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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific, Terrific - A quirky "on-the-road", dark triumph, December 6, 2002
Tunney plays a well-to-do, shoplifting misfit who is constantly trying to maintain while living with Tourettes Syndrome. Thomas is an equally awkward misfit (who coincidently also has a propensity for shoplifting), plagued by the tirades of his abusive father. Tunney and Thomas meet in a store and begin a friendship/romance as they venture out on a journey to acquire a "black Bobbie head" (i.e. comparable to the Barbie busts that you apply cosmetics to). This is one of those "on-the-road" type movies where the two main characters learn about each other through a series of mishaps, conversations and situational involvements. Thomas seems to tolerate Tunney's bizarre outbursts and fits of violence as much as she tolerates his embellishment of truths, his creepy quietness and his evident depression. In a nutshell, what started out as a well-intentioned and sweet-spirited quest, ultimately snowballs out of control and causes both characters even more grief and heartache than they started out with. Though they contemplate returning home, they carry on. Throughout the film, Tunney's symptoms grow relatively worse and her and Thomas find it increasingly difficult to acquire the medicines she needs to remain even - at one point they attempt to rob a pharmacy which faces them with a terrifying, narrow escape. They also meet a senile and somewhat eccentric gentleman who tries to help them out but Tunney's rage and illness (my guess is mostly fueled by jealousy as Thomas is extremely partial to the man)overtakes the situation sending the two into another downward trajectory. Admittedly, the ending was sort of a surprise (one which I digress to give away), but on the other hand, truly complimentary to the way the entire story was structured. If you are looking for something to warm your heart or tickle your funny bone, please don't pick up Niagara, Niagara. Actually, if you are easily disturbed or highly sensitive, this may also not be the best choice for you. I rated this movie "4 stars" out of five. I remember going into a little arthouse theater near where I live and seeing it with a boyfriend for the first time. I came away with that dumbfounded sense of startled excitement and wonderment that left me speechless some time afterwards. Mostly because this isn't one of those "happy" films that just glazes things over to make us as viewers feel better and being of the more misanthropic variety, I found this to be somewhat of a triumph. Tunney does one he** of a job as a serious actress. So if you like those quirky little cinematic masterpieces that offer more substance than filler - this might be one to add to your wish list.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great portrayal of a person with TS., May 23, 2000
By A Customer
When I first saw this movie it gave me chills because I started having memories of how I was treated in High School by the teachers, not my the other students, when they found out I have Tourette Syndrome. I have even had problems with some of my college teachers due to my TS. Robin Tunney's portrayal of a person with Tourette Syndrome was truly magnificent. The end mad me angry but it was an accurate portrayal of how someone with TS could be misconstrued being violent. This movie really shed some light on the misconceptions people have about Tourette Syndrome. I'm just glad Niagara, Niagara wasn't outrageous like some of the movies made in Hollywood that poke fun at Tourette Syndrome. All in all I thought Niagara, Niagara was an accurate protrayal of the behaviors that a person with severe Tourette Syndrome has. I do have to admit I thought the plot was kind of cheesy. But I still recccommend this film.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful but not a happy film, July 15, 2006
This movie is filled with pain, love and real emotion. It is not a happy ending movie, but is great nonetheless. Robin Tunney's acting is incredible.
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