STATE AND MAIN 6/10

[Mike]

STATE & MAIN (2000)

What a disappointment this movie was! It looked quirky, hilarious, and very amusing, plus I love movies about people making movies, but it just wasn't all that I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't horrible or anything, but I was expecting a lot more. It really wasn't all that funny when it should've been, it could've been so much more. I just can't help but feel that it failed.

I did laugh a few times but the laughs didn't come frequent enough, which made the movie less interesting. I watched and I kept waiting for something to happen but nothing ever really did. The cast was pretty good and the acting was all fine, too bad they weren't in a better movie. I don't know what it was but the movie just felt incomplete. It was a great idea too, and I love smaller movies like this, especially about the film industry. But sadly, I couldn't help but be disappointed.

Grade: 5/10 (C)

[Deckard]

David mamet yet again for me any way, delivers another stellar film that is well acted, written and shot.

The story of a film crew invading a small town is not a new one but thanks to Mamet's original and eccentric mind we are blessed witha quirky, touching story that is both funny and stimulating.

Poking the finger in the eyes of the filmmaking process and the society that promotes them We get to know process from many different angles, all performed by professionals who create charecters we remember and laugh at or with.

From the big director, producer and actor, to the grips and sound we get a representative. All told with a sympathetic eye towards the writer (Ofcourse) this film made me laugh my ass off.

The film is played out with understanding by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, William H Macy and Alec Baldwin satirizing the star persona and supported by a host of talented others (too many to mention) every player in this theatrical piece delivers. (Even Julia Stiles who I despise in everything but this and Bussiness Of Strangers)

Off beat and amusing, the iccing on the cake is the amazingly understated score that truly compliments the mood and atmosphere coming together in pictures onscreen.

Obviously not for everyone, this is for fans of subtle ensemble pieces with something to say.