Not only is this a very interesting exploration of Tourette's and how we react to people in our lives, it has some of the most well-filmed views of a bleak northern winter landscape. There's nothing pretty about this film, but it stays with the viewer.
29 Reviews
One Of The Best Love Stories
Funboy16158 May 2003
Wow! I caught this on IFC recently after I watched But Im A Cheerleader. Id never heard of this movie but the description sounded remotely interesting. I went in with low expectations and now I must say this is one of the best love stories ever in film. Robin Tunney does an excellent job portraying a person with tourettes. The relationship between the two and just the slightest details in the film are so acurate and believable. I usually hate "romance" and love films but this movie truly touched me. I so recommend this movie to anyone with the ability of vision.
oddball couple road trip
SnoopyStyle8 February 2016
Seth (Henry Thomas) is an awkward loner taking care of his abusive father in upstate New York. He meets Marcy (Robin Tunney) in a hardware store. She's a shoplifter, from a rich trash transport family and suffers from Tourette syndrome. There is no black Barbie styling head and they decide to go to Toronto to get one. She has trouble getting medication. She self-medicates with alcohol and sex. They rob pharmacist Claude (Stephen Lang) and Seth gets shot. They crash the car and Walter (Michael Parks) tows them back to his place.
Henry Thomas and Robin Tunney make for an appealing oddball couple. I'm not sure if Robin is overplaying Tourettes. Some of what she does is more than simply losing control. Although I guess she could be fixated on something and then act on it. This is a road trip movie. I would like more intensity in some of the scenes. There are lots of opportunity but the movie falls a little short.
Henry Thomas and Robin Tunney make for an appealing oddball couple. I'm not sure if Robin is overplaying Tourettes. Some of what she does is more than simply losing control. Although I guess she could be fixated on something and then act on it. This is a road trip movie. I would like more intensity in some of the scenes. There are lots of opportunity but the movie falls a little short.
Shockingly Touching
cuban_QT16 June 2003
Like many others, I watched this movie on one of the indie movie channels on TV, mainly intrigued by the opening sequence (the shots of the characters shoplifting reminded me of the Breakfast Club for some reason--I think it was the trenchcoat and hi-tops) and unusual description. I didn't go into it with very high expectations, I guess because it was hard for me to get past "The Craft" in my mind. But I was truly shocked, and touched, by this film.
At first, the two characters seemed so strange, it was like they were trying TOO hard to be bizarre. But as the film progressed, their behavior took a backseat to the story that emerged--simply that of a star-crossed love, and the difficulty of being different in a society that has no place for you.
In a story that seems most familiar, the two go from one locale to another, seeking medicine, and comfort, but are turned away. The only friendly face they find is a self-ostracized woodsman, a self-confessed chicken lover. Just see it and you'll understand.
There were a couple of Harold and Maude references, including the final scene over Niagara Falls. It was just so powerful, the tension building to a moment you knew would be devastating...but it's almost impossible to accept how devastating it becomes. Left my crying for a good fifteen minutes. But it wasn't all sad. Marcy's disorder provides intentional comic relief at times, proving that sometimes laughing at the situation you're in is the only way to keep from going mad.
I will rent and watch again.
At first, the two characters seemed so strange, it was like they were trying TOO hard to be bizarre. But as the film progressed, their behavior took a backseat to the story that emerged--simply that of a star-crossed love, and the difficulty of being different in a society that has no place for you.
In a story that seems most familiar, the two go from one locale to another, seeking medicine, and comfort, but are turned away. The only friendly face they find is a self-ostracized woodsman, a self-confessed chicken lover. Just see it and you'll understand.
There were a couple of Harold and Maude references, including the final scene over Niagara Falls. It was just so powerful, the tension building to a moment you knew would be devastating...but it's almost impossible to accept how devastating it becomes. Left my crying for a good fifteen minutes. But it wasn't all sad. Marcy's disorder provides intentional comic relief at times, proving that sometimes laughing at the situation you're in is the only way to keep from going mad.
I will rent and watch again.
Interesting if unspectacular movie about a young couple who flee their hometown to go to Canada
amok198028 June 2000
Interesting if unspectacular movie about a young couple who flee their hometown to go to Canada to find a toy that the local store doesn't carry. The roadtrip gets crazy when Marcy, played by Robin Tunney, runs out of her prescription drugs. Some of what follows borders on the unbelievable, however, the evenly paced plot and decent acting make it easy to ignore the imperfections of Niagara, Niagara.
Stunning and heartbreaking, Robin Tunney is fantastic
Lasse-213 October 2000
Niagara, Niagara is a stunning and heartbreaking story about the two outsiders Seth and Marcy. Robin Tunney gives a fantastic performance as Marcy suffering from Tourette's Sydrome, getting sicker and sicker as the movie progresses. This movie is not very optimistic and it's very hard emotional, but at the same time very romantic. It's hard to explain, but see it and find out for yourself. It's definitely worth it.
Intelligently bizarre!
joeestlinbm7 February 2005
Henry Thomas, and Robin Tunny, are a couple of the most underrated performers in the business. It's beyond me as to why they haven't received more recognition than they have. This movie is a perfect example of how boundless their abilities are.
Acting out the lives of folks who could be referred to as a bit odd seems to be their speciality, and if these characters ain't odd, I'm at a loss to find anyone who is.
The story is funny, romantic, dramatic, complicated, and tragic. I hated the ending, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't have loved the story as a whole. So there ya go.
Acting out the lives of folks who could be referred to as a bit odd seems to be their speciality, and if these characters ain't odd, I'm at a loss to find anyone who is.
The story is funny, romantic, dramatic, complicated, and tragic. I hated the ending, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't have loved the story as a whole. So there ya go.
How to make a movie on the cheap
=G=27 October 2003
Hire a couple of competent B-listers like Tunney and Thomas, make them quirky so they'll be interesting - like give them Tourette's and ticks or whatever - then send them on a road trip so there's changing scenery, something which is always kinda-sorta interesting on the cheap, and have them encounter more quirky people and viola! Oh, yeah, guns are good and car crashes and stuff. Such is the formula behind "Niagra Niagra"; a shallow, unoriginal low budget product with little to offer save a whole lot of quirkiness. Another indie destined to die a slow death in that vast sea of flotsam called broadcast. (C)
Great performances, especially by Michael Park
jerry_newman13 October 2000
There are many things to admire about this film, but the thing that got me above all others was the part of an eccentric recluse, the sort of role that Hollywood loves & romanticizes but which here is absolutely convincing & unlike any character I've encounterd in film or in life. Also a very convincing & disturbing depiction of Tourete's syndrome
Another middle-of-the-road love movie, despite the mental disorder
nathanschubach30 May 2013
This is a little-remembered film from the 90's starring the types of characters from Drugstore Cowboy, Natural Born Killers, and True Romance, except for one has Tourette's syndrome. Their interest in each other gets them caught up in chaotic scenarios and ultimately puts their relationship in peril, even if one of them has a lot of crazy life stories to tell to future children or something.
The characters were sort of bland, Gen-Xer, 90's models of 20-somethings who had niche interests in petty theft and living life outside of the local rules. Robin Tunney gives a good performance as the Tourette's girl (name forgotten), but Henry Thomas' character, her significant other, was dull and not bright at all a real pain to watch. The worst part about the film was the missing logic during most of the characters' encounters with people along their journey to Canada. So many awkward experiences could have been avoided if the guy just explained her mental condition in a calm manner to others.
Overall, it's a memorable film, to me, but it gets lost in the shuffle between the aforementioned movies and films like Girl, Interrupted which explore more mentally-challenged characters on a deeper, more logical level. It feels more middle-of-the-road, which is why I give it a 5 star rating. A better ending would have boosted that rating up a notch, as well.
The characters were sort of bland, Gen-Xer, 90's models of 20-somethings who had niche interests in petty theft and living life outside of the local rules. Robin Tunney gives a good performance as the Tourette's girl (name forgotten), but Henry Thomas' character, her significant other, was dull and not bright at all a real pain to watch. The worst part about the film was the missing logic during most of the characters' encounters with people along their journey to Canada. So many awkward experiences could have been avoided if the guy just explained her mental condition in a calm manner to others.
Overall, it's a memorable film, to me, but it gets lost in the shuffle between the aforementioned movies and films like Girl, Interrupted which explore more mentally-challenged characters on a deeper, more logical level. It feels more middle-of-the-road, which is why I give it a 5 star rating. A better ending would have boosted that rating up a notch, as well.
Decent character study
jtdunlop5 April 1999
The film explores a couple of rejects, one rich with psychological problems, and the other poor with a messed up home, who go on a quest. Kind of the antithesis of 'It Happened One Night', the characters (main and supporting) are all tortured in their unique ways.
LA 35mm Screening!
bobgosse-113 August 2017
Robin, Henry, David Bushell and me at the New Beverly Screenings Aug 23
& 24! Q&A after the movie!
http://thenewbev.com/program/august-23-24-wicked-niagara-niagara/
Come see Mike Spiller's cinematography!
Hear about Bob and Michael Parks tempestuous relationship!
Ask anything you want!
http://thenewbev.com/program/august-23-24-wicked-niagara-niagara/
Come see Mike Spiller's cinematography!
Hear about Bob and Michael Parks tempestuous relationship!
Ask anything you want!
A crazy film you can believe
zentro18 March 2006
I tuned in to this movie because there was nothing else to watch. I was immediately sucked in by the characters.
Robin Tunney is nothing less than spectacular in this film. Her portrayal of a mentally ill woman is both moving and 100% believable. Really, this sort of thing is not easy to do. She pulls it off fantastically.
We know early on this film is going to end tragically, but you cannot take your eyes off of it. The characters do stupid things, but unlike most Hollywood movies where people do stupid things because the plot demands it, these people do stupid things because the are not right in the head - and the things they do are completely consistent with their characters.
This is just a great example of film making IMHO. Great writing, great acting, great directing. A film for people who think film can be more than mindless entertainment.
Robin Tunney is nothing less than spectacular in this film. Her portrayal of a mentally ill woman is both moving and 100% believable. Really, this sort of thing is not easy to do. She pulls it off fantastically.
We know early on this film is going to end tragically, but you cannot take your eyes off of it. The characters do stupid things, but unlike most Hollywood movies where people do stupid things because the plot demands it, these people do stupid things because the are not right in the head - and the things they do are completely consistent with their characters.
This is just a great example of film making IMHO. Great writing, great acting, great directing. A film for people who think film can be more than mindless entertainment.
don't bother
Ruadh22 November 2008
Part of this movie was filmed in my hometown in upstate new york, in fact in a brief clip you can see the video store that I rented the movie in (I think they're driving or something). Friends actually met and spoke with Henry and Robin. That's where my emotional attachment to this movie ends. It sucked. I was bored completely and though I do realize that movies like this must be made I am thankful that watching them is not somehow mandatory but simply a matter of accident by sheer numbers. We, as Americans, watch so many movies in our lives that some of them are bound to be steaming piles of drek. Nothing against the actors however.
LA 35mm Screening!
bobgosse-114 August 2017
Robin, Henry, David Bushell and me at the New Beverly Screenings Aug 23 & 24! Q&A after the movie!
http://thenewbev.com/program/august-23-24-wicked-niagara-niagara/
Come see Mike Spiller's cinematography!
Hear about Bob and Michael Parks tempestuous relationship!
Ask anything you want!
http://thenewbev.com/program/august-23-24-wicked-niagara-niagara/
Come see Mike Spiller's cinematography!
Hear about Bob and Michael Parks tempestuous relationship!
Ask anything you want!
C-grade film gets an A+ for exploitation
PaulinIN7 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Full disclosure: I have Tourette Syndrome. While Tunney is a good actress, I find a great deal of fault with this film, especially the writing and directing. The portrayal of TS is deeply inaccurate to the point of being harmful. I have known and counseled dozens of people with Tourettes and related disorders, and I have never seen the "violent outbursts" portrayed in the film. Tourettes is not psychosis. It is not criminality. It does not "male" you beat people or grab for a gun. It is a tic disorder that is sensationalized as much as it is misunderstood. Tunney's character is desperately seeking antipsychotics to control her tics. Because of advances in SSRI, SNRI, and benzodiazepine medications, antipsychotics have not been used regularly in the treatment of TS for many years. The fact that there is no deeper explanation for her behavior beyond her "attacks" conflates disability with moral failure.
This attempt at a serious portrayal is in no way authentic. One of the few saving graces of this film, though, is it is so implausible in its representation that TS is reduced to a plot device. Ask yourself, if this were a film in which race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or even another disability were portrayed in such a way, would you find it offensive? I do for obvious reasons, not the least of which being that the filmmakers are exploited a neurological disorder, thereby portraying those who struggle with it as criminals and fringe personalities. Unfortunately, there are very few honest, thorough portrayals of Tourette Syndrome in television or film, so there isn't much to compare it to. But I see the damage this film has caused the few people with Tourettes who are familiar with it. If the writers and director had done a minimal amount of research, this interpretation of Tourettes would not have been much different, or the screenplay would have ended up in the trash with the exploitation films of earlier decades.
Seth's fumbling attempt to explain Marcie's disorder to the police in the toy store is the final nail in the coffin for me. His bumbling, half-hearted attempt to save his partner results in a film that fails even to be a decent love story, while the glaringly offensive inaccuracies about Tourettes eliminate the emotional impact of an otherwise tragic storyline. This film is an object lesson in how misinterpretation and shallow research into disability can do real harm.
This attempt at a serious portrayal is in no way authentic. One of the few saving graces of this film, though, is it is so implausible in its representation that TS is reduced to a plot device. Ask yourself, if this were a film in which race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or even another disability were portrayed in such a way, would you find it offensive? I do for obvious reasons, not the least of which being that the filmmakers are exploited a neurological disorder, thereby portraying those who struggle with it as criminals and fringe personalities. Unfortunately, there are very few honest, thorough portrayals of Tourette Syndrome in television or film, so there isn't much to compare it to. But I see the damage this film has caused the few people with Tourettes who are familiar with it. If the writers and director had done a minimal amount of research, this interpretation of Tourettes would not have been much different, or the screenplay would have ended up in the trash with the exploitation films of earlier decades.
Seth's fumbling attempt to explain Marcie's disorder to the police in the toy store is the final nail in the coffin for me. His bumbling, half-hearted attempt to save his partner results in a film that fails even to be a decent love story, while the glaringly offensive inaccuracies about Tourettes eliminate the emotional impact of an otherwise tragic storyline. This film is an object lesson in how misinterpretation and shallow research into disability can do real harm.
Why can't there be more films like this?
theCreeper2 December 2000
Perhaps it is the fact that I have seen too many "commercial" movies released in conjunction with a line of action figures, fast food merchandise, and pop music laden soundtracks that I was so drawn into Niagra Niagra. Furthermore, it could be the aforementioned that leaves me wishing that I could see Niagra Niagra again. While other films leave you in awe of Dolby/THX theatrical sound, or CGI special effects, Niagra Niagra leaves you with something the commercial releases have lacked for years...a thought. How rare is it that we can see a well acted, directed, and written film that leaves us asking questions about ourselves and not heading out to a fast food chain for the toys of the week?
Niagra Niagra follows two castaways from society that take to the road together in hopes of finding their way to Niagra Falls, Ontario. Along the way we are treated to snippets, excerpts as it were of our own behaviour, or rather lack thereof. As a young woman tormented by Tourettes syndrome finds no sympathy save that of her fellow castaway. Together they find more than a road to take them to Canada, and find a way to tell us how understanding and empathy appear to be on the endangered species list. Winding along ribbons of asphalt together, we find a lot of ourselves and others in these castaways and ultimately a great reflection of that endangerment of human understanding driven home through a pair of incredible performances that are not to be missed.
Niagra Niagra is an incredible film which is a MUST see, and don't worry about being "sold" the latest line of merchandise. All you need to do is enjoy the film as it is, the enjoyment and message will come naturally.
Niagra Niagra follows two castaways from society that take to the road together in hopes of finding their way to Niagra Falls, Ontario. Along the way we are treated to snippets, excerpts as it were of our own behaviour, or rather lack thereof. As a young woman tormented by Tourettes syndrome finds no sympathy save that of her fellow castaway. Together they find more than a road to take them to Canada, and find a way to tell us how understanding and empathy appear to be on the endangered species list. Winding along ribbons of asphalt together, we find a lot of ourselves and others in these castaways and ultimately a great reflection of that endangerment of human understanding driven home through a pair of incredible performances that are not to be missed.
Niagra Niagra is an incredible film which is a MUST see, and don't worry about being "sold" the latest line of merchandise. All you need to do is enjoy the film as it is, the enjoyment and message will come naturally.
Extraordinary
Sailor Leila28 July 2000
This movie is truly worth seeing - Robin Tunney excels and Henry Thomas proves that he's one of those rarities, the child 'actor' who grows up to become a real actor. The characters are perfectly drawn, and in the wrong hands because of their depth, they could have been unconvincing - but all the actors are simply astounding. The cast of this movie has to rank up there with that of "Girl, Interrupted" (both movies coincidentally star the brilliant Clea Duvall). The score and music selections fit perfectly, and there is plenty of action to prevent the movie becoming just a character study. If you want the story, you won't find it in this review, but I will say that the climax will haunt you for a long time.
One of my favorites
markagerholm7 November 2005
I like movies about quirky people. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" is maybe my all time favorite, so one can imagine I had a blast with this one. It's definitely not one to watch if you want to walk off smiling. This movie is unpredictable and intense. Some scenes are downright frightening, even after multiple viewings (because this kind of stuff really can happen). It will most definitely keep you on the edge of your seat for the whole ride. And after you see the ending, if you're not deeply disturbed, you really should check yourself for a pulse.
The acting was phenomenal. Marcy, with her rather extreme case of tourette's, shifts from quirky-cute to utterly terrifying, sometimes appearing so out-of-control that she looks like the undead. Seth was great, too. The focus of the movie definitely does not fall nearly as much on him as it does on Marcy, though he happens to be the one that gains the most momentum as a blossoming character.
It's a classic love story with some unconventional twists, and it's also my favorite love story next to "True Romance." There are two bad reviews for it up here, but one of the people who gave such a review didn't have his facts straight and admitted to not seeing the whole film, while the other was just looking for some Hollywood thrills without the deep characters (and perhaps was a little thrown off by the apparent shallowness of the plot, seeing as the end goal revolves around stealing a black bobbi head from a toy store). The point is that this movie is not for those who want to see something "normal" or "lighthearted". This one is messed up and indie as can be, and won't let you go until the heavy climax.
The acting was phenomenal. Marcy, with her rather extreme case of tourette's, shifts from quirky-cute to utterly terrifying, sometimes appearing so out-of-control that she looks like the undead. Seth was great, too. The focus of the movie definitely does not fall nearly as much on him as it does on Marcy, though he happens to be the one that gains the most momentum as a blossoming character.
It's a classic love story with some unconventional twists, and it's also my favorite love story next to "True Romance." There are two bad reviews for it up here, but one of the people who gave such a review didn't have his facts straight and admitted to not seeing the whole film, while the other was just looking for some Hollywood thrills without the deep characters (and perhaps was a little thrown off by the apparent shallowness of the plot, seeing as the end goal revolves around stealing a black bobbi head from a toy store). The point is that this movie is not for those who want to see something "normal" or "lighthearted". This one is messed up and indie as can be, and won't let you go until the heavy climax.
Must See - Excellent
chimark-124 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is a good movie if you're looking for a tale of love. The only thing that really ruins it is a MAJOR plot hole. The whole story revolves around the couple robbing a drug store to get meds for her Tourette's Syndrome. Why did they do this? You run out of meds you call your doctor and get a refill. Or better yet any pharmacy will call your doctor for you. It's not like the meds for Tourette's Syndrome are heroin or cocaine. If you have a prescription you get them. This is a HUGE plot hole. OK the robbery is necessary for dramatic tension but it is 100% unrealistic. Still if you can overlook this plot error it's an excellent movie about love. I still recommend it highly
Amazing movie
michelle_gracely19 October 2009
I have watched this movie time and time and time again - each time it makes me laugh, it makes me think, and it makes me cry. Robin Tuney does an incredible job of portraying Marcy (and I'm kind of glad that Kate Winslet and that other lady turned down her part) its just one of those rolls that you know that no one else could have even compared.
Its a beautiful love story of these 2 very different people in crappy situations that team up together. They stand beside each other no matter what, even if it is in an odd situation and crazy ways.
I'll tell you now its not for everyone - out of everyone I've shown it to I'd say the results are 50/50 - but if you like it, you'll love it and want to share it with others! 10 stars all the way!
Its a beautiful love story of these 2 very different people in crappy situations that team up together. They stand beside each other no matter what, even if it is in an odd situation and crazy ways.
I'll tell you now its not for everyone - out of everyone I've shown it to I'd say the results are 50/50 - but if you like it, you'll love it and want to share it with others! 10 stars all the way!
Very Good Movie
jimmyjoejetter10 August 2005
Niagra Niagra was certainly not the best movie I have seen. However., I cannot describe the way the movie made me feel while watching it and how I felt as it ended and also how I feel about it now. Very few movies have such an effect on me. I like them or I do not. I look at Niagra Niagra as a work of art. We all see something in it and it may remind us of something or it may instill fear or fun etc... This movie had me in not the best mood. In fact it left me feeling empty somehow. I guess because the lives these two persons led were so empty in so many ways. They had no direction. Their only direction was to have no direction. They had many problems to deal with and I guess needed to get away from what could not have been a happy life. But on the way things really only got worse. A steady decline from where it started. It was sad as it was so well acted and I guess we have all most likely seen someone in some situation that may in some way resemble the situation these folks were in. They might have had a good life if they had any idea how. But it Wes clear they did not know what to do. So they kind of Rambled to someplace they had heard about. No real goal. They had no idea how to have a goal. They had no idea how to overcome the life that was set before them. I felt bad but could not stop watching the movie. Only good actors can make me feel so much about a movie that I would not like if just anyone played the parts. These two did a great job to the point you just did not see the acting. I am very impressed and want to buy the movie when it is available on DVD. You know. It left me feeling a little like Leaving Los Vegas did. But again it is in a class of its own. Not a great movie but well worth an hour or two on the right day. If you are a person who has problems I would not suggest you watch it. It could depress you. It depressed me and I have not the conditions these folks had. JimmyJoeJetter
Great, entertaining, fun, and emotional movie.
bakondi18 June 2013
This is one of my favorite movies of all time! The acting by Robin Tunney was fantastic, especially considering the unique difficulties with playing this role.
I won't divulge many secrets, but she plays the role of a strong girl named Marcy, who is half frustrated and half apathetic/jaded about the serious problems in her life and finds a way to spontaneously escape her surroundings with a new friend played by Henry Thomas, who is reserved in a semi-endearing way and tries to be a peace-keeper during Marcy's outbursts.
I couldn't give the movie 10 starts as it's slightly over the top with the emotional guidance attempted by Bob Gosse, almost in a Spielberg-ish kind of way, but 9 stars in accurate.
I won't divulge many secrets, but she plays the role of a strong girl named Marcy, who is half frustrated and half apathetic/jaded about the serious problems in her life and finds a way to spontaneously escape her surroundings with a new friend played by Henry Thomas, who is reserved in a semi-endearing way and tries to be a peace-keeper during Marcy's outbursts.
I couldn't give the movie 10 starts as it's slightly over the top with the emotional guidance attempted by Bob Gosse, almost in a Spielberg-ish kind of way, but 9 stars in accurate.
Marcy and Seth's Search for the Black Bobbi Head
rainbowrosie40030 September 2003
An excellent film with sublime acting. I never liked Robin Tunney until I saw this film - I became an instant fan. Tunney and Henry Thomas have perfect chemistry together. I wish I could see them in a romantic comedy with Fairuza Balk (the best witch). Henry is a muffin and a fine actor (the only interesting thing in Gangs of New York). Michael Parks is great and the soundtrack is amazing. A truly tragic love story. My favorite film and one of my favorite soundtracks.
In praise of Robin Tunney
myoungman2 September 2001
Because it's late and i'm running short on vocabulary, i will describe this film as "beautiful and heartbreaking," begging the forgiveness of those who cringe at such cliches. Robin Tunney does an amazing job portraying a young woman in the clutches of tourette's syndrome - her character was absolutely sincere and convincing, and i will follow her career wherever it goes because of this film.
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