Customer Reviews

Stark Raving Mad

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have been looking for this one forever. I missed it in the theaters in the fall, but I was glad to see it on DVD.

First of all, Seann Scott FINALLY proves he can act. So much so that we might be able to forgive him for Bulletproof Monk. AND - he finally breaks out of that Stifler mold, probably because he finally had a good script to work with.

The producers and writers nailed this one. And speaking of producers -- this independent is brought to us by the guys who did Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, as well as Memento and Donnie Darko -- And Stark Raving Mad certainly lives up to it's predecessors. The film is neckjarringly fast and funny, and first time writer/directors David Schneider and Drew Daywalt make an unmistakably strong first impression of style and humor. The drawback to this film is that sometimes it is not sure if it wants to be a comedy or an action film, but that is also part of what makes it refreshing. It doesn't jam down your throat how you are supposed to feel as so many films do.

The film's strong points are definitely its intense sense of direction and pacing, and outstanding performances, especially by Scott and newcomer Timm Sharp, whose Lenny and George-esque relationship really carries the film.The irony is not lost on the intelligent viewer that the robbery goes a lost smoother than the bank robbery that it is set up to cover. There's an insane DJ, ex-girlfriends, horny raver girls, undercover feds, drug dealers, Chinese gangsters. And as a bank robber, Seann's character is not qualified to deal with these petty, ordinary problems.

Scott and Sharp do a convincing job playing compadres and the jeopardy they are in is at times, terrifying ( note the knife to the eyeball scene with the Chinese Gangsters). The pace and the comedy are nonstop, and it feels kind of like an American version of Snatch, but much funnier and with better characters.

Along with a strong sense of visual intensity, the soundtrack is relentless and chunky, scored entirely by DJ John Digweed and Nick Muir. It really gives you the feel of being in a rave. Not since Human Traffic has there been such a successfully cool mix of film and dance music.

This is a must rent and I give it four stars out of five.

Peace.

I rented this one last night because nothing else looked good. I hadn't heard of this Seann william Scott Film, nor of the directors Daywalt and Schneider, but I had heard of the producers -- who were the guys who not only did Pulp Fiction, but also the folks that brought us Memento, so I decided to give it a try.

Well I'm not sure what happened to this movie after it was made, but it was certainly not intended for direct to DVD. I'll just say that it was a FANTASTIC film. The best one I've seen this year. The screenplay was strong, the main character was a new kind of strong jawed hero for Seann Scott to be playing, ( and he did it quite successfully, I might add), the characters were hysterical when they needed to be, and dangerous when they needed to be.

The editing was MTV style, but not in your face or over the top like in LOCK STOCK, SNATCH or CONFIDENCE - this was more justified and stylized - more like FIGHTCLUB I guess, than any other film. the cinematography was awesome, and when I listened to the commentary track with the two directors and Seann Scott, they mentioned that the whole film was done in 21 days. Kudos to them, because this little underdog of a film is an awesome find, and a testament to the fact that just because a film doesn't have powerhouse marketing behind it, does not mean it's not a great little film.

SRM is the directors' first film and it's darn good on it's own merits. Do yourself a favor and rent this one. It's a joy and a nice surprise.

FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS overall and FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS for a direct to DVD.

This film really delivers.

This was a really fun movie to watch. Sean William Scott has the potential to be a solid leading man. The movie had the right combination of humor, "coolness", and tension, plus great characters. I agree, it's predictable in parts, but usually in the "oh no...I know what's going to happen and it isn't going to be good!" kind of way. It's used as a plot device and works great! I found it to be different than most movies on the market with the choice of actors cast in it (and their characters), the rave in all its glory (the techno, the girls, the DJ!, the dash of violence), and the underlying "bank robbery" plot. It's different. Watch it!

I love a movie with a great techno soundtrack. This movie has that. The movie moves along to the beat and never gets boring.
You can not go wrong with a movie that includes a bank heist, techno music, scantilly clad women, and chinese gangsters.

Never heard peep about it in the news, online or in previews at the theater but it was way better than the crap that Hollywood's been shoveling out onto the teen market -- finally a movie where the dialogue reflects how real young people really talk. Great story, greatt dialogue. And Seann William Scott is awesome, again. So is Timm Sharp and Dave Foley. Excellent film which I'm sure is on it's way to cult status. All grreat unheralded films go there.

Rent this movie. you won't be sorry.

This was one of those movies we rented without ever hearing anything about. We did not know what to expect and we loved it!!! Seann W Scott finally showed us some talent, just as the rest of the cast.
The movie is about this group of people that plan on robbing a bank, right next to a night club. They have a huge party, or better a rave, at the club to keep the noise level high so they can rob the bank.
It's a really fun movie, fast paced, very entertaining.
I recommend

From Lawrence Bender, the producer of PULP FICTION, RESERVOIR DOGS, and KNOCKAROUND GUYS comes STARK RAVING MAD.

Its really to bad this didnt get more attention in the theaters because its a fun movie. I got the DVD from Australia a while back. Seann William Scott proves he can be cool and proves he doesnt have to be Stifler in every movie he's in. In this one he's more of a tough guy and its a nice touch. Id like to see him do more work in films like this one. After all, BULLETPROOF MONK wasnt his fault.

For fans of the hesit/crime genre I strongly recommend it.

It's a heist movie. If you like that kind of thing, you'll probably like this movie. I had a lot of fun with it. It's got some twists and turns, but nothing earth shattering. Just a fun movie that missed theaters (I'm guessing). Relax and enjoy!

Just saw a bootleg and can't wait to buy the official version. Dave Foley is his funniest and Sean Scott is pretty funny too. Very Visual and the music and editing are the best I think I have ever seen/heard..Definitely a recommend.

I am astounded that this movie was not on general release, the movie has fantastic pace, great comedic moments and a wonderful cast - surely a surefire hit? This is one of the best movies that I have seen lately and sure allows Sean William Scott to showcase his acting ability (and he can really act) - and it is nice to see him in a role unrelated to Stiffler (as much as we love stiffler). Stark Raving Mad may be a little bit predictable in places but still is a fantastic story, with fantastic music and fantastic actors. Well worth a look!