Genres

Visitors Review

2013-05-15 12:56:56

Strange...but good.

Before watching this movie I thought Heather Graham and casey Affleck - thats got to be good...and it was. I expected it to be better in the sense that the story could have been more in depth and it needed to flow faster. Aside from that the cast were great - watch out for Goran(ER) as the guy who sits with Heather Grahams character while she watches her husband - its hilarious. Committed tackles the issue's of marriage and painful break-ups but with a comedic style that really works. This movie is really good....but I'd only really recommend it if you like Heather Graham or Casey Affleck, otherwise pick it up at your rental store or catch it on TV.

2013-05-14 20:01:31

Engaging Film from Lisa Krueger

Some people drift through life, moving from one thing or one person to the next without batting an eye; others latch on to a cause, another person or a principle and remain adamant, committed to whatever it is-- and figuratively or literally they give their word and stand by it. But were all different, Made of different clay, as one of the characters in this film puts it, which is what makes life so interesting. Some people are just plain crazy, though-- and maybe thats the way you have to be to live among the masses. Who knows? Who knows what it takes to make things-- life-- work? Writer/director Lisa Krueger takes a shot at it, using a light approach to examine that thin line between being committed-- and how one gets committed-- and obsession, in Committed, starring Heather Graham as a young woman who is adamant, committed, obsessive and maybe just a little bit crazy, too. Her name is Joline, and this is her story.Admittedly, Joline has always been a committed person; in work, relationships, in life in general. Shes a woman of her word who sticks by it no matter what. And when she marries Carl (Luke Wilson), its forever. The only problem is, someone forgot to tell Carl-- and 597 days into the marriage, hes gone; off to find himself and figure it all out. When Joline realizes hes not coming back, she refuses to give up on him, or their marriage. Maybe its because of that clay shes made of. Regardless, she leaves their home in New York City and sets off to find him, which she does-- in El Paso, Texas, of all places. But once she knows where he is, she keeps her distance, giving him his space and not even letting him know shes there. She considers Carl as being in a spiritual coma, and its her job to keep a spiritual vigil over him until he comes to his senses. And while she watches and waits, her life is anything but dull, as she encounters a young woman named Carmen (Patricia Velazquez), a waitress at one of the local eateries; Carmens Grampy, (Alfonso Arau), who is something of a mystic; T-Bo (Mark Ruffalo), a truck driver who has issues concerning Carl; and Neil (Goran Visnjic) an artist who makes pinatas and takes a fancy to her. For Joline, its a journey of discovery, during which she learns a lot about Carl, but even more about herself.Theres a touch of humor, a touch of romance, and some insights into human nature in this quirky film that is more about characterization and character than plot. And Krueger presents it all extremely well, delivering a film that is engaging and entertaining. Her characters are very real people, with all the wants, needs and imperfections that make up the human condition; a rich and eclectic bunch through which she tells her story. We see it from Jolines point-of-view, as Krueger makes us privy to Jolines thoughts and therefore her motivations, which puts a decided perspective on the events as they unfold. That, along with the deliberate pace she sets that allows you to soak up the atmosphere and the ambiance she creates, makes for a very effective piece of storytelling. Theres an underlying seriousness to this subject matter, but Krueger chooses to avoid anything heavy-handed or too deep and concentrates instead on the natural humor that evolves from the people and situations that Joline encounters. And the result is a well textured, affecting and upbeat look at that thing we call life.Heather Graham takes hold of this role from the first frame of the film to make Joline a character totally of her own creation. She immerses herself in the part and gives a performance that is convincing and believable, adding the little personal traits and nuance that makes all the difference between a portrayal that is a mere representation of a person, and one that is real. And for this film to work, it was imperative that Joline be viable and believable-- and Graham succeeds on all fronts. Her screen presence has never been more alluring, and her vibrant personality or even just the way she uses her eyes, is enough to draw you in entirely. its all a part of the character she creates; theres an appeal to Joline that exudes from her entire countenance, who she is inside and out. Shes a likable, agreeable person, and because youve shared her innermost thoughts, you know who she is. Its a good job all the way around, beginning with the way the character was written, to the way Graham brings her so vibrantly to life.As Carmen, Patricia Velazquez is totally engaging, as well. Her performance is very natural and straightforward, and she uses her instincts to effectively create her character. She has a charismatic presence, but is less than flamboyant, and it gives her an aspect that is attractively down-to-earth. She is refreshingly open and up-front; you get the impression that Carmen is not one to hold anything back, but is totally honest on all fronts, and that, too, is part of her appeal. And, as with Joline, this character is well written, and Velazquez brings her convincingly to life.Overall, there is a number of notable performances that are the heart and soul of this film, including those of Luke Wilson, Casey Affleck (as Jolines brother, Jay), Goran Visnjic, Alfonso Arau and especially Mark Ruffalo as T-Bo, who, with very little actual screen time, manages to create a memorable character.The supporting cast includes Kim Dickens (Jenny), Clea Du Vall (Mimi), Summer Phoenix (Meg), Art Alexakis (New York Car Thief), Dylan Baker (Carls Editor), and Mary Kay Place (Psychiatrist). A film that says something about the value of stepping back to consider The Big Picture-- reflecting upon who we are, where were going and what we really need-- Committed is an enjoyable experience; a ride definitely worth taking.

wendifm 2013-05-12 11:20:21

touching, clever

people seem to not like this movie, but I myself rather enjoyed it. Ilikedthe way it delved into her ability to have faith in everyone, and it'slighthearted look into what faith is and when does it go too far. maybeitwasn't very deep, but it was enjoyable to watch, enough so that I've seenita couple times in the last year, and recommended it to friends. sometimesIthink there are a lot of people out there who don't like movies that taketheir time and look at anything other than straight ahead romance orstraight ahead action. this isn't really a romantic film. it's more of acharacter study. don't get too carried with the borderline new agespirituality, but enjoy it for what it is, an interesting view of oneperson's life that doesn't take itself too seriously.

2013-05-11 23:09:43

*As Comitted As Can Be!*

It is an okay movie.Shows what one person will do to keep her word.It does keep you watching to see what happens.

davideo-2 2013-05-08 05:48:34

It takes commitment to sit through the whole of this!

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For AMealInstead*Avoid At All CostsThe indeed very beautiful Heather Graham is the only thing this totallymisguided flick has going for it.The comedy scenes don't work and the storyhas no focused structure.But Heather gives an engaging performance thatjustmanages to hold your attention throughout.**

weberpr 2013-05-07 18:26:41

Committed

Committed stars (Heather Graham) along with (Casey Affleck) and (LukeWilson). Its the story of Joline who is determined to find herex-husband who is in the process of a mid-life crisis. Committed was not at all what I expected it was lacking in comedy whichwas ultimately the genre. It was beyond stupid and un-realistic, CaseyAffleck delivered a reasonable performance, Graham's recent roles havebeen lack-luster and this is not an improvement.Graham's most recent role was Blessed which I also found misleading anddidn't appeal to me at all.Pros AffleckCons Predictable, Unrealistic, Poor Acting and not a comedy movie!

sebastian_valmont 2013-04-20 07:47:03

Quirky but boring

A ditzy girl (yes, ditzy is about as complex as her character gets) won'ttake no for an answer and does quirky things to get her husband back. It'stoo far-fetched to be believable with such flimsy characters going throughthe motions. But not far-fetched enough to be fascinating in the way thatsay, Being John Malkovich, was. So it ends up boring.sv

my-popcicle 2013-04-19 20:23:31

***SPOILERS here***Cute and a little pathetically sad...

Heather Graham was awesome in this movie. She played her role so well.My favorite part was the part where she got mugged on the side of theroad. Go Heather, get'em!!! I absolutely loved that part-- especiallyhow she was so nonchalant, "give me my purse." hahaha My next favoritewas the banana in the gas tank. :D hahaha Have you ever gotten so pistthat you WANTED to do something like that but never did?Other than that, I think the "commitment" was just sad. Funny how someof us do think we love someone to the point where we leave ourselves inthe dust. Even when you have someone who does love you right in frontof you! I really feel that it isn't wrong to love someone, but if youlove them to that point, you really don't love them. Instead, you'rejust scared of being alone. I'm glad she finally got it in the end.

spicy-4 2013-04-17 19:02:54

See this for the ensemble...

Don't hate Heather Graham because she's beautiful, hate her because she'sfun to watch in this movie. Like the hip clothing and funky surroundings,the actors in this flick work well together. Casey Affleck is hystericaland Heather Graham literally lights up the screen. The minor characters -Goran Visnjic {sigh} and Patricia Velazquez are as TALENTED as they aregorgeous. Congratulations Miramax & Director Lisa Krueger!

Tony1964 2013-04-17 17:12:34

Underrated, Beautiful Movie

This is a truly great and beautiful movie. The underlying theme of thismovie is the innocent child (Heather Graham as Joline) struggling to makeher naive wishes for how the world should be make sense while beingincessantly beaten down by the real world. It's not an unhappy movie,though- exactly the opposite. It's a funny movie with a sad side, but justthinking about the movie makes me feel so happy. Near the beginning of themovie, beautiful, vulnerable Joline confronts a drug addict attempting tobreak into her friend's car. She reasons with him, convinces him to seekhelp, and gives him $30 as a start. At the end of the movie, he reappearstopay her back, explains that he is off drugs, doing well, and he thanksher.I can hear the cynics groaning. Of *course* that would never reallyhappen.This movie doesn't take place in the real world. It takes place in theworldwe wished we lived in. The sad part is realizing we don't live there. Thehappy part is knowing there are people wishing we did.

2013-04-15 22:11:39

Best Comedy of the year!

This is another example of an independent film that depends on inexplicable behavior from its characters to mind humor and drama. As usual, it fails miserably. Heather Graham stars as a woman who will do anything to keep her marriage intact. This includes stalking her husband once he has left her. The movie is a complete mess. IT never decides what it is. Characters come and go for no apparent reason. Luke Wilson as the husband is attractive, but he's given nothing to do. There's a romantic subplot involving ER's Goran Visnjic, but that goes nowhere. Visnjic is the best thing in the movie. His car seat seduction of Graham is the best scene in the movie. However, This movie is a real mess.

Sam-285 2013-04-15 10:28:20

Good movie

This is an unusual movie in that Jolene (the wife) uses positive andconstructive solutions most of the time yet it is also quiterealistic.The title "Committed" has is intentionally ambiguous. It refers to bothbeing committed, as in to her husband and to things, and to being put intoan institution. I am grateful that the institutional commitment is not asmuch of the movie as I was hoping it was not. The movie is more of anadventure than anything else I think.

2013-04-14 06:28:59

Quirky and Cute

Okay, first of all I loved this movie, and Heather Graham definetly plays her role well.Yeah the movie is a little on the strange side but it is still awesome. This movie will definetly keep a smile on your face whether your laughing at Joline (Heather Graham) or with her. Basically it's a story about a woman who is so utterly commited to her vows to her husband that she'll do anything to keep him safe and sound. All the characters you meet along the way are awesome!! Gotta love the friendly neighbor of her husband played by ER doctor, Goran Visnjic. Just trust me on this one you'll love it. If you don't buy it, rent it, or borrow it, just watch it once. Luv it or hate it all you want. I luved it!

alpha_female 2013-04-14 00:22:34

Makes a good 3-in-the-morning-late-night-snack-can't-sleep-film

I saw this film right in the middle while going through a breakup. Itwas about 3 in the morning and I was battling insomnia with a quicksnack. It wasn't too bad at the time, but every time I have tried towatch it since, I can't get into it like I did that night.At the time I thought it was cute and I loved the variety ofcharacters, though they totally could have done better than Goran V, inmy opinion. But the one thing that kept me watching was Heather'scharacter and her sad "commitment" to her husband who didn't want heranymore, which made me feel sorry for her and root for her at the sametime. (Considering I was in a similar situation at the time, perhapsthat's why I liked her so much.) Not a bad film, but you pretty muchhave to be somewhere near the character romantically in order toappreciate it, and let's hope you never are.

2013-04-11 09:09:43

Committed should Never have been Permitted

COMMITTED is pretty much a movie without a story or at least a story I was able to follow. Heather Graham does nothing here that would attract anyone's attention providing that she even could. Graham seems to have flaunted her talents in obscure and nondescript films such as this. Don't bother checking this movie out because you may have yourself committed after seeing it. By the way, the cover should really give you a clue don't you think?

2013-04-11 01:27:47

not a good movie

This review is from: Committed (DVD) i purchased this dvd for a good price from a good seller, but i hate to say that the movie was a junk.

2013-04-10 12:02:12

Refreshingly offbeat!

I need somebody to explain to me why uninteresting, predictable, so-called "romantic comedies" like "Runaway Bride" are successful, and a movie like this can't find an audience. Admittedly, Heather Graham's past performances have been nothing to write home about, but she blossoms in this role a young woman who's genuinely trying to figure out her life. Graham is hugely appealing and shows real comic timing. The script is great, the supporting cast (including Casey Affleck, Goran Visjnic, and Patricia Velasquez) is talented and funny, and, perhaps most delightful, the film is unpredictable--unlike a lot of more mainstream movies, you honestly can't tell what's going to happen until it does. I see "Committed" as the more offbeat, intellectual, American version of "Bridget Jones's Diary" (which I also enjoyed), and I recommend it to everyone in the mood for something different and refreshing.

boviemuff 2013-04-10 04:42:19

A movie with a lot of heart

Joline (Heather Graham) sets out after her husband Carl (Luke Wilson)who disappeared to clear his head about himself and their marriage.Joline, who is committed to their marriage starts her journey to findCarl, yet on the way discovers a lot about herself. On her trip sheencounters a bountiful of interesting characters who unknowingly helpher find her way.In my eyes this is a classical road movie, which moves just at theright pace (some viewers may find it too slow). Throughout the movie itkeeps its humorous note while Joline responds to the craziness of theworld around her with a warm, knowing, sometimes sad smile. Allactresses and actors give wonderful performances and the musical scoreis immaculate. 9/10

the amorphousmachine 2013-04-08 06:12:33

Fun to watch

Lisa Krueger's second feature film, 'Committed' is pure fun to watch.Heather Graham plays Joline, a woman who will never fail to break her word,especially her marriage vows. She is married to Carl (Luke Wilson), whoseems to be having a midlife crisis. When Carl takes off and leaves her,Joline then embarks on a mission to reclaim her husband- by protecting himfor better or for worse. Assisted by her brother Jay (Casey Affleck), Jolinehilariously attempts to stay in Carl's life without confronting him, andgoes to extreme lengths to save her marriage when others would throw itaway.I really enjoyed 'Committed', as it was light-hearted entertainment. Theonly frustrating aspect was towards the end, as it took it's time slightly.Otherwise, this is a pretty funny film with decent performances and somecool scenes. Heather Graham is quite comical as the optimistic Joline whonever breaks a promise. Although, the ending is predictable- it's a coolfilm to watch. ***1/2 out of *****!

Brandon Castro 2013-04-07 17:50:32

not for the practical

It is depressing that many people don't understand this movie. To get caught up in the peripheral elements is to miss the truemeaning of this film. This film speaks to the minority of peoplewho actually believe in love and truth. It points out that in todayssociety too often people say what sounds good at the moment withno intention of backing things up when things get rough. assomeone else stated that is evident in the number of divorces.Some people actually believe marriage is forever. Forget aboutstereotypes or anything else, but rather focus on what is importantfollowing your heart and fighting for who you believe in. I liked theending because it would have been easy to go with a sappy onebut came instead with the reality that committent is great, and youshould fight with everything you have, but sometimes that still isn'tenough. Too often people just give up and forget about the magicof love. late.