Posted by fanaskew at 252.seattle-28-29rs.wa.dial-access.att.net on November 14, 1999 at 14:09:20:
In Reply to: Overheard at Theater: "More like Dogshit..." posted by pika-jew on November 14, 1999 at 03:48:39:
: And I happen to agree.
: Absolutely atrocious pacing. Unfortunately somebody with some distance to the film did do the final cut, because some of the worst moments were the most belabored. And, yes, Linda was terrible. Really dragged the film down everytime she was on the screen. Matt and Ben were on buddy autopilot. Chris Rock can only deliver punchlines...he thinks emoting just means talking louder. The only real standout was Jason Mewes who actually showed he could do more than stoner parts, I hope to see him in something non-Askew because I think the guy has a future. And Carlin was way underused--he added a touch of class and smarts to film that desperately needed it.
: I will say this, however, Mr. Smith, it is a good script and the message was quite positive. Unfortunately, since this is a film and not a book, the material was weighed down with uninspired visual direction and lackluster performances.
The only part that dragged to me was the train scene with Linda and Ben, but it was needed to tell that part of the story. Otherwise the pace was fine. As for Linda, thats who she is, and I think her personality was perfect for the part she played. She was supposed to be depressed and disconnected, to me she was the right choice. As for Ben, this kid is good. He and Matt were good together BECAUSE of the buddy thing.