Stateside (2004)

I like Black Panther, but I didn't like this movie.

Best movie of this year hands down!

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The acting in this movie is really good.

"Stateside", directed by Reverge Anselmo, was based on a real story, supposedly. Mr. Anselmo, who also adapted the material for the screen, shows signs of talent in the way he presents his tale for us to watch. He also got good acting from his mostly young cast.We are given the premise of two wounded souls, that have to face a lot in their young lives, meet and fall in love. Mark, the son of a wealthy man, is instrumental in the horrible accident he causes that paralyzes a priest and scars forever the beautiful Sue. He is given a choice of either going to jail, or joining the Marines; he opts for the latter choice. Mark, a rich boy, grows up fast when he meets the bullish Sgt. Skeer, who makes his life impossible, finally gets to appreciate the younger man for his loyalty and the way he reacts to all his insults.Dori, a schizophrenic young actress and singer, happens to be Sue's roommate in an institution where they are sent for their problems. Mark meets Dori as he goes to apologize to Sue. The two end up involved in a romance that consumes both of them. Their plight is exacerbated when Mark is sent to Beirut, as part of a Marine contingent and is there as the attack on their headquarters leaves him with scars that are not as bad as what he has to endure when Dori is made to break with him.Rachael Leigh Cook and Jonathan Tucker are good as Dori and Mark. Their fresh approach to the roles help the elevate the film. Joe Mantegna, Ed Begley Jr., Diane Venora, and Carrie Fisher, are seen among the older people in the story.Reverge Anselmo shows a promise, judging by this directorial effort.

In the 80's, the irresponsible teenager Mark Deloach (Jonathan Tucker) of a wealthy and powerful family causes an accident crashing his car and seriously wounding a priest and a school friend. The judge offers him the chance to join the Marines as alternative sentence. Later he meets the schizophrenic singer and actress Dori Lawrence (Rachel Leigh Cook) and they fall in love for each other. However, their love becomes almost impossible when he has to travel overseas and she worsens her mental illness.I decided to see "Stateside" with no expectations, but I found a surprisingly good romance. Based on a true story, the situations are original and I really liked. Rachel Leigh Cook is very beautiful and charming, and it is her best performance among the many films of her filmography that I have seen. The nasty and expendable part of the plot is the training of the Marines, with offensive words and prejudice against Arabs and communists, making easy to understand the images we frequently see on TV of the abuses mainly against Iraqi prisoners. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "Perfeitos no Amor" ("Perfect in Love")

If you're over 18 you're bound to be disappointed by this movie. It delivers nothing. It, actually, depresses me. The entire movie is about senseless dramas of stupidity and boredom. In spite of the celebrity cast, it does not take you anywhere emotional, enlightening, or even amusing. What's happening in Hollywood? What's happened to those genius brains? I like to watch movies because I like to escape from reality. However, with the help of Hollywood films, I unfortunately dump from the frying pan into fire. Sad, indeed. I should just stick to foreign films then.

Having shared many conversations with Reverge Anselmo, I found him to be the honorable person portrayed in this wonderful film based on a time in his life. Both he and his film deserve high praise. With "Stateside" R. Anselmo brings the audience an intimate story with the ring of universal truth. Jonathan Tucker captures what I would imagine the young Anselmo to be, a young man of honor who grew up to be an honorable adult. I look forward to seeing future films from this talented writer/director, who presents glimpses of his interior with each project and who will meet with continued success telling stories that resonate with audiences.