Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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128 of 134 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful thriller with a tender heart, July 4, 2000
If DVD is about anything at all, it's about rescuing worthwhile movies from undeserved obscurity. And Victor Salva's "Rites of Passage" (1998) is a GREAT movie, a textbook example of economy and precision, brimming with honest emotion and high quality drama. On the one hand, it's a wrenchingly powerful examination of a young gay man (Jason Behr, from TV's "Roswell") coming to terms with years of neglect at the hands of an abusive father (Dean Stockwell) who doesn't know how to communicate with him. And on the other, it's a hairy-chested thriller about a father and his grown-up sons (Behr and Robert Keith) who must set aside their differences when their visit to an isolated mountain cabin coincides with the arrival of two escaped convicts (James Remar and Jaimz Wolvett) who are searching for buried loot. These disparate strands are woven seamlessly into a satisfying whole, allowing gut-wrenching thrills to develop naturally from the emotional stand-offs which underline most of the featured relationships. A heavyweight cast rises to the challenge of Salva's extraordinarily complex script, and the film's technical construction simply cannot be faulted. It's a testament to all involved that the plot never becomes static or claustrophobic, despite the single isolated setting (the bulk of the film takes place in and around a mountain cabin during one particular night), and while the heroes and villains are clearly signposted, Salva's corkscrew plot encourages us to repeatedly question our understanding of the characters and their motivations. For all its action and suspense, this thriller has a tender heart and a vivid appreciation of human virtues and frailties.For some reason, the DVD appears to have been issued by two separate distributors - Wolfe Video and Bell Canyon - under two separate jackets. Wolfe's jacket reflects the film's compassionate nature by emphasizing its homoerotic qualities, while Bell Canyon's (much less effective) makes it look like just another direct-to-video potboiler ("A father and his two sons are about to spend a weekend in hell!" - yawn!). Bell Canyon's blurb refers only obliquely to the film's dependence on a gay subtext, presumably to avoid frightening the yahoo crowd. A sound economic strategy, or craven cowardice? You decide... The blurb also reveals a crucial plot twist which might otherwise leave you slack-jawed with surprise, so be warned. There's no mention of Dolby Digital anywhere on the disc, but the sound format is two-channel stereo, and the widescreen image is framed at 1.85:1. The print is achingly beautiful, which makes the disc's lack of anamorphic enhancement all the more regrettable. Salva and Behr provide an articulate, humorous, and hugely engaging commentary track which explains the origins of the script (rooted in Salva's own childhood with a difficult stepfather), the casting process, and a wealth of production details. Salva lavishes praise on all his collaborators, particularly on Behr whose superb performance is the crux of the entire film, to a point where Salva eventually becomes a little embarrassed by his own effusive compliments. To his credit, Salva's appraisals seems like genuine reactions to the consummate skill of his cast and crew, and it's left to Behr to point out the writer-director's own significant contribution to the movie's artistic success. The disc also includes a few deleted scenes which may have slowed things down had they been left in the movie, but which help to fully clarify the characters and their relationships within the narrative. Salva provides an optional commentary for these scenes, thereby explaining why the soundtrack goes dead in the middle of one particular deleted sequence. Wolfe and Bell Canyon provide all these extras on their respective discs, but sadly there's no trailer. DVD running time: 92m 28s. Bottom line: Rent it, buy it, or borrow it, even if it's just to drool over Jason Behr (!), but whatever you do, DON'T MISS IT. "Powder" proved that Victor Salva could work magic with a substantial budget, while "Rites of Passage" demonstrates his unique ability to create similar miracles with virtually no money at all. An absolute delight from start to finish.
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70 of 72 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great acting and wild suspense makes this movie a powerhouse, December 7, 2000
By A Customer
I admit to searching this title out because I am a huge Jason Behr fan, but I never expected to be so blown away by his acting skills. It's very nice to see him out of "Max's" skin. Behr's portrayal of the outcast son of a rather well off family is impeccable. Cambell, also is gay, and this is not accepted well by his father (Stockwell). Their all ready shaky relationship turns almost hostile due to Del Farraday finding his son in another man's embrace two Christmas' ago. Del apparently beat the boy, Billy, and threw him from the cabin. Behr gives his heart to this character, and it is so beautiful to watch. The cast is just amazing. Dean Stockwell has always been a favorite, and he plays the condescending, overpowering, father figure (with a heart) perfectly. The actor who plays DJ Jr., Robert Keith, was also wonderful. The tumultous relationship between these three men is wrenching to watch. James Remar, whom I had never heard of, was so good at being the slippery, bad guy, who had more tricks up his sleeve than really necessary. Frank is a master criminal, a dangerous man, and a slick liar, all rolled into a very strong character. His mere presence in the cabin with the Farraday family is a suspense filled effect. He mocks, he teases, he throws heated glances, and laughs so powerfully that it makes your bones cold. The obvious tension between Remar and Behr's characters is thick. His nonchalant attitude makes him hard to read, but no character is as they first appear. Between secrets that unfold and lies that are told, you never know what is going to happen next. The story has many different layers and subplots, however, they are all so written. They appear seemless. I have never been so glued to a screen before! I recommend this to anyone and everyone! Victor Salva has done it again. He was astouding with Powder. That was one of the most beautiful movies I have ever watched. Salva is a master at human nature and the human psyche. He repeats a wonderful performance with the story and actors behind Rites of Passage.
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22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jason Behr's best performance!, October 20, 2000
I bought this movie originally because Jason Behr was the star, and also because of it's theme. The movie deals with the struggle Campbell (Behr) who is recovering from the loss of his lover Billy, and the neglect of his father.I identified with Campbell, as I too have a turbulent relationship with my father; and have also lost my partner, so by the end of this movie I was drowning in my own tears. Behr plays the character Campbell extremely well, pushing his fantastic acting ability to the limits. He has such a fabulous way of expressing his emotions, and making you the viewer; have compassion for his character. The DVD is excellent, deleted scenes, one a personal fave, when Campbell goes to see his mother. Audio comments by director and Jason Behr, please buy this one!!
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