This movie has appeal even for the untargeted demographic

Rating: Null/10 (2 October 2005)

When I first saw the trailer for this movie, I simply groaned. Why oh why would Elisha Cuthbert put herself in a movie like this after taking part in an awesome program like 24. Well, now I know. As a Deadwood fan, I've been tracing the earlier work of all of its brilliant actors, including Timothy Olyphant. Which brought me back to this movie.
I was far from disappointed. In fact, I really got a kick out of it. Olyphant plays his part spot on--scene stealing as everyone is saying. (I have to imagine the Deadwood casting directors must've seen this performance.) Also, being unfamiliar with Emile Hirsch, I was impressed with his range and realness. Looking forward to more from him. It was good too, to see Elisha in a different kind of role from 24. Her character, though not deeply developed, is an important catalyst for the story... and your heart goes out to her inner sweetness.
Final point. In his commentary, the director mentions that his target demographic was thirty-somethings and younger. That's definitely not me--female 49er. But as long as you're not dead, nor flustered by a degree of sleazy humor, and have some memories of high school, you might very well enjoy this movie. I put it in there with the... "Yeah, it won't win the major awards, but it makes me smile." On that note, I've added it to my DVD collection of smallish, fun, heartfelt movies like Happy Texas and Tin Cup.