known as "Chicago Cab," and based on the play of that name, Hellcab is one of those flicks that follows around a cab driver (Paul Dillon, a fantastic actor who looks like Flea, sounds like Flea two octaves lower, is as well-cast as Flea in the highly-underrated _Dudes_... well, you get the idea) as he picks up fares and wanders in and out of the lives of the passengers. Tight, funny, high-pitched. Small parts from Gillian Anderson, John Cusack (also one of the film's producers), and best actress 2000 nominee Julianne Moore in the kind of scene that makes us realize why she could be nominated for best actress. I mean, she's GOOD. My video store has this under horror, no matter how much I try to get them to change it. It ain't. Comedy/drama, and excellent comedy/drama at that.

This is one of those movies that you will think about the next day. Not a lot of action, but tense, thought-provoking drama. Reminds me of "My Dinner With Andre'" only in a cab. Lots of dialogue between the innocent cabdriver, played by Paul Dillon (whom I have never seen before) and the many wierdo passengers he picks up on the streets of Chicago. Dillon is also one of the producers and a remarkable actor. Not suitable for children under 15, because it lacks the effects and action younger viewers expect. However, this movie is well-acted and packed with morals and values. Excellent soundtrack with two songs by Pearl Jam. John Cusak,(Executive Producer) appears in the film with Michael Ironside, Gillian Anderson (X-Files), and others. I have a whole new respect for cabdrivers!

I just saw this movie tonight ... . This movie follows the dayof a Chicago cab driver, his passengers, and the brief glimpses of their lives, that make up his. There is no way that I can give you a synopsis of this movie without robbing it of it's genius. Just trust me. If you don't see this movie, you're seriously missing out.

HELLCAB ran for three minutes short of forever as a late-night play in Chicago. It featured Chicago rock'n'roll acting at its best: simple set, talented ensemble playing multiple parts, juxtaposition of drama and comedy, respect for a working person's perspective. The film retains much of this. Yes, instead of a handful of actors constantly slipping into different skins you have a larger cast playing a series of cameos -- but these are almost all acting gems. The cab driver becomes a representative of us in the audience: trying to make our way through a complex world without being swallowed up by it, trying to salvage moments of honor and grace in an environment oblivious to both. Would make -- yes -- a terrific companion piece to TAXI DRIVER.

I would have to admit that upon watching the first half hour of the film, I did wonder 'where is this going'? But beneath the eccentric characters, was a hidden message about anger, and the power to forgive yourself and others. The story is focused on a Chicago Cabbie, who is having what could arguably be called the worst day of his career. His fare is just seemingly crowded with loonie after loonie- including false exhibitionists, teenagers with pain- in- the- behind boyfriends, a

couple having a *very* personal argument, and just plain wierdos. The cabbie's day get's progressively worse, if that's even possible. Door handles fly off and huge headaches are on the agenda. But toward the very end, there's a very important fare which could possibly change the cabbie's entire point of view on Christmas and the value of love and belief. I know this may sound slightly strange and corny all at the same time, but the film really is quite interesting, even if

there are moments when one might turn away from the camera in embarassment. The all star cast includes Gillian Anderson ('The mighty', 'Playing by Heart', and 'House of Mirth'), Julianne Moore ('Hannibal,' 'Cookie's Fortune') and John Cusak ('High Fidelity', 'Being John Malkovic'). The characters are all played with a perfect mixture of bitter and sweet, and the idea is surely fresh and origional. If you're willing to watch strange plots, 'Hellcab' is for you.

I like john cusack and his movies, so yeah i think all the movies he makes are cool rock on man keep it up just wish i did not have to wait for them to come onto dvd all the time and only online since no store carries them

Okay, so I too rented this movie to see Gillian Anderson! I can admit that. However, I was not expecting to find such a fantastic video that I could fall in love with. Gillian is great, but the whole cast together is even more amazing. Let me just say - Julianne Moore is unbelieveable. So many characters broke my heart, Gillian and Julianne, and others made me laugh hysterically like Laurie Metcalf. The driver was the best by far though. An amazing actor with lots of talent. I will buy it as soon as that price drops a bit!!! Everyone should see this!!!

I love the movie Hellcab! It is so funny and has a great story...A-1! A friend and I rented it because Gillian Anderson was in it, but we ended up laughing all night. We even rewound it to watch certain scenes twice. (Laurie Metcalf, anyone?) Hellcab also has a darker side, with underlying themes about relationships, racism, and being true to yourself. Rent it today! :-)

Hellcab is an independent film based upon the play by the same name. Unfortunately, Vidmark must have thought the title meant it was a horror film and packaged it as such. It is not horror.

The story, what little there actually is, follows a hardworking and honest cabdriver during the Winter Solstice, the day with the longest night. A newspaper blurb points out that many cultures had believed the world would be swallowed by the cold and the dark.

The driver starts his day early by taking a family to church (on Thursday). After they try to convert him, his day progresses through high and lows and gives glimpses into the lives of dozens of colorful characters. From a pregnant woman, to a drunk lady who says she loves him; from druggies to lawyers; from jerks to generally nice people. We see all kinds climb into this cab.

But all is not rosy on this darkest of days. Many issues are looked at, especially racism. At one point the driver becomes scared of the South Side and heads North only to pick up a white guy who is his scariest customer of the day. But in the end, when he at what might be his lowest, the driver takes a fare from a man who offers him some sound advice.

Paul Dillon shines as the cabdriver. His excellent performance is backed up by such talents as Gillian Anderson, John Cusack, Michael Ironsides, Laurie Metcalf and Julianne Moore. While sometimes disturbing and sometimes touching, this is not a film you will forget.

This reminded me of a nonautistic version of American Splendor without being a mawkish predatory exploitive Hollywood take on working class American life like those South Boston accented movies.