Plot Outline: The film follows a rebellious teenager on leave from the Marines who falls in love with a female musician. The relationship is threatened when she develops a mental illness... (more)
User Comments:
Much better than the critics would have you believe
(more)
Also Known As: Sinners (2004) (Germany) MPAA: Rated R for language, some sexuality/nudity and underage drinking. (2004 re-rating) Runtime:
USA:97 min
Country:USA / Germany Language:English Color:Color Sound Mix:Dolby Certification:USA:R / USA:R(2004 re-rating)
Date: 31 May 2004 Summary: Much better than the critics would have you believe
This movie was in and out of Atlanta theaters in one week-what a shame!
It doesn't deserve the short run and bad reviews. All I can say is, if
you like romantic movies, try this one on DVD. Stateside has the kind
of sweet story that the critics usually hate. It's refreshingly
different from most romances. It avoids the typical formula. You know
the one, where the girl and guy meet cute, fall in love during a
musical interlude, break up, and get back together at the end,
typically with the guy racing to the airport to catch the girl at the
last minute before she boards her plane. Stateside reminded me of
movies that I saw back in the sixties, like The Graduate. Of course, it
isn't as good as The Graduate, but it has that kind of off-beat
quality.
Some of the negative reviews focused on minor issues such as the slow
start and continuity problems. Others complained that the dialog was
too poetic, but to me that was a plus not a minus. Still others pointed
out how unrealistic this kind romance would be in the real world. But
haven't these people ever heard of "willing suspension of disbelief?"
Besides, countless romantic stories have derived their drama from the
fact that the guy and girl are so different from each other. And unlike
most 'opposites attract' movies, Stateside doesn't shy away from
showing how difficult it would be for these two to have any kind of
long-term relationship.
These critics apparently missed the point of the movie. It is about a
bittersweet romance that would never have happened if not for Dori's
mental illness. Both Mark and Dori gave up something important in order
to get something they desperately wanted. If Dori had not been mentally
ill, she would have married some rock star or movie star. She had to
give up that dream because now she is lucky to get any guy, much less a
nice guy like Mark. Mark had to give up a lot, too. Before meeting
Dori, he probably expected to fall in love with an average but mentally
stable girl. He gave up that prospect in order to do something he would
have previously thought impossible-have a relationship with a real
pin-up girl.
Jonathan Tucker and Rachel Leigh Cook are outstanding as Mark and Dori,
especially Cook. She plays such a sweet, innocent and guileless beauty
that you have no trouble believing that Tucker's character could fall
in love with her despite her mental illness. Cook strips away the
veneer of civility and gamesmanship that we typically see in Hollywood
romances. What she reveals is a very likable character.
By the way, the story is based on the director's own life. He was a
rich kid who fell in love with a mentally ill actress. He did join the
marines and was sent to Lebanon.
Stateside won't win any academy awards. It has its flaws, but it is an
enjoyable movie with fine acting and appealing characters. I give it
7.5 out of 10.
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