Customer Reviews

Niagara Niagara [VHS]

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

When I first saw this movie it gave me chills because I started having memories of how I was treated in High School by the teachers, not my the other students, when they found out I have Tourette Syndrome. I have even had problems with some of my college teachers due to my TS.

Robin Tunney's portrayal of a person with Tourette Syndrome was truly magnificent. The end mad me angry but it was an accurate portrayal of how someone with TS could be misconstrued being violent. This movie really shed some light on the misconceptions people have about Tourette Syndrome. I'm just glad Niagara, Niagara wasn't outrageous like some of the movies made in Hollywood that poke fun at Tourette Syndrome. All in all I thought Niagara, Niagara was an accurate protrayal of the behaviors that a person with severe Tourette Syndrome has. I do have to admit I thought the plot was kind of cheesy. But I still recccommend this film.

Tunney plays a well-to-do, shoplifting misfit who is constantly trying to maintain while living with Tourettes Syndrome. Thomas is an equally awkward misfit (who coincidently also has a propensity for shoplifting), plagued by the tirades of his abusive father. Tunney and Thomas meet in a store and begin a friendship/romance as they venture out on a journey to acquire a "black Bobbie head" (i.e. comparable to the Barbie busts that you apply cosmetics to). This is one of those "on-the-road" type movies where the two main characters learn about each other through a series of mishaps, conversations and situational involvements. Thomas seems to tolerate Tunney's bizarre outbursts and fits of violence as much as she tolerates his embellishment of truths, his creepy quietness and his evident depression. In a nutshell, what started out as a well-intentioned and sweet-spirited quest, ultimately snowballs out of control and causes both characters even more grief and heartache than they started out with. Though they contemplate returning home, they carry on. Throughout the film, Tunney's symptoms grow relatively worse and her and Thomas find it increasingly difficult to acquire the medicines she needs to remain even - at one point they attempt to rob a pharmacy which faces them with a terrifying, narrow escape. They also meet a senile and somewhat eccentric gentleman who tries to help them out but Tunney's rage and illness (my guess is mostly fueled by jealousy as Thomas is extremely partial to the man)overtakes the situation sending the two into another downward trajectory. Admittedly, the ending was sort of a surprise (one which I digress to give away), but on the other hand, truly complimentary to the way the entire story was structured. If you are looking for something to warm your heart or tickle your funny bone, please don't pick up Niagara, Niagara. Actually, if you are easily disturbed or highly sensitive, this may also not be the best choice for you. I rated this movie "4 stars" out of five. I remember going into a little arthouse theater near where I live and seeing it with a boyfriend for the first time. I came away with that dumbfounded sense of startled excitement and wonderment that left me speechless some time afterwards. Mostly because this isn't one of those "happy" films that just glazes things over to make us as viewers feel better and being of the more misanthropic variety, I found this to be somewhat of a triumph. Tunney does one he** of a job as a serious actress. So if you like those quirky little cinematic masterpieces that offer more substance than filler - this might be one to add to your wish list.

This movie is filled with pain, love and real emotion. It is not a happy ending movie, but is great nonetheless. Robin Tunney's acting is incredible.

I love indie type movies, so when a friend of mine told me about this one I decided it was worth a try to check it out. I'm a fan of Robin Tunney from "The Craft" and "Empire Records" so I knew this was going to be a good movie. I definitely loved it. Robin's and Henry's performances made it well worth the watch. I would definitely reccommend this movie to those of you who like off-beat, kinda quirky movies. The movie starts off with the two main character's Seth and Marcie shoplifting from the same store. They end up meeting in the parking lot and so begins a...well... I'm reluctant to call it a love story. There's a lot of action in here as well as the "love story". Guys would like it for the periodical violence and girls would dig the quirky, off-beat romance. In all, this movie is definitely not a waste of money.

Some have said this film is too dark; I say that's the way life is. Way too many movies try to gloss over uncomfortable subject matter and try to leave us with the happy ending. This film richly displays these two disfunctional charactors with depth and unparalled suspension of disbelief. The film does give you a break from the dispair via numberous ironic misadventures which are hillarious and touching. If you really want a film that is dark and relentless try "Requiem for a dream", then you will really see dispair. This movie is a cheerful misadventure flick compared to that.

As a person with Tourette's disease, I was captivated by this film and find it one of the only movies I have ever seen that captures the real traumatic and emotional turmoil someone with this disease must endure. With the assistance of medications such as Klonopin and/or Haldol many of the symptoms of Tourette's can be masked and people living with this disease can lead a good life. Without the medication, symptoms such as head shaking, echolalia, and obssessive-compulsiveness can make even the toughest person lose all self-esteem. Imagine the taunting of other children and ignorant adults--it is enough to make me sick. For those of you out there who read this, remember please, that Tourette's isn't something someone wishes upon one's self nor is it something that is caused by alcoholism or drug abuse. It is as naturally occuring as being born with blond hair or ten fingers--unfortunately, it is something many people do not understand. This film gives the viewer a darker vision of the disease, yet it exposes the realities to those who know nothing of it. My only gripe about this film is the inevitable "Hollywood-cliche" ending that I will not divulge here. Oterwise, this is a wonderful yet disturbing movie that everyone should see. Andrew Gray San Antonio, Texas

"Niagara, Niagara" is a movie about sporatic lovers on the road, with the backdrop of a young woman who has, let's say "a more than mild" case of Tourette's Syndrome, which can cause strange and erratic behavior. Robin Tunney plays this character in a most chilling fashion, and saves this motion picture from mediocraty. {she won a "best actress" award in Italy for her role} Henry Thomas does an adequate job as the male lead, but Tunney is the star, here. Honorable mention goes to Michael Parks as a country bumpkin the couple meets who gives them aid and shelter. The ending is an anti-climax that the viewer does not expect, and may make one feel uneasy, but it is a realistic scene that one will not find surprising. The screenplay is a good idea that has different variations than other "road trip movies". Once again, watch this one for Tunney, because she is an impressive, young actress whose performances are improving with each role. flymanmt@hotmail.com

This movie is a real gem- its an incredible, moving experience. The acting attaches you to the movie and won't let go. Its certainly one of those rare movies that make you want to have other people see it with you sooooo badly.

I thought Bob Gosse, Robin Tunney, and Henry Thomas did an Amazing job with this film. It is what true independent cinema is about. Three cheers for The Shooting Gallery for making such a film.

Matthew Weiss was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for this screenplay. It was just a great movie experience. Tunney was truly great. Bravo TSG!!!!!!