I usually don't vide the Sundance channel, but last night I flipped around, stopped on this for a few seconds, and after watching the bulk of the picture realized I wasn't watching anything special, but still had that quality to keep my eyes from wandering. The acting is a big factor, since most of these people are un-professionals who act on the money basis of what most middle class Americans make. There is also a realistic feel to the pic that up until near the end stays true which also deserves credit, as well does some sequences that show the chemical downfall of these youngsters. Predictable, no doubt; I saw many turns right out of the after-school-special box of TV, but overall, it was good indie work. B+
21 Reviews
Maybe part 2
holliwilliams632 September 2018
I wish it had been a little more to real life than it was. I was one of the g/fs to the real life Boyd. Then we married and had a child. He has since passed away this year, 04/2018 but in the movie and I was partly there when the writer Dani Minnick was getting notes from my husband Lloyd but it stated he had an affair with his parole officer and had a baby which in fact it was myself and not a parole officer. But in any case he had hoped she would do a second part before he passed but it's unfortunate that he already gone and he won't be able to see it. But Dani if you're reading this and you maybe are thinking about it and need anything look me up and I'd be more than happy to help. Alot went on between those yrs and especially between 2010 and 2018 and I was there for all of it.
I think it's a rather good film depicting teenage love in it's bare and gritty form.
queenmedea919 October 2002
I thought the movie was pretty good. I loved Brian Vaughan playing Boyd as the classic bad boy and the interaction between the characters was explosive, obsessive, turbulent and unusual, which made the story more real. I loved the character of Boyd's laid-back mother and her reaction to Katie and Boyd's relationship--pretty cool despite it all, though a bit unrealistic because she handled it a bit too well. The characters of Katie's parents and Boyd's friends could have been played up more though--they were cast into the background or skipped over quickly. Additionally, Katie's reaction to Boyd's actions sometimes was too nonchalant, as if it didn't concern her in the least. What made this film great was the dynamic cast, the charismatic bad boy character that Brian Vaughan played very well and the rough, gritty photography because this film didn't need all the sugar-coating and super-smooth filming some other movies have to depend on to make it interesting. Overall, I'd give the movie three and a half out of five stars.
Don't waste your time.
=G=21 April 2002
"Falling Like This" is a jiggle-cam no-budget indie loser not worth the time. The flick has no story, no point, no purpose, no moral, no message, and comes off like a bad class project. What is supposed to be a slice of life flick about a couple of rebellious teens goes something like..see the kids take a bath, see them drive a truck off a cliff, see them play darts and look at the sky and drink beer and get busted and hang out and pitch a fit and go to juvi and...yada, yada, yada. If you want to watch amateurish films, there are much better amateurish films than this on late night t.v.
It should not hurt your eyes to watch a movie...!
gumby-817 October 2001
The leads are the best part of this "film." There is potential in their performances and hopefully they can find work in more films with better material.
But the biggest distraction of the movie is that it is shot on mini-DV (digital video). When projected (I saw a 35mm blow-up) 95% of the shots were out of focus...hence I was constantly rubbing my eyes. It should not hurt to watch a movie. And at a reported production budget of $70,000.00 and shooting schedule of 4 weeks...you'd think if the filmmakers were smart enough, they could have shot on film (16mm or 35mm).
Plus the "film" went on about 15 minutes too long...this is a grade-z "KIDS."
But the biggest distraction of the movie is that it is shot on mini-DV (digital video). When projected (I saw a 35mm blow-up) 95% of the shots were out of focus...hence I was constantly rubbing my eyes. It should not hurt to watch a movie. And at a reported production budget of $70,000.00 and shooting schedule of 4 weeks...you'd think if the filmmakers were smart enough, they could have shot on film (16mm or 35mm).
Plus the "film" went on about 15 minutes too long...this is a grade-z "KIDS."
Every once in a while, a film comes along that grabs your heart and reels you in, and for a brief time - you transcend away from the present.
Cyndy0808026 April 2002
This film was beautiful and intelligent. It brought back so many of the feelings I had myself at that age and in love. The actors were so amazingly natural, at times I wondered if I was watching a 'reality' film - especially during the scene that takes place in the bathroom between Megan Wilson and the actress playing her mother. The mistletoe scene and the scene with Brian Vaughn and the baby were flawless and I was moved by a tide of bittersweet emotion watching them. I loved the score too, it complimented the film perfectly.
I am surprised and dismayed by some of the criticism in the reviews here. I thought the writing/dialogue was smooth, original and realistic. The story line was wonderfully simplistic - a young girl looks back at the sweet and sometimes turbulent relationship with her first love. I was enthralled with both of the young characters, but I was especially enchanted with Katie because of the strength and intelligence of her character. I do agree with the reviewer that compared Brian Vaughn (Boyd) to a young Brad Pitt - I found myself thinking the same thing throughout the film. I also believe the pacing and the length of this film were superb - a perfectly timed glimpse into the lives of two people that touched each other tenderly.
I watch a lot of movies, and this is definitely one of the best I've seen. It reminded me of "The Virgin Suicides" because of it's dreamy and poetic feel. I was touched deeply and I can't wait to see more from the talented Dani Minnick. I urge the reviewers to watch the film again, there were so many slight nuances in the film, you may not have caught them the first time. This isn't your run of the mill glossy teen film that Hollywood has been burping out for the last several years - it's much more perceptive and raw. I plan to view it again as soon as possible.
I am surprised and dismayed by some of the criticism in the reviews here. I thought the writing/dialogue was smooth, original and realistic. The story line was wonderfully simplistic - a young girl looks back at the sweet and sometimes turbulent relationship with her first love. I was enthralled with both of the young characters, but I was especially enchanted with Katie because of the strength and intelligence of her character. I do agree with the reviewer that compared Brian Vaughn (Boyd) to a young Brad Pitt - I found myself thinking the same thing throughout the film. I also believe the pacing and the length of this film were superb - a perfectly timed glimpse into the lives of two people that touched each other tenderly.
I watch a lot of movies, and this is definitely one of the best I've seen. It reminded me of "The Virgin Suicides" because of it's dreamy and poetic feel. I was touched deeply and I can't wait to see more from the talented Dani Minnick. I urge the reviewers to watch the film again, there were so many slight nuances in the film, you may not have caught them the first time. This isn't your run of the mill glossy teen film that Hollywood has been burping out for the last several years - it's much more perceptive and raw. I plan to view it again as soon as possible.
Guilty of criminal misuse of Ani DiFranco songs.
BrettErikJohnson20 November 2004
The DVD of "Falling Like This" has a featurette in which the writer/director pats herself on the back and blathers on about what a great "love story" this is. Yeah. Right. Like the world needed ANOTHER story about a couple of teens who are born into such a terrible world that they don't care about anything. Anything except their own instant gratification that is. They have sex and do drugs and get drunk and skip school. Gosh...how romantic. This love story blows "As Good As It Gets" right out of the water doesn't it? Heh.
Our Brad Pitt wannabe hero thinks it's funny to constantly commit theft and even points guns at the cops. Of course, the police are shown to be a bunch of angry thugs who beat up our poor little lovable hero. Maybe he shouldn't commit felony after felony and maybe he shouldn't POINT A GUN AT THE POLICE!!
It scares me when I see people rave on and on about how great this is. Yes...I understand it is only a movie. Really I do. But even under those circumstances I don't know how anyone can enjoy watching these losers exhibit completely irredeemable behavior and do nothing of any substance for the entire length of the film. It's a total snoozefest and I have seen other shot-on-video movies look way better than this. A complete waste of time! 1/10
Our Brad Pitt wannabe hero thinks it's funny to constantly commit theft and even points guns at the cops. Of course, the police are shown to be a bunch of angry thugs who beat up our poor little lovable hero. Maybe he shouldn't commit felony after felony and maybe he shouldn't POINT A GUN AT THE POLICE!!
It scares me when I see people rave on and on about how great this is. Yes...I understand it is only a movie. Really I do. But even under those circumstances I don't know how anyone can enjoy watching these losers exhibit completely irredeemable behavior and do nothing of any substance for the entire length of the film. It's a total snoozefest and I have seen other shot-on-video movies look way better than this. A complete waste of time! 1/10
Minnick's feature is way ahead of its time.
xIngrate30 June 2002
Minnick's FALLING LIKE THIS, that aired April 12th, 2002, is a film way ahead of its time. Shot digitally on a shoe-string budget, it nevertheless has plenty to offer in terms of technical proficiency and acting. The biggest draw, however, is the way the story unfolds.
Guided by Minnick's brilliant directing, we slowly fall in love with Boyd, just as the main character does. We just can't help but to like him, even love him, despite his increasingly criminal behavior. And there is no attempt ever to make him larger than life, a superhero of sorts. Same with the main character, an ordinary highschool girl. The subtext permeates every frame of Minnick's film.
This is a film for anyone who does not need to be told what to think or feel at any given moment bur rather likes to draw his or her own conclusions. FALLING LIKE THIS should be shown in schools, specially to troubled teens that are experiencing their first falling in love.
Guided by Minnick's brilliant directing, we slowly fall in love with Boyd, just as the main character does. We just can't help but to like him, even love him, despite his increasingly criminal behavior. And there is no attempt ever to make him larger than life, a superhero of sorts. Same with the main character, an ordinary highschool girl. The subtext permeates every frame of Minnick's film.
This is a film for anyone who does not need to be told what to think or feel at any given moment bur rather likes to draw his or her own conclusions. FALLING LIKE THIS should be shown in schools, specially to troubled teens that are experiencing their first falling in love.
Has potential
ariokot18 June 2001
This movie features two young actors who will hopefully be seen in more films. The teenage "good girl falls for boy from the wrong side of the tracks" story falls short of explaining the psychological factors that would cause a relatively stable girl to defy her parents and cause a hardened juvenile delinquent to open up so easily to his girlfriend. The writer hinted at some of these, but she never delved into it thus making it a predictable story that could have ended thirty minutes into the film.
enduring, unconditional, forgiving and sometimes ignorant love is bliss
harmony01727 June 2002
I love the reality of this movie. You automatically grasp the emotion that is being projected without even having to wonder what's going on. It's also great because of the fact that it lets you into their whole world without too hesitation. Automatically the story takes off. I love this movie. It really lets you know how things are in situations/relationships of this nature. If you've ever been in love with a bad boy/girl, you know what I mean. If you haven't and wonder why the love that these types of relationships is so enduring, unconditional, forgiving and sometimes ignorant you'll know why once you see this. Ignorance is bliss. Falling this way makes you understand how Boyd and Katie are each other's world and nothing else matters. That's love. This is one of my top ten movies of all time.
Truthful story of two teens lost in the maze of life.
lorenzo21211 June 2002
Falling Like This is about two teens, lost in the maze of youth, who find each other as the only safe ground in their lives. There is no need for depth of reasons why they are lost, so many teens go through similar experiences while trying to adjust to their lives. The portrayals are outstanding. Brian Vaughn portrays the delinquent you like, and Megan Wilson is the girl who doesn't try to change him, but accepts him for who he is. The supporting cast portraying parents and friends fit the mood of the story like a glove. Both sets of parents have their problems, as do friends of Brian and Megan. The best comment I can make is that all have worked so well together that this film is believable, a kudo hardly given to many movies. You will feel right in the middle of the story, not just as an observer.
Dream-like, compassionate film showcases compelling performances by two young actors.
melaniejones5 April 2002
Falling Like This showcases compelling performances by two young actors, Brian Vaughan and Megan Wilson. Writer/Director Dani Minnick has crafted a compassionate examination of the ragged edge of suburban life as characterized by Boyd, a charming, vulnerable and inveterate juvenile delinquent whose love nearly derails the life of a middle-class teenage girl. The understated themes of adolescent rebellion, adult responsibility and the redemptive power of love are woven elegantly into this dream-like film.
Bad Boys Rule!
CammSpencer27 April 2002
Like a first crush, the film and it's characters seduce you and then take you on a journey towards tragic inevitability. The success of the film is largely in part to the character of Boyd, an innocent bad boy who can't help his good looks or having a criminal for a father. Boyd can't help stealing cars and Katie, a good girl in highschool, can't help falling in love with him. Dani Minnick's script beautifully captures the essence of a first love and the extent to which people will be willingly led down a dangerous path, particularly when the leader is sweet-natured and has no malice or ill intentions.
Deceptive in its simplicity, the film captures the delicacy of a first love and the fragility of impressionable youth. Minnick elicits beautifully natural performances from her young stars.
Deceptive in its simplicity, the film captures the delicacy of a first love and the fragility of impressionable youth. Minnick elicits beautifully natural performances from her young stars.
Dani is a director on the rise
beth-131 October 2001
This film marks a great beginning for Dani Minnick's career. She got such realistic performances out of the two young actors that had no previous experience. I loved it! The music by Ani Di Franco couldn't have been a better compliment for the film. I'm going to watch for this director in the future.... she definitely has potential!
Felt so true!
pinkkie7314 June 2002
To all women who grew up in the 80's and fell in love with a bad boy this is your story. The young couples love is so new and fresh it really brought me back to that time in my life. Dani did a great job on this movie and the cast was so real.
Enjoyed it!
Bangyourheaddown11 May 2003
I really liked this movie. It was very real and I felt that way I could relate to it, and I did relate to it A LOT. The Ani song list was great too. I've watched this movie a lot actually...and I'm still not tired of it so that says something.
Brian Vaughn,Falling Like This
Dimegirl25 May 2009
Brian Vaughn did an amazing job in the film Falling Like This. He is an up and coming young talent that needs to be seen more of.This is one of those movies you see and say "that was my life."Even though this movie was done some time ago it really never ages.So check out this film and keep your eye open for Brian Vaughn- he may even turn down certain roles waiting for the right part. I am sure when the right part comes his way he will not disappoint!
He is also in the movie Almost Famous and the Good Humor Man
Has done work on some T.V. shows
His only name listing is on IMDb and Amazon.
I hope in the future he will open up a fan website so his fans can keep up with him.
He is also in the movie Almost Famous and the Good Humor Man
Has done work on some T.V. shows
His only name listing is on IMDb and Amazon.
I hope in the future he will open up a fan website so his fans can keep up with him.
I loved this film.
coopandad9 October 2002
"Falling Like This" uses the DV form absolutely perfectly, giving the entire story a realistic, riveting, fly-on-the-wall feel. Lots of films use handheld to achieve realism, but too many times this technique tries to cover up bad writing and acting. But this film has it all. Who among us didn't know a genuine, charismatic, doomed "bad boy" like this growing up? Not to mention an upper-middle class girl who was hopelessly drawn to him? The acting is absolutely amazing. I don't know how the director pulled it off. A film like this is what everyone in the French New Wave was going for, but so few attained. I went to see this in San Francisco at a digital film festival, after seeing a glowing endorsement from Cameron Crowe. Boy, was he right. I'm getting ready to shoot a short, and I'd like nothing better than to achieve the same feel and emotion of this film.
He's so beautiful
monizrocks2 April 2004
I loved the movie. I related to it very much. It bothers me that information on then whereabouts of Brian Vaughan are so hard to find. If anyone has any input, lemme know. I really liked how the age group was & how it showed the families. It shows how kids REALLY can be, i'm 17, 18 on the 11th & that movie wasnt far from the truth at all. I didnt really like the ending, but it was understood. He was born into a life of crime & continued it. It also shows how young girls will do just about anything, risk everything for someone they feel strongly for, Crazynes. i Love it, I truly did.
<3
<3
Almost Nostalgic
ChocoBabiChan27 April 2003
This movie is damn good. It reminds me of my high school boyfriend. You know, THE FIRST LOVE. Its reminding of how much the "bad boy" image appeals to the teenage girl, and how they still do. Brian Vaughn is one sexy hot boy for a teenager. Makes me wish I were 5 years younger.
Looks Like a Young Brad Pitt
savanna-225 April 2002
This movie is more suited for the small screen, citing the
above given reasons. The two leads do quite well w. what
they are given. Good cinematography and atmosphere. Patricia Clarkson is stand out as Boyd's mother. Re: Brian Vaughan (IV) performance - see Brad Pitt's performances in, well just about anything, but especially: Kalifornia (1993) .... Early Grayce Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) .... Louisde Pointe du Lac Legends of the Fall (1994) ....Tristan Ludlow Meet Joe Black (1998) .... Joe Black
above given reasons. The two leads do quite well w. what
they are given. Good cinematography and atmosphere. Patricia Clarkson is stand out as Boyd's mother. Re: Brian Vaughan (IV) performance - see Brad Pitt's performances in, well just about anything, but especially: Kalifornia (1993) .... Early Grayce Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) .... Louisde Pointe du Lac Legends of the Fall (1994) ....Tristan Ludlow Meet Joe Black (1998) .... Joe Black
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