10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Garofolo Steals This Movie..., September 9, 1999
This review is from: Sweethearts [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is a film for those who have been out on the dating scene and have HATED IT. Janeane plays the role of Jasmine, a manic-depressive on the verge of killing herself when she comes across a message from one of her personal ad "buddies" . Jasmine commits herself to one last date before she decides whether or not to end her life. It's one of those films that get deep under the skin, and transport you into the lives of two lonely single people reaching out to make a connection. I thought the dialogue was original and fresh and overall the acting was right on the money. If you want to see a film with sensitivity that doesn't meander into the mainstream, view this classic. You won't be disappointed.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally! A movie without a Disney ending..., August 10, 2000
This review is from: Sweethearts [VHS] (VHS Tape)
When I first saw that this movie was available on the shelves of my local video store, I grabbed it, plunked down my hard earned cash and ran home, giddy in the knowledge that I was about to see a very dark and disturbing film. See, one of the first things I noticed was that Ms. Garofalo herself was a producer, and that to me was a good sign. Finally a film where she could spread her creative wings and give her best performance. And I was not disappointed. While it's not Hamlet, this film breaks through the typical barriers and doesn't play by the same rules as other films do. And the biggest barrier of all is the notion that a film HAS to have a "Disney-esque" ending to be a good film.
And that's all I'm going to say about the ending.
The setting for this film is so simple, it's amazing. Apartment, coffee house, bathroom, roof, street. That's about it. And because the actors aren't fighting against scenery, you get to pay attention to what the characters are REALLY saying.
Garofalo brings a dark outlook on life that has only been really hinted at in her other films. (At least when you comare them to this one.) In addition, Margaret Cho and Bobcat Goldthwait only add to this film with their portrayals of innocent bystanders, caught up in the moment that is Jasmine (Garofalo) and Arliss (Mitch Rouse).
And what a moment it is. Emotional states ranging from anger, love, confusion, hate, misery and panic are just a few that are touched on. For anyone that has been in a similar moment, this movie is very real. The anger is right. The panic is right. And the love is right too, which might just be the hardest thing of all about this film.
See this film. Understand it. It will change the next date you have.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful and unexpected!, September 18, 2000
This review is from: Sweethearts [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This movie is just completely breathtaking. Not for those looking for a happy ending, but so completely powerful and poignant. Janeane Garofalo really shows her acting chops in this one. I have never seen an actor play a person with severe depression so completely. It's very touching and very true to the human experience. The characters in this movie are real people - as warped as they may seem. It's beautiful. Gives you something to think about for a long time after. This movie makes me want to shake Janeane's hand. Just a remarkable performance! This movie is a MUST-SEE for the Garofalo fan. Just don't expect it to be funny.
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