Time and time again, I've seen trailers for movies that look absolutely awful, but then when I saw the movie itself I saw that the trailer had mislead me completely. Such is the case of Loser. Although promoted as a simple 'two misfits meet & fall in love' story, this film actually has a far more involved plot than that. It's also not a straight light comedy, contrary to popular belief. Loser is a semi-serious dramedy, and it functions incredibly well that way. It also has one of the best romance developments of any movie I've seen. It's a heck of a lot more realistic than the cheese-fests of several decades ago.
I normally don't think much of Jason Biggs. Basically all he's good for is teen comedies, or so I thought until I saw him as Paul in Loser. We finally get a performance out of him that actually has some merit to it. Plus, he has great chemistry with his leading lady.
I also am not a fan of Mena Suvari. Most of her roles lack any depth of character portrayal, and the fact that she usually looks pretty bad doesn't help an actress who often plays "hotties". But as Dora, I see the first Suvari part I've ever actually liked. She really does convey the character superbly, and for once she really looks as cute as the rest of the cast says.
Greg Kinnear pulls off his usual fine portrayal of the sleazy, conceited guy, in this case a professor named Alcott.
Assorted cameos (Dan Aykroyd, David Spade, etc.) fit the situations like gloves and never seem forced like they do in other movies. These were cameos because the actors wanted to do it, not because the director wanted them. The supporting parts, like the roommates, were done well as well. Yes, I realize I just said "well as well".
*small spoilers ahead. very small.*
I hear people complain that the underplot about the drugs was too funny. But those people failed to notice that the plan DIDN'T WORK, which is the reason that the story could be handled so lightly. And I hear people complain about the fates of the 3 roomies. But those people failed to see the comedy at play. For some reason, they have trouble comprehending that Loser is both serious and funny.
Loser is a good movie. No great classic, but enjoyable, worthwhile, and well-presented. Go check it out. But make sure you rent the tape BEFORE you pick up the pizza.
I normally don't think much of Jason Biggs. Basically all he's good for is teen comedies, or so I thought until I saw him as Paul in Loser. We finally get a performance out of him that actually has some merit to it. Plus, he has great chemistry with his leading lady.
I also am not a fan of Mena Suvari. Most of her roles lack any depth of character portrayal, and the fact that she usually looks pretty bad doesn't help an actress who often plays "hotties". But as Dora, I see the first Suvari part I've ever actually liked. She really does convey the character superbly, and for once she really looks as cute as the rest of the cast says.
Greg Kinnear pulls off his usual fine portrayal of the sleazy, conceited guy, in this case a professor named Alcott.
Assorted cameos (Dan Aykroyd, David Spade, etc.) fit the situations like gloves and never seem forced like they do in other movies. These were cameos because the actors wanted to do it, not because the director wanted them. The supporting parts, like the roommates, were done well as well. Yes, I realize I just said "well as well".
*small spoilers ahead. very small.*
I hear people complain that the underplot about the drugs was too funny. But those people failed to notice that the plan DIDN'T WORK, which is the reason that the story could be handled so lightly. And I hear people complain about the fates of the 3 roomies. But those people failed to see the comedy at play. For some reason, they have trouble comprehending that Loser is both serious and funny.
Loser is a good movie. No great classic, but enjoyable, worthwhile, and well-presented. Go check it out. But make sure you rent the tape BEFORE you pick up the pizza.