Quite surprised and pleased...

Rating: 10/10 (10 August 2004)

I had seen the VHS video cover and DVD cover before, and even on one occasion flipped it over to scan through the synopsis, but it *sounded* like a 'straight to video' flop, so I never gave it another thought.
Until...
A close friend of mine with very similar cinematic taste, insisted (more like yelled and screamed at me for not having the commonsense to have seen it already) I watch it.
I must say that the first time I watched the film, I was in that confused/thoughtful state for a good few hours after, trying to piece together what I had just seen. On repeated viewings (and there have been a few), some things become clearer, while others become even more confusing.
The simple fact is, that Richard Kelly at his first time up at bat, has succeeded at making a very thought provoking science fiction/drama/thriller/comedy/coming-of-age movie, and one that will be watched and discussed for a good time to come.
If you are looking for some mental stimulation, and the odd shock or surprise, and don't mind thinking about and discussing films well after their conclusion, then you will absolutely adore this movie.
If you are looking for Halloween XVII, then you will be sadly disappointed.