Boiler Room (2000)

Truly Dreadful Film

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Before you decide whether to watch "Boiler Room" you need to decide if you are willing to watch a movie with the F-bomb being dropped 323420854 times. It is an excellent film...but if you are offended by cursing, look elsewhere.The story is about Seth, a young man with little in the way of conscience. Instead of working hard the normal and expected way, Seth wants to cut corners. So while his peers go to college, he skips classes and opens a casino in his house...and makes a ton of money. However, Seth's hard-as-nails father is naturally disappointed in him...and makes that obvious. Wanting to make something of himself and impress his dad, Seth goes to work for a trading company. But this is not exactly the Wall Street variety firm but instead their attitude is say and do ANYTHING to make the sale...anything. They're obviously a sleazy outfit but just how sleazy is something Seth has to discover for himself...and even with Seth is a bit appalled by this...but he loves all the money!The film is coarse and crass--and this is appropriate for the 20- somethings that star in the film. They are, by and large, guys with no souls and are motivated by greed and self-indulgence. The overall film is much like "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "Wall Street" merged into one...and targeted to a slightly younger audience. Well made and hard to see without being impressed. However, I am very surprised that after writing and directing such a fine film that Ben Younger STILL is mostly making short films and his feature career hasn't taken off. I'd sure love to know why...

Boiler Room (2000): Dir: Ben Younger / Cast: Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Nicky Katt, Ben Affleck, Nia Long: Film suggests places that we hide sin. A group of young males assemble together to ruin as many lives as possible while striking it rich. Giovanni Ribisi joins a firm as a stockbroker. He dropped out of school and makes money at illegal gambling. His father is a judge and disapproves of his son's choice of work. May remind viewers of Wallstreet although formula elements occur. Fine directing by Ben Younger with rather bland locations. Sly performance by Ribisi caught between temporary satisfaction through a worthless lifestyle, and disappointing his father. We know what is ahead but it is the friendships that cause Ribisi the biggest concern. Vin Diesel and Nicky Katt play veteran brokers but only Diesel comes off as three dimensional as he not only teaches Ribisi the robes, he also reluctantly understands his crucial decision. Katt unfortunately is playing a rival broker whom Ribisi won't impress, which leads to predictable tension. Ben Affleck is there to shout profanities in long meetings to motivate everyone into action. It is the worst role in the film. Nia Long is more or less featured as a possible romantic interest. While this is no Wallstreet, it is a worthy comparison. Message regards alertness to subduing operations within the dark compounds of deceit. Score: 7 / 10

Every once in a while a film comes a long that changes your outlook on the industry. In his first directorial offering Ben Younger not only engages his audience but establishes himself, quite rightly, as one of the best up and coming talents in the film industry.Giovanni Ribisi's outstanding performance in Boiler Room is without a doubt his finest hour, an actor who is frequently overlooked and always underrated, Boiler Room gives the world a reason to finally recognise this actors outstanding ability.A wonderful supporting cast comprised of Hollywood talent that would ordinarily be more wooden than Pinocchio, give this film the ability to flourish. Boiler Room is probably the first time anyone has ever considered for a moment that Ben Affleck is a good actor.Ben Younger is clearly able to motivate in a way that no other director can. His clear and effortless style give this film a pace and feeling that veteran directors are still failing to create. His choice of soundtrack compliments the edit and helps the film flow seamlessly.Boiler Room is a marvel to behold, a triumph in every sense of the word. You would truly be considered a moron if you passed up the opportunity to see this film.

This film is about a son of a judge who runs an underground casino. He tries to impress his father by entering a legitimate business, only to find that things don't work out the way he plans.Giovanni Ribisi delivers a great performance. He looks vulnerable to be the son who will never live up to the expectations. He manages to bring his inner moral conflict, which is something internal and hard to depict, very well through his facial expression and body. Giovanni Ribisi makes the film engaging because he captures viewers' sympathy."Boiler Room" is an engaging film that exposes the unscrupulous greed of financial companies. I enjoyed watching it.