Genres

Visitors Review

TeamStrode 2012-05-25 00:04:05

Beats American Beauty by a longshot!

I don't hate American Beauty- I just thought it was one of the mostoverrated movies that left me going "and the point was?" TheChumscrubber does not do any of this. Although not a big RitaWilson/Jamie Bell fan, I have always loved Camilla Belle and thismovie, like the ballad of jack and rose, shows us just how much talentshe has. The storyline is simple: teens in Hillside stay happy on happypills! Problems arise after drug-dealer Troy kills himself. The day ofTroy's memorial and a wedding to the mayor fall on same day. Whathappens on that day is absolute chaos. If you see this movie for anyreason, see it for Belle. Or, see it because Posin truly is a genius.

beezwax 2012-05-24 11:15:21

Dreamy Satire, But Not All Fluff

I just saw The Chumscrubber and was pleasantly surprised. After hearingthe premise, I thought it was going to be an over-stylized,heavier-than-necessary commentary on suburbia. In a stroke ofsynchronicity I watched the newer version of the Stepford Wives againlast night without having heard of this movie, and this movie felt likealmost an extension of Stepford.The movie takes place in a stereotypical suburb where the parents arepreoccupied with the distractions of their self-centered lives, and thechildren are pumped full of pharmaceuticals. The comedy element isunderstated for the most part, with only one or two instances where itseems a little silly.It's not anything unique as far as themes go: the struggles adolescentsface, society treating pharmaceuticals as staple, suburban bullies. Thestory is entertaining and convoluted enough to keep you waiting to seethe resolution, but it's not excessively cerebral.

Christina 2012-05-07 11:45:46

Great!

I discovered this movie during my Justin Chatwin obsession. Unfortunately, it wasn't released in theatres around me =( So I had to wait til it came out on dvd this past January. I thought it was great! The cast was very well done and i think Arie Posin did a great job directing. If you liked Donnie Darko, you'll like this. It's a bit weird and some parts are difficult to understand but overall it was good. Very funny and enjoyable.

2012-05-06 22:55:56

Blew me away.

Rare is the film that captures the realities of suburban life/culture with such precision. Sure, many scenes are embellished and over the top...but that's what keeps things interesting. A buddy of mine commented that all teen parents he's talked to say "I'm not like that." Yet the children of those same parents respond - - "YES, you ARE." Scary insight into just how disconnected parents can become from their children, neighbors, etc. in today's planned communities that look good on the outside but SUCK on the inside. Manicured lawns, community pools, tree-lined streets sometimes just add up to boredom and desparation. Kudos to screen writer Zac Stanford for providing just the right dialouge to convey his creepy message (albeit in a distrubing fashion). I recommend this amazing SLEEPER to all parents who think they are engaged in their kids' lives. And to those that are writing negative reviews....you probably know more about movies....but I bet you aren't a parent.

kamon32 2012-04-27 07:41:18

Not just another teen movie

I just saw this at Sundance, and I sincerely hope this film ends upwith distributor and a good marketing campaign, because it is worthy ofa wider audience. What was particularly interesting was listening tothe director's comments after the film. He pointed out that his biggestchallenge in working with this extremely talented ensemble cast wasmaking sure everyone was on the same page in terms of mood. "It's notexactly a drama and it's not exactly a comedy," he said. "We didn'twant them playing for laughs, although there are some comedic moments,obviously." Now, usually when movies can't figure out their tone, it'sa kiss of death. But this film succeeded because of, not despite, it'sdelving into the gray area between drama and comedy. The result was amovie about teens that didn't play like a "teen movie," at all. Itdoesn't exploit and it doesn't play down to any sort of perceived teenaudience. Part of that was due to the excellent cast. Jamie Bell wassensational. The adults were equally solid, particularly Glenn Close.I'm interested in seeing how this film is marketed. Some comments I'veseen have been critical of the title, but it makes perfect sense onceyou know the story. All in all, this is one of those movies thatobviously started with a great story — full of dramatic tension andsocial satire — and built from there. All too rare these days.

2012-04-26 19:07:53

Totally unique and captivating

Many people will hate this movie because it is so off the wall, but Ididn't want it to end. It was full of surprises, interestingcharacters, strong emotions, and bizarre twists. I left the theater ina daze that lasted a couple of hours as "reality" intruded again. Thecast is great and stars like Glenn Close and Ralph Fiennes show theirtalent by underplaying their roles or playing offbeat characters likethey never have before. The director did a great job with continuity;the chumscrubber shows up early on before we even know who he is. Thereis a lot of humor amid the tragedy and it would probably take a secondwatching to catch it all. Probably the 15 to 25 crowd will like it thebest, but I'm almost 60 and I loved it. Great job by the director andwriter.

2012-04-21 04:21:57

Stupid Film

I bought this DVD thinking it would be as the synopsis described: smart, ironic, darkly comedic and with a talented cast how could one go wrong. This movie was just plain stupid. It was not smart, funny, redeeming or ironic. I couldn't wait for it to be over. The only character I liked was the little kid who got kidnapped. Everything else was just stupidly psychotic. If a movie like this is supposed to be some ironic commentary on amoral, retarded suburban life than I think it achieved its purpose. I personally would like to watch a film with a spine and characters who are deeply fleshed out and relatable on some human level without pandering to suicide and drug abuse by teens. Not many an intelligent, thoughtful teen would be into this unless they play tons of mindless, violent video games. One reviewer called this movie like a bad episode of Desperate Housewives. I'd like to think that show is smarter and funnier. Waste of money. I should've waited for some late night D-list movie showing of it.

robospork 2012-04-20 12:23:39

Awesome, the end is the best!

Best movie I have seen in a long long time. So much irony it splits mysides. I love the various personalities and how everyone in the movieis completely whacko in one way or another. It reminds me of myself anda lot of people I have known growing up in suburbia. It pokes fun athappy people and at sad people, cant even begin to describe the geniusof the main characters father.The ending of this movie is just so amazing, so figurative and soliteral, so ironic, so real and funny, I can't even describe it. Itties it all together and breaks it all up again, its just such a greatending to a great movie.Watch this.

gaviotas 2012-04-19 22:03:02

donnie darko retread, minus intrigue, plot, enjoyment, point

I did not go into the chumscrubber wanting to hate it. In fact my videostore clerk specifically recommended it to me. It makes me wonder if myvideo store clerk harbors some secret resentment against me. Maybe shefound out about my netflix subscription. Anyway this film comes off asa retread of Donnie Darko. I can imagine a producer reading this scriptand thinking," This is weird, I don't get it, but I didn't get Darkoeither.... I smell sleeper hit!". All the parts were there, greatactors, excellent cinematography, editing, but they didn't add up to awhole. I mean, I don't need my wholes to be obvious, I love ambiguity.The Chumscrubber's "points" about the emptiness of suburban lifestyleand the lack of connection between people, parents and their childrenwere so blatant (and by that I mean lacking any subtlety) and, let'sface it, tired that it was all I could do to finish this disc. I thinkthe fault was in the script ultimately. I never believed in thecharacters, their reactions to the situations rang, even if the movieisn't to be taken as a realistic situation, characters actions andreactions should have a ring of truth. This film didn't even make me care enough to keep writing.

wes-connors 2012-04-19 06:09:57

Heads Up

"Dean Stiffle (Jamie Bell) discovers the body of his best friend, Troy,and doesn't bother telling any of the parents in his postcard-perfectCalifornia neighborhood. He knows that these families prefer to goabout their lives by ignoring reality entirely. But, when this scandalhits home, will they take notice, or will they continue along theirmerry, self-medicated way?" asks to the DVD sleeve description.A very large cast of disaffected and alienated individuals populatepretty suburban "Hillside". Most of them pop pills. "The Chumscrubber"video game has about as much to do with the storyline as The BlueDolphins in Ralph Fiennes' mind. The film gets weird too late, and toolittle. Its soundtrack music is good, though - and, director Arie Posinmanages the very capable and engaging cast well.****** The Chumscrubber (1/25/05) Arie Posin ~ Jamie Bell, CamillaBelle, Glenn Close, Justin Chatwin

Troye Dchgl 2012-04-18 23:18:45

Dark Coming-of-age and Crime Story

The Chumscrubber seems like another love-or-hate flick. Luckily, I amthe one of the fans of this certain style, and I enjoyed every momentof it. If you happen to appreciate this, it is the no doubt that thedistinctive way that appeals to you and touches you in a way that doesnot really work the other type of audience.For me, I think a great job is done by making what originally should bea serious drama about drugs and crimes less serious, noticeably byadding a dark comedic sense to the storyline. Though hilarious attimes, the movie still deals with a very serious issue which exceedsthe limits of any typical coming-of-age films. In fact, it is moreproper to call this a coming-of-age story within a crime story.It is surprising to see this seemingly little movie has such famouscast members. Nevertheless, there is no need to worry and whine aboutwasted talents. Glenn Close, Ralph Fiennes and Jamie Bell, they alldeliver excitingly captivating performances and the overall cast is agreat ensemble that easily grasps attention from the viewers.

2012-04-18 07:15:43

The Best Movie I've Seen In Years!

This review is from: The Chumscrubber (DVD) I recently watched this movie at a friend's house this past weekend and that is what prompted me to buy it here on Amazon. I initially wanted to see it because of Jamie Bell. The highlights for me were Ralph Fienes and Glenn Close. There were times where I was rolling on the floor with laughter. I instantly wanted to watch it over again. Those who don't like it just don't get it. They go in expecting something specific and when it doesn't live up to their expectations they had then they don't like it. The movies isn't supposed to b taken that seriously. It is a dark comedy that just works. On so many levels. Don't let the naysayers scare you away. Give it a chance. You'll be glad you did.

2012-04-14 21:24:34

Brilliant, far too real!

I rented this movie not knowing anything about it, and I was completely blown away by what I saw. The Chumscrubber is a brilliant, complex, well-acted and emotionally wrenching teenage drama that paints a heavy and plasticine portrait of suburban America. Without revealing too much about the plot, I should note that this movie has drawn many comparisons to Donnie Darko, and this is understandable. Both share the same theme of depressed, antisocial, conflicted teenage protagonists struggling to be understood by their parents and companions. One of the biggest difference between this and Donnie Darko, however, is that it is better. Blasphemy? I thought so too. However, The Chumbscrubber has far more symbolism, complexity, emotion, and--get this--even a social message, to those who analyze it very closely.Upon finishing the film, not only was I left questioning my reality (as any good film should do to you), but I was also left questioning why I hadn't heard of this film before seeing it in the rental store. I looked at reviews online, and saw that it was panned by critics for being "not real enough" and "overdone". These fools have probably never read a good book before. The writing and the storyline is so complex, so brimming with subplots and hidden messages, the talent required to execute this is very great indeed, for both the actors, director and writers. To anyone who says it isn't "real," I would respond, having grown up in the suburbs, that it is WAY, TOO, REAL. There were parts I had to stop the movie in horror as I looked at all the detail the set designers had put into the movie--the perfect palm trees, the cute refrigerator magnets, the sterile granite countertops and pristine white cupboards and SUVs in the driveway, was spot-on to some of the neighborhoods I grew up near.If you appreciate films like Donnie Darko, yet are interested in something that would appeal to an older audience, or something with the symbolism of a Darren Arronofsky film, I can't recommend The Chumscrubber enough.

2012-04-14 09:30:00

We All Get A Dose Of Reality

Haven't heard of this film? Neither did I until it was mentioned in a "movie" conversation. And, actually, I am suprised it did not get more attention than it did.Ok...so the story is a bit hokie and some of the characters (i.e. Glenn Close and Carrie Anne Moss) seem a bit out of place. But, this movie deals strange happenings in what appears to be a picture perfect town.In the end, this movie is a lesson learn to really see what is going on in life around you...especially, your children's life.

richarme 2012-04-14 04:16:10

awful

I found this movie to be trite, boring and completely inconsistent intone. It felt like no one could decide if it was a satire or a drama ora dark comedy, realism or fantasy. While there were many talentedactors in the cast, the movie was so bad it just wasted them. The plotat times seemed like a farce and other times seemed to want to be takenseriously. Even the fantasy elements were ridiculous. The plot wasuninteresting and shallow and many times unbelievable. Things werepushed to a point and then it seemed no one could decide what directionto take the action. It's difficult to do a serious film about shallow,self-centered suburban characters and there really was no reason forthe audience to care about these people. Even the exaggerations werenot clever. Where it should have been campy, it just seemed clichéd. Inthe few scenes where a character actually struck an authentic chord,unfortunately it was at odds with the movie as a whole.

mikewelch7 2012-04-13 06:06:06

A Heartless and Humorless Film

I had the opportunity to attend the opening screening of "TheChumscrubber" at the Sundance Festival. Given the hype surrounding thispicture, and its very talented cast, this film was a greatdisappointment.The film centers on the life of Dean Stiffle, a high school studentgrowing up in the suburbs of California. His father, played by WilliamFitchner, is the author of self help books. When Dean walks in todiscover that his best friend has killed himself, he does not botherreporting this to the friend's parents, who are hosting a party. Helater explains that he thought that no one would care.Dean's reaction to the suicide sets the tone for this deeply cynical,yet unfunny, satire. As the convoluted plot continues to develop, agroup of local thugs tries to coerce Dean to reclaim the drug stash ofhis dead friend. They do so by kidnapping a boy who they believe to beDean's brother. However, they kidnap the wrong boy, leading to aconfusion of identities, and many opportunities for humor that arequickly lost in this dense film.The reaction at Sundance to this film was mixed, with perhaps half ofthe audience reacting as I did, and the other half claiming to haveenjoyed it.My take on this film is that is was entirely devoid of heart and humor,and failed in its attempts to entertain.One scene that does work comes at the end of the film, between Dean(Jamie Bell) and the mother of his dead friend (played by Glenn Close).Dean is the only person to show up for his friend's memorial service,and he consoles the boy's mother.

amiboshi07 2012-04-08 17:33:52

interesting suburbia life from a young adult's perspective

This was an excellent movie for multiple reasons. First off, it issmart. (Though the characters are in a hyper-real setting, it stillworks. period.) The nuances in the movie flow quite well together andmake the movie very cohesive. Lots of different factors areincorporated into the movie that make for well-developed, multifacetedcharacters. Second, the acting is nicely done in terms of theclear...disconnection and portrayal (though hyper-real in a sense) ofthe characters. Thirdly, this movie has good balance!! It rides a fineline of being funny as well as quite thought-provoking. It is notcomplex in the sense that one has to follow every detail and be agenius to understand what's going on but this is one of those moviesthat, when you see it a second time, you'll get to delve deeper and seea different movie. It was comical, dramatic, suspenseful, bizarre (in agood way) and overall well done. And, as a cherry on top of thissweetness, the music is excellent. well done to all involved.

QGJinn 2012-04-08 14:14:28

Excellent, often spot-on rich, white suburbia story

While I am the first to admit that I'm no expert on the mini-genre, asfar as teen/teen angst movies go, this is pretty tops. There are flaws,for sure, but as far as I've seen it's the most worthwhile film of itstype.Some of the characters are a little over-done, like Billy, but this isa result of the experiences of the writer/directors. In the commentary,in a lot of the questionable parts, they recognize the criticisms andsay that they feel that it is true/appropriate. What I mean to say isthat even if your experience doesn't confirm all parts of the film, itis attempting to be honest at the very least.Because of its content and genre, the success of the film can be gaugedby three things– the accuracy of the depiction of the chosen slice of"teen life", the compellingness of the story, and the proficiency withwhich it was carried out (the acting and production). By thesestandards, it does very well. In the first case, its verisimilitude andtruth will be a product of your own experience–I have found many partsof it to be scarily accurate, especially the adult archetypesportrayed. The story, while not Grade A, double plus good fantastic, isa good one that I find myself invested in. Finally, the acting adproduction are very good and not typically Hollywood.Long story short, I find The Cuhumscrubber to be a very good,worthwhile film–highly recommended.

blackpranther 2012-04-05 12:40:07

Great Movie:Special Effects were the uncredited cast member

This was a truly great movie that had a great plot and greatperformances by the young actors and old alike. I was particularlyimpressed with Jamie Bell, Justin Chatwin, and Thomas Curtis who allgive performances way beyond their years. But to me, this is really atriumph of composting modern FX into a movie without destroying thedramatic aspect(IE:any of the Star Wars Prequels, any movie by WolfgangPeterson, or that disaster of a movie Eragon). The effects were allpractical, supported the plot, and done really seamlessly consideringthe budget. It's really nice to see a movie where you can see greatperformances augmented by subtle and masterful art direction and FX.This goes on a long list of small yet extremely well done productionsand I encourage anyone who enjoys good film-making to check it out.

2012-04-05 01:44:51

Grew on Me

This is a grotesque fable about an upper middle-class suburb enthralled by drugs, both legal and otherwise. It's also about surburbia's obsession with outer appearances and as such the movie struck me--in the beginning anyway--as rather trite and over familiar. After all, anyone who watches Weeds (Showtime), Real Housewives of Orange County, Desperate Housewives, etc., is getting a big dose of surburban malaise. Therefore, I was bored in the first fifteen minutes or so. But the film's gradual surrealism, which doesn't seem forced, grew on me. Perhaps what keeps it together is the sense of menace and danger. The plot is rather convoluted so I'll spare you the dizzying details but one plot point is that two high school thugs kidnap a ten-year-old boy and use him as ransom to get a huge stash of drugs from another high school boy. The kidnappers, nihilistic clowns, strike a real nerve as they seen like cast-offs of Generation Y, kids we really know. Perhaps the film is slow in places, so I'll take one star away but the film grows on you. For all its familiar subject matter, it handles drugs and suburban emptiness in an original way. This isn't to say it has the emotional power of American Beauty, Election, or even the Ice Storm, but its merits make it worthy of a DVD watching.