Small Apartments (2012) Reviews

• Definitely worth a watch

  tickin2013-02-24

  Yes, it's is a quirky little flick. And yes, it may unnerve (or perhaps irritate) some viewers. But there is no doubt it carves it's own path, and a fairly unique one - which isn't easy to do nowadays. I'll start by saying that it's a very funny movie at times - in an awkward sort of way. And I enjoyed it just on that level. But after it was over it I realized it had a much more impressive affect on me. It probably won't be obvious until the end that there was a lot of care put into the direction and dialogue of this movie. Characters who on the surface seem broken and wayward end up being not much different from you and me. Their delivery is different but their longings are the same. And the director did an ace job of making that point. It's done subtly and he timed the peeks into each character's nature perfectly. It really is a very skillful little movie. If you come across it, check it out, and don't abandon it after five minutes because it seems too odd. It's well worth the run and I'm pleased I saw it, almost thankful actually.

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• Smart, Quirky, a recipe for all appetites!

  ncbronte-120-8910322013-03-06

  I read the novel this film was based upon, back when it was a gift from the author, a family friend. I found myself mentally casting actors to play the amazingly quirky but identifiable characters. A great amount of time passed before "Small Apartments" found its way into the hands of a director who "got it". I have to say that it is difficult, for me, not to compare this work to that of Tarantino, if only for the raw emotional concept, quirky behaviors and "street view" filming process. However, the combination of Millis (who wrote both the novel and the screenplay) and Akerlund (the director) bring the dark side of everyday humanity into perfect view without glorifying the gore and violence so many filmmakers succumb to. The violence is acceptable, even necessary, as are the few sexual scenes that lend credence to the story and personalities that make up this labor of love. Tarantino's got absolutely nothing on these guys! The cast is, well... correct! I can't imagine anyone other than the "heavyweights" who breathe life into characters like Franklin Franklin (Matt Lucas), Burt Walnut (Billy Crystal) and Tommy Balls (Johnny Knoxville) but it doesn't stop there. You've got the talent of James Caan, Amanda Plummer, Juno Temple, Dolph Lundgren and veritable unknown, Scott Sheldon, who makes his few moments as Officer Smith a lasting impression. The casting list is mighty and recognizable, but these folks were drawn to the characters created by Millis and the vision of Akerlund, rather than a paycheck. There is a story, one that compels us to realize how little we understand one another in this all too short existence on the planet and lays bare our preconceptions and misconceptions of who we see and how we react and assign personal judgement. You don't need to be a "deep thinker" to get this film and that's the beauty of it. The old saying that "money can't buy happiness" is true and untrue... both are addressed in Small Apartments, however, it brings home the very real point that true happiness lives in our mind, however small or large! I was both eager and apprehensive about finally watching this film, especially knowing the author, screenplay writer and executive producer (Chris Millis) on a personal level... I'm so glad I gave in to eager! Bravo! This is a must see!

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• A Dark Comedy which is Perfectly Cast

  introclusor2013-02-23

  This film is amazing. Don't let the fact that it is coming straight to DVD in many places put you off. Each actor was perfectly cast (in my opinion)... even Johnny Knoxville who I have never rated, or really thought of as an actor, was brilliant. Its a Dark Comedy that slowly unravels whilst keeping you on the edge of your seat the entire time before ending perfectly. I did almost give this film 9 out of 10 but when I thought about it, I couldn't think of a single thing that would lose this film any marks.

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• Darkly Intriguing

  laurakhale2013-02-25

  I rented this movie from a Redbox, for something amusing to watch on a night off from work. Instead, I found it to be a psychological cross section of character studies of people I don't get to see much in films, or life, for that matter. It's not a film for everyone. The characters are people who would be considered the lowlifes by most folks in our society. These characters are those that are the broken, the cast offs, the castaways, the hopeless. But these people have their own dreams and dignities, that we may scoff at, but are what keep them going. Matt Lucas brings a kind of innocent goofiness to his character, Franklin Franklin. His brother was taking care of him up until a year before. When you take Franklin's behavior, and then other certain scenes together, you may conclude that he has a mental illness of some kind. That said, it changed my empathy for his character very much. Why Franklin finds himself in the dilemma of disposing of his landlord's dead body comes as a surprise, and as he goes about it, the viewer comes to know Franklin better. There is some wonderful star power in this movie, and they shine subtly, but brilliantly. The music is spot on for the scenes and the direction and editing are perfection. In the end, there are some repetitions that are silly and some patterns that are interesting. And the twist at the end is great. It's a long way to Switzerland!

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• A pleasant surprise

  glkris2013-02-26

  I saw it in redbox and who was in it - It took a few runs to redbox before I rented. In the first 15+ minutes I think we just sat there with our mouths open unsure what to think. It was not enough to punch the eject but - Wow that character is weird is all I will say. By movie's end I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised, a very good movie that held my interest all the way through. This is not a bad rent - give it a shot and wait for it to develop. It will not disappoint.

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