Crazy/ Beautiful (2001)

Ok film but could have been better

Crazy/Beautiful could have been a great film but director John Stockwell was forced to cut it to please those at Disney. The film originally called for nude scenes for the character of Nicole and a more explict sex scene between Nicole and Carlos. The film could have been a true to life about interacial dating, drug problems etc but it's too resolved in the end. The only things that saves this film are the performances of Jay Hernadez and Kristen Dunst and John Stockwell visual flair for L.A. March 26, 2008

Loved it!

I love this movie-the music is awesome-Kirsten is of course fierce fun and nothing but a hippy girl. I adore this movie because of the raw-ness and realness. The soundtrack is superb some would be suprised by it, not an emmy winner movie but it is a great one to keep on hand. January 28, 2008

Not the typical teen love movie in many ways

So I am in my mid twenties but still love most teeny bopper movies- actually not still- since I hated them when I myself was a Teen but I really enjoy them now because their full of sweet clean cut (even when it involves sex) love. However, this movie has no passion, nothing to make me see how these two fell in love, and no "ah" factor. It simply involved a girl who drank, used drugs, and was out of control and a boy who was a real straight arrow. Unlike most films the rich and White female was the one out of control (in more ways than one) while the poor and minority male was the straight arrow- refreshing. Yet this is where the refreshness ends. While most of these type of movies have two opposites falling for each other in this case they were two polar opposites and their "love" seemed shallow- based on teenage hormones that ran rampant on both ends (though more so on hers.) Don't waste ur money. By the way I gave this film a two because I was about to turn it off when it got better though did not exceed much- therefore I give the first third a 1 and the rest a 3. Don't waste ur money- if you can get it for free or on Encore (where I saw it) and you have the time to waste (like I did) then go ahead. January 6, 2008

41 yrs. old and still love it!

I just watched this movie for the 5th time. I first saw it when in my mid-thirties. I don't ever feel compelled to watch many movies more than once, but this is a super love story. If you like romance, you'll love it. December 15, 2007

Far from rehashed territory, gives a nice spin on a tired subject...

I've always been an advocate for Kirsten Dunst. I feel she's a brilliantly talented actress who chooses challenging and engaging roles for herself. She shines in just about everything and continues to impress me with each selected performance. That said, I was forced to see this movie. It just looked to me like another in a long line of recycled and regurgitated teen love stories that plays out the same way and never initiates any real care or concern on the part of the audience. I did however see this film, in the theater at that, and have to say that by the films end I was in complete shock. `Crazy/Beautiful' is a genuinely great film, from the script to the acting to the films execution. While the subject material may appear like `Romeo & Juliet' light, it veers enough from its pre-chosen path to establish originality and demand rewatchability.

`Crazy/Beautiful' casts Dunst as trouble child Nicole, a misunderstood daughter of a wealthy congressman who battles her stepmother every step of the way and vies for attention through one screw up after another. She doesn't take anything serious, not school, not boys, not anything but then she by chance meets Carlos, a boy who is her complete opposite. Carlos studies hard, gets up extra early to travel a long distance to attend a good school so he can make something of himself. He takes everything seriously, that is until he meets Nicole. Their relationship is explosive and, according to their families, dangerous. Nicole's father even pleads with Carlos to stay far away from his daughter, not because he's concerned for her well being but because he's concerned for Carlos, fearing that Nicole with ruin him. It's in these small changes that `Crazy/Beautiful' distinguishes itself apart from the other fluff.

As the film progresses we can see the relationship between the two of them bend and break only to reform stronger than before. It's actually a realistic look at teenage relationships today. Of course it's dramatized for Hollywood but if you really take a second to analyze what you're watching you'll see that it all rings forth very true. Nicole is far from a bad child, just a misunderstood one who craves love and attention she's not receiving from those who should be handing it out to her unconditionally. What I love most about this film is that instead of really painting Nicole's father and stepmother as downright evil they are portrayed realistically, as confused adults who have no idea how to handle someone they feel is bucking them constantly. As much as the audience is persuaded to hate the stepmother I feel that in the end she's given credibility. This is a film that exposes the faults of all parties involved.

What really drives this film home is the powerful performance given by Kirsten Dunst. She's amazing here, giving so much genuine emotion, investing so much heart into Nicole that she breathes to life before us. Dunst is effective throughout, but scenes like her drunken breakdown at the feet of her father are especially effective, awards worthy even. How this girl keeps escaping Oscar's eye is beyond me. Newcomer Jay Hernandez is wonderful as well as Carlos and proves he has what it takes to light up the screen, but against Dunst riveting performance he's a little dry. I was very pleased with Bruce Davison's portrayal of Nicole's father and of course was smitten with Taryn Manning who just explodes with charm and charisma as Nicole's BFF Maddy. Great film overall, one that desires to be looked at and beautifully lives up to its name. July 9, 2007

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