Customer Reviews

Sweethearts [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

"Sweethearts" was no comedy. Oddly I wasn't feeling comical when I popped it in. And what I found, was a wildly romantic drama. It was quite a twist from Janeane's normal roles. Sure, she was still dark and jaded, but there was something edgier about her performance in this film. Don't watch it alone. Or when you are really hyped about something. Take the time to watch it carefully, because it is enjoyable and deep.

Please look carefully at the director's name before buying. This Paul Thomas movie is actually an adult movie produced by Vivid and not a very good one at that. Luckily I only spent 5 bucks buying a used version and not $69. Oops! The Janeane Garafolo movie, Sweethearts, is directed by Aleks Horvat and it's almost impossible to find since it was never released.

Wow. I watched it on HBO yesterday, was just channel surfing, and it caught my attention because of how dark the film's setting was. And I haven't been so captivated by a movie in a long time. Garofalo is fascinating as a bipolar manic depressive. The man, Arliss (Rouse), turns out to be unusually complex.

It's a manic-depressive movie about a manic-depressive woman, and it takes you right along on the emotional roller-coaster that will let you feel the disorder first hand.

Feel like watching a really strong drama? This is it.

This movie was interesting with a very surprise ending. i had some trouble believing that the two lead characters created such an intense bond so quickly but hey, it's just a movie i guess. anyways, i'd recommend it, but it's definitely a darker film, not something to watch if you're looking for a laugh.

For some bizarre reason, this movie is classified either as a comedy or a romantic comedy everywhere you look. It's not, believe me! It's surprisingly sad. If anything, I'd put it under drama.

Without giving anything away, I'll tell you: don't watch this movie if you're prone to depression at all. It's great for wallowing while eating a pint of Ben & Jerry's though :-)

Sweethearts is about a manic-depressive woman changing the unrealistic expectations of a man looking for love. It's a poignant, yet desperate look at how love can develop in weird circumstances, and shake your value sytems afterwards. The main character is a man who places an ad with a dating service, and gets a respond from Jasmine. When they meet, he finds himself unable to leave (thanks to the prescence of a gun,and a death threat), then discovers he doesnt want to leave. For those expecting a tidy ending that leaves you feeling warm and mushy...beware. Margeret Cho co-stars as a waitresses bearing sage advice, with a liking for strong women with guns. Bobcat Goldwaith plays the part of the self pleasuring waiter always escaping to the bathroom.

I agree that labeling this film as a comedy or romantic comedy is a huge mistake, but it is a really good film. Janeane Garofalo goes beyond her eye-rolling, snippy sarcasm (although there is some of that for fans) to demonstrate real acting ability. Is it a perfect film? No. But few are. This is definately worth watching.