Customer Reviews

Smiley Face

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

For fans of Harold & Kumar, Half-Baked, Cheech and Chong, etc. this film may hold limited appeal. It doesn't star buddy-buddy man-boys, it isn't very sexist or homophobic, and it has humor, references and film technique that occasionally rise above the level of a sit-com. What it also has is an absolutely brilliant central performance by the eternally-underrated Anna Faris, who would be this generation's Diane Keaton if anyone in Hollywood understood what to do with her.
Gregg Araki revisits many of the themes of his career from a totally fresh and unexpected perspective. It's not realistic or terribly meaningful and it isn't supposed to be. It's just pure, delicious fun.

I've read some comments elsewhere that claim this film is anti-drug: ridiculous. Jane's actions have consequences but she doesn't seem particularly upset by it in the end. Every weed-movie of recent years including all those I mentioned above have featured people getting busted, cops, moralism, paranoia, and unrealistic hallucinations/behaviors to some degree. The only difference here in terms of content is that it stars a woman and is entirely about her experience. If you find that bothersome it might be worth asking yourself why.

I can't understand why so many people have panned this movie. Anna Farris did a great job of playing someone who was way stoned. The movie was a fun adventure. Are you all pissed 'cause it isn't Casablanca? It's not supposed to be; it's a day in the life of a stoner. You get it now? I love this movie.

Smiley Face is a great, funny, and stimulating change of pace from the normal stoner comedies. Yeah, sure it's exaggerated, but the best ones ARE! ^_^ Wonderful, funny movie. Jane Lynch rocks it! Anna Faris is the new face of Comedy.

This was one of the better movies I have seen lately. The star is a gal who grows on you throughout the movie. She is darling and funny as all get out. Just a light, funny, enjoyable laugh. Had to put it in my collection.

I rarely buy films but I'm buying this hilarious-leave-your-brain-at-the-door movie because I know every few years I'll put it on with friends and LAUGH. The lead actress, Anna Faris, is a talented physical comedy actress - something that's difficult to do well. She can be both over-the-top and understated all at once. If you hate the idea of anyone smoking marijuana than this film is not for you. Otherwise, a joy.

This was one of the most ridiculous, pointless, repetitive and funniest movies I've ever seen. Anna Faris is at her stoniest possible. I don't do drugs, but let me say, this movie will mess you up.

What a shame that First Look Pictures has relegated Smiley Face to the direct-to-DVD heap. As a fan of the gifted Anna Faris (at last being given a role that really lets her spread her wings as an actor), I have been looking forward to the theatrical release of this film for months. Anna and her talented co-stars, and the wonderful director Gregg Araki, have been robbed. Advance word of mouth on Smiley Face has been fantastic on the festival circuit and by critics who have seen the film in previews. And I've got to believe that the film would easily earn back whatever investment First Look would have put into distributing it theatrically -- with Anna, Jon Krasinski, Adam Brody....how could it lose? Yes, it's a real shame, that's for sure.

I'll admit that deciding on a star rating for this film was pretty difficult. As someone who has never gotten high and never tried pot, I didn't think I would relate to this film. Surprisingly though, I found this movie hilarious and spot on. It's particularly accurate in its portrayal of the typical American college graduate 20-something. No, not all 20-something sit around at home collecting unemployment and smoking from a bong, but many are feeling isolated, paranoid, and altogether confused and scared about joining the "real world." This film manages to deliver the story in a very jumpy manner, alternating between flashbacks, playbacks, foreshadowing, voiceovers, and imaginary scenes. Yet, it somehow makes the drugged-out feeling more accurate, more legitimate.

At the end of the day, this film only works because Anna Faris delivers her lines with believability and aplomb and superior comedic talent than she's illustrated before.

I know it's not that appealing for those who have never smoked, but for those who have or have known those like Jane.....this movie will make you laugh straight from the belly. It could be better, but its pretty damn good compared to what else is out there, and for my money, much funnier than Harold and Kumar . Anna Faris is hysterical, a true comedienne,..I have loved her since Scary Movie and will continue to search out movies with her. She carries the whole film, which would not be even half as funny without here (and the same can be said of Scary Movie). I can't wait to see THe House Bunny. I have caught Smiley Face on cable several times already, and I have to say, as much as certain scenes get old, it still provokes laughter in certain parts, and that to me is the hallmark of a great comedic movie....if you still laugh after repeated veiwings. Love, love the part in the sausage factory, and with the prof's mom! So INSIDE!

On the surface, this is a stoner comedy that keeps your attention with massive hijinx. But notice that people can't seem to agree whether it's hilarious if you're stoned or demonizing to loser potheads or just unfunny. The people who have said they found this movie depressing are on to something. It's also about social ineptitude and isolation, and a person with intelligence and charm who is hurting and losing control.