Customer Reviews

Pups

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

In the past twelve years are so, there has appeared a spate of good movies that proved to be a minor revolution of sorts. In effect, they dragged that frustratingly enigmatic 10 to 15 year-old age group out of the Pollyanna era of easy stereotyping and presented the youngsters dwelling there as real, sentient human beings. Not only did they present youthful characters who were quite human in their thoughts, drives, ambitions, decisions, and dialog, but they were cast with youthful actors of real substance, who could stand up with the best of adults in the profession. "Emma's Shadow", "Leon", "Bastard Out of Carolina", "Ellen Foster", "The Mighty", "The Cure", "Lawn Dogs", "Digging to China", and "Tumbleweeds" are a few such daring offerings. Unfortunately, most of these pictures, being independents, made-for-tv productions, or controversial in content, received little public recognition or theatrical exposure.

"Pups" follows the pattern in three ways. The two middle-school aged kids in this movie certainly have to be taken seriously. Sure they acted impulsively and irresponsibly; kids who would decide on the spur of the moment to rob a bank are not acting responsibly. Adults have been known to choose as bad or worse actions, and for even less reason. Obviously, there were situations in Stevie's life that seemed to lead him in that dangerous direction. And obviously, even before he found his mother's gun, you were given to know that on this particular day Stevie was a disaster looking for a place to happen. And even though Rocky joined him in his dangerous acts because of her attachment to him, you were given to know she did so reluctantly (girls have been known to do that kind of thing in the adult world too). That she would get caught up in the thrill of the adventure and power of it all is quite human as well, which made the situation the scarier since it seemed she might represent the only hope for a rational resolution. FBI agent Daniel Bender (Burt Reynolds) grew to be quite concerned for Stevie and Rocky as kids, and he struggled desperately to keep them from getting hurt; but he didn't seem to know how to relate to them as thinking and feeling humans.

"Pups" also follows the trend of those other revolutionary movies by getting very little public exposure. Real-life tragedy interceded too dramatically.

Finally, "Pups" follows the pattern by casting in the roles of Stevie and Rocky two young actors of consummate skill. Cameron Van Hoy is remarkable in his first major role, and Mischa Barton adds another great performance to her already impressive acting history (check out her stunning reading of the role of the complex Devon in "Lawn Dogs").

This is as powerful a movie as you'll ever see, possibly too powerful for some. But if for no other reason, I recommend you see "Pups" for the excitement of watching a pair of outstanding young actors in action.

Some people are probably put off by this movie, since most people seem to prefer the fairy-tale world a lot of films create. You won't see any of that in "Pups". What's really unique about this film is it's similarity to reality; it gives the film an almost documentary-like feel, without taking away the emotional aspects. You can really feel for the characters-- whether you love them or hate them, this movie definitely inspires emotion. I would recommend "Pups" to anyone who isn't offended easily and who doesn't mind a movie that requires you to actually use your brain a little.

Pups is an entertaining and what i found thrilling movie. Newcomer Cameron Van Hoy does an excellent job as the very troubled Stevie, who has been left at home by his mother who is at a seminar (?) somewhere. When he stumbles upon his mothers loaded gun he brings his girlfriend Rocky (Mischa Barton) on a crazy ride. On impulse Stevie walks into a bank and starts waving the gun around. Soon we have a hostage situation and there are cops buzzing around everywhere. Burt Reynolds does a fine job as the reasoning FBI agent. This movie is not a classic but it does have some very good moments/scenes and overall it definatly isnt bad. The constant screaming of Stevie gets a little tedious but all adds to the effect of the panic one would be feeling in such a situation. I think Mischa Barton is great in this movie, Im a huge fan of hers. The ending is sad and my mouth dropped open in shock, call me an idiot but i wasnt expecting that! Rent this movie if you're bored one day, it makes for fine viewing.

I found Pups on HBO one night when I was channel surfing through my satellite guide. At first I didn't want to watch it then I really did. I turned it on and I loved the movie. When they rob the bank I realize how much guts Stevie has. I'm surprised that Rocky went along with it to. The movie was great and is now my 2nd favorite movie. I cried at the ending because it's so sad and romantic. I hope you like the movie as much as I did!!

i think that this is one of the best movies that displays the true thoughts and mind setting of an average american teen

Many critic's took an extra amount of their time to view Pup's, and most of them liked it.

Two kids decide to hold up a bank. No specific reason, just because it's there. The boy, Stevie, is the leader of the two. He whips his dad's pistol out of his backpack and barges into the bank forcing everyone to the floor. Rocky, his girlfriend, remain's hesitant at first, but is soon enjoying a pleasure that she had never experienced: being on television. It may seem horrible that a film about youngster's holding up a bank even exist's, but Ash has directed a lyrical justice needing to be seen.

You must understand why the movie was made at all; to shock and baffle. In a time where children are shooting down school hall's and killing their parent's, Ash's film gave me a new insight to the kid's point of view. What flow's through the strained mind of a child that doesn't care if he blows away a security guard? Rocky is very disturbed, and at the same time very innocent.

Burt Reynold's shows up on the scene amidst a swarm of cops as the nagotiator. He blast's hateful word's out at Rocky and Stevie so fast that his tongue and lips can barely support the cigarette hanging from his mouth. His problem's range from the bank - to home. (His wife call's him every 15 second's and he blast's her too.)

Some have said that Pup's was too long. How silly is that!

Another problem that someone complained about, was the fact that the hostages could have "taken out" the kids by snapping their neck. The person that said that didn't understand the relationship quickly developed between the kids and those held captive by them.

this is a great movie. it shows what kids really think. Stevie(Camaron Van Hoy)is a great actor and acts really realistic in this movie.
I thought it was great and i can't wait to see it again!!!!!!

This is a cool movie, Mischa Barton as Rocky is great and her boyfriend Stevie is alright. This is just one of those movies that just kickass. You'll enjoy it if you've seen Mischa's movies Lost and Delirious and Lawn Dogs as well as her small part in Tart.

The ending has a small suprise if you pay close attention to the beggining. There's also some great hostages my favorite was Joy who decided to smoke a joint while being held hostage

One of the most addle-brained movies I've ever encountered. But I could watch Mischa Barton all day long.

when I was twelve, flipping though the channels I stumbled upon PUPs though I didnt know what it was called then. I knew I really liked the movie and was bummed I never knew what it was called or who it was with, imagine my surpise when I found out it was with Misha Barton who is an talented actress. Then About a month ago I remembered A movie where two teens who robbed a bank and who kept me interested til the very end; I wrote the storyline of the movie and I found it. I can't believe it took me 12 years to remember but im glad I did. I would suggest it to everyone to watch it. Minors watch with parantal advision but adults though its teens it is amazing and keeps you guessing, The only I didn't like was the ending but overall my all time fave movie.