Customer Reviews

Whatever [VHS]

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

 

 

Without a doubt, Whatever was the best movie I've seen in ages. It provides a shocking, yet realistic view of growing up - dealing with peer pressure, sex, drugs, parents, and despite it all, folowing your dreams. This is no fabricated, mass produced Hollywood flick about coming of age - where everybody is flawlessly beautiful and dressed in designer clothes. The portraits painted of the characters will indelibly stay with you. Whatever captures the experience of growing up better than any contemporary film. This is not a sugarey teenybopper film, so it might not be intended for all audiences. You still have to see it though! And for a sidenote: the soundtrack is wonderful and has a bunch of great 80s songs by the Ramones, Patti Smith, the Pretenders, and Iggy Pop.

This movie, believe it or not, is not about how much pot you can smoke, how much alcohol you can drink, or how much sex you can have. It's about testing the limits of oneself at a point in life where everything is unsure. Are your friends right for you? How far should you go to protect and love them? Ultimately, this is a tale of someone who must find out through actions what the right decision is for herself. Liza Weil is a wonderful actress and portrays Anna Stockard with perfection.

You could call it teen angst, or you could call it an exceedingly honest portrayal of being a teenager, or you could call it a bildungsroman. I am completely entranced by this film -- it is completely honest, if a tad blunt in scenes like Brenda (best friend) cooing over a baby, having sex with everything with somethin' hanging between his legs, and her boyfriend making fun of his sister's pregnancy all at once. Other more subtle references make this film what it is, a very powerful version of the all-american film of an all-american coming of age. In spite of the bluntness of such scenes and characters, the powerful sense of aloneness and simultaneous desire to be like everyone else is (namely happy) make this movie worth every minute. And, from out of nowhere, a John Prine cover, "Angel From Montgomery," thrown in amongst Stevie Nicks' and David Bowie's classic eighties pop, brings it all together for me.

Yeah! This movie was extremely accurate in depicting what it's like to be a teenager. Being a 16 year old teenager myself, I'm really tired of so many "teen movies" made today that are impossible for me to watch because of how unrealistic they are in every aspect, from parties to school. However, this one actually did a good job in showing what the life can really be like. It is a nice change from what's been out there.

this was an awesome movie. great acting. great story. great movie. what more could you ask? the movie was very true to the sh*tiness of life... and EVERYBODY can relate to that.

A great independent film with a real, honest performance from Liza Weill as a lower middle class teenager struggling to become an adult. The movie's sex and drug scenes are startlingly graphic, but ultimately what lets the audience connect with the characters and storyline.

I totally understand where the main character is coming from.
she needs to feel she can trust somebody but she also needs to feel like part of the crowd . I especially liked bob montano's performance in this film. He takes her and her best mate on a ride that makes her realise where she belongs.

Whatever, is one the best growing up movies I've seen in a long time. It shows the hardships of what a teenager goes through, the peer pressure, sex, drugs, school, and life. Liza Weil's character was someone who had substance and depth. She portrayed the rebellious girl well and I hope to see her in future movies. This movie is great for anyone how is or has grown up.

Low budget and lack of star power cannot diminish the beauty and sadness in this tale of best friends caught up in the wildness of "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" in suburban New Jersey. Both star Lisa Weil and Chad Morgan as her best friend, Brenda, give heartbreaking performances as High School Seniors coping with family dysfunction, abuse, and uncaring teachers. The main character is saved by her artistic ability and a mentor who encourages her to be the painter he failed to become. Her friend, Brenda, is not so lucky and ends up on the path to complete self-destruction. A very frank, unflinching, and unususal tale about the troubles GIRLS face in reaching adulthood.

A great, realistic portrayal of teen life. Liza Weil is fantastic as the lead. Funny and dramatic.