Another Day In Paradise (1998)

Thoroughly Depressing

Don't watch this movie if you are prone to bouts of depression - it may well push you over the edge. Not badly acted for this genre of film, but just too much of a downer. NOT for the kiddies! March 12, 2008

Loveable

I discovered this wonderful movie a few years after it was made.
The music took me back to my youth when I would travel the 30 miles from Texas to louisiana, where the drinking age toget into clubs was 18. Even
though I was only 15 at the time I would try to dress older to get in and listen to the bands. Somehow this movie and Larry Clarks explanations
helped me to understand my own crazy youth. I fell in love with all the characters and cried when Bobby found Rosie dead. Who could ever forget Mel and Bobby's scene in the Country with the fingers in the forehead?
Sid became such an endearing character with her love for Bobby and Rosie. I definetly prefer the European Version of the movie. I thought all the four principal actors were absolutely wonderful. Even though this movie is a socalled Independent film, in my mind it ranks right up there with my favorites of all time. Vincent Kartheisr is the best
trained young actor I have seen since James Dean. His eye and facial movements are the best. I have begun to follow all four actors to see what is next.

Sincere,

Barker D. Chunn, Jr.


August 12, 2007

Paradise Lost!

Larry Clark has never been one to beat around the bush. Sugar-coat the truth. And once agin he does this by pushing reality in our faces and make us go WOW! "THIS IS THE F**KING WORLD I LIVE IN?"

And of course the soundtrack is amazing and sets the mood in every aspect.


I recommend this movie to anyone. But some will be offended but Hell! life is offensive. May 25, 2007

Impressed

James Woods and Melanie Griffith play junkie thieves who deal with some pretty shady characters. They take under their wings a teenage street punk and his girlfriend who are not as tough as they pretend to be. After having fun for a short time, the kids want out when it gets a little too real.

It's a violent movie and not for the squeamish. But for people who can handle the grittiness it is a gripping and mind grabbing story. The acting by all four is superb. Of course James Woods is excellent when he plays an intense bad guy. Melanie Griffith is believable as Woods gun moll with a heart.
August 14, 2006

Disturbing crime/drug romp has more depth than given credit for

Director Larry Clark has a knack for penetrating the lost hopes and dreams of the young adult. He also has a knack for discovering talented young artists for his films. In the case of 'Another Day In Paradise', he also offers up James Woods (who always plays sleazy to a T) and Melanie Griffith (who gives her best performance on film in this movie).

Young lovers, Bobbie (Vincent Kartheiser) and Rosie (Natasha Gregson Wagnor) live in a flea-hole, using drugs and getting by on Bobbie's petty theft. Bobbie runs into serious trouble while pilfering coins from snack machines, and "Uncle Mel" is called in to treat his injuries. Mel (James Woods) takes a shine to Bobbie, and brings him up a notch in the world, from petty theft to big-time burglary. Bobbie and Rosie take off with Mel and his long-time girlfriend Sid (Melanie Griffith), riding in a nice car, shopping for new clothes, and eating good meals in restaurants.

Mel masterminds a burglary on a medical office, and the foursome are now in business. While business is good for a while, all good things must come to an end. When one of the drug deals goes wrong, the foursome flees to the residence of The Reverend (James Otis). (Look for Clark's usual suspect Leo Fitzpatrick in a bit role as The Reverend's gate guard)

The relationship between Mel & Sid, and Bobbie & Rosie begins to fall apart, though Mel & Sid have been like parents to the younger couple. Mel wants one more big hit, but he is becoming more and more unstable. Rosie's drug use has deteriorated from snorting to spiking. At this point, as the foursome begins to turn on each other, you are left to wonder just who will be left standing in the end.

I was surprised, but pleased, at the violence in this film; I wasn't expecting it. For some reason, I thought the film would be milder, with less action. You will be surprised by the quality of the script and the amazing acting from the four main characters. Look for a small role from Lou Diamond Phillips as Jewels, an overtly gay and violent character. This is most likely Phillips best performance.

My only real complaint with the movie was the lack of subtitles (English or other languages) on the Director's. Other than that, look forward to a faster pace than 'Spun' and more violence than 'Salton Sea'. Enjoy!
July 7, 2006

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