19 reviews
A uneven day in a mundane café.Everyone brought his own problems into the scene.And suddenly all the problems were solved just before the credit started rolling.I have no problem with happy ending.But this movie seems so trivial and unfocused.It's not trite,and not subversive also.Just sort of stuck in the middle,the director intended to try something new and just fell by the wayside.Although there are so many characters,each in a different quandary,but there is no one we can really relate to or even makes us feel a little bit resonant.Mena Suvari is still edgy and smarting.Katherine Heigl grabbed the chance to play a totally different character during the hiatus.Callum Blue is once again a sleazy but enchanting lover.Jules Leyser did a good work portraying the canny but vulnerable,soon-bride-to-be,lawyer.But none of these cameos left any impression for you to consider what if you were in his/her shoes.
- two-robinsons
- Oct 10, 2007
- Permalink
If screenwriter Dean Craig was a friend of yours you'd be quite hard pressed to find something nice to say (because of course, you could never tell him the truth, which is that Caffeine is a pretty awful movie.
There is a reason why nearly everyone who's commented on the film makes reference to the bad British accents put on by the American actors, most notably Mena Suvari and Mark Pellegrino. What's truly frightening is that the IMDb references the latter as an acting teacher and his performance is the most over-the-top in a film full of forced situations and performances. And this includes Callum Blue who, while adorable, is playing his Mason from "Dead Like Me," which probably would've fine if he'd been given better lines (and situations).
Surprisingly, the most spot-on accent is done by one of the lesser-known actors, actor Mike Vogel (who Dean on "Grounded for Life"). Katherine Heigl's accent is actually not bad (and certainly far superior to Suvari's and Pellegrino's). Roz Witt's, too, is terrible. It was quite smart of Breckin Meyer to just be American.
It's the film's weakest element -- the idea of insisting it be set in a London restaurant, when it could be set anywhere, especially where the weaker American actors could focus on their performances rather than a wobbly accent. Repeatedly throwing in a "bloody," "shag," "knickers," "shat," or "fancy," just isn't enough to effectively establish this as London.
From the opening scene, it's obvious that this was filmed in Los Angeles. Every outdoor shot has the same two old-school Brit Taxi and Double Decker bus passing back and forth. All three vehicles are preserved like they've been borrowed from the Petersen (Car) Museum.
Ah, here's what you could say to Craig -- his actors are very attractive.
There is a reason why nearly everyone who's commented on the film makes reference to the bad British accents put on by the American actors, most notably Mena Suvari and Mark Pellegrino. What's truly frightening is that the IMDb references the latter as an acting teacher and his performance is the most over-the-top in a film full of forced situations and performances. And this includes Callum Blue who, while adorable, is playing his Mason from "Dead Like Me," which probably would've fine if he'd been given better lines (and situations).
Surprisingly, the most spot-on accent is done by one of the lesser-known actors, actor Mike Vogel (who Dean on "Grounded for Life"). Katherine Heigl's accent is actually not bad (and certainly far superior to Suvari's and Pellegrino's). Roz Witt's, too, is terrible. It was quite smart of Breckin Meyer to just be American.
It's the film's weakest element -- the idea of insisting it be set in a London restaurant, when it could be set anywhere, especially where the weaker American actors could focus on their performances rather than a wobbly accent. Repeatedly throwing in a "bloody," "shag," "knickers," "shat," or "fancy," just isn't enough to effectively establish this as London.
From the opening scene, it's obvious that this was filmed in Los Angeles. Every outdoor shot has the same two old-school Brit Taxi and Double Decker bus passing back and forth. All three vehicles are preserved like they've been borrowed from the Petersen (Car) Museum.
Ah, here's what you could say to Craig -- his actors are very attractive.
- theprovinces-1
- May 15, 2008
- Permalink
First of all, I have to come to the defence (spelled with a 'c') of the actors' British accents. Unless your name is Henry Higgins, I don't think you'll mind what you hear here. Now Keanu Reeves doing Shakespeare or Julia Roberts doing Mary Reilly, THOSE are bad accents. In "Caffeine" the two American fakers had me fooled enough to think they were actual Brits.
Now on to the movie. Like many good Brit comedies, the overall plot isn't as important as the witty criss-crossing of subplots. Like a clever stage play, that and some good acting is all you need. The whole story is set in a restaurant: the dining room, kitchen, and back balcony. Basically it's "a day in the life" of a bunch of oddball characters working and dining in a cafe.
The stories revolve mostly around romantic/sexual relationships and the absurd situations they create. Like a good Shakespearean romp... or the 70s sitcom "Three's Company", all the mayhem is the result of misunderstandings, awkwardness and overreactions. The film starts out somewhat tame, but as it progresses and we get to know each character, they seem to become increasingly insane. One of my fave segments was the meek vegetarian girl who was subjected to an excruciating blind date with a gun-toting macho man. By the time the movie is near its end, anything goes.
If you like dialogue-driven films that feel like plays, such as "Death at a Funeral" (original version 2007), "Le dîner de cons" (original version 1998), "My Tiny Universe" (2004), "Deathtrap" (1982) or even the classic "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" (1966), I think this movie will be worth your time.
Now on to the movie. Like many good Brit comedies, the overall plot isn't as important as the witty criss-crossing of subplots. Like a clever stage play, that and some good acting is all you need. The whole story is set in a restaurant: the dining room, kitchen, and back balcony. Basically it's "a day in the life" of a bunch of oddball characters working and dining in a cafe.
The stories revolve mostly around romantic/sexual relationships and the absurd situations they create. Like a good Shakespearean romp... or the 70s sitcom "Three's Company", all the mayhem is the result of misunderstandings, awkwardness and overreactions. The film starts out somewhat tame, but as it progresses and we get to know each character, they seem to become increasingly insane. One of my fave segments was the meek vegetarian girl who was subjected to an excruciating blind date with a gun-toting macho man. By the time the movie is near its end, anything goes.
If you like dialogue-driven films that feel like plays, such as "Death at a Funeral" (original version 2007), "Le dîner de cons" (original version 1998), "My Tiny Universe" (2004), "Deathtrap" (1982) or even the classic "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" (1966), I think this movie will be worth your time.
This movie was really cute. It made me laugh out loud at some of the hilarious and sometimes ridiculous events that happened to people. Even though some of the things that took place were really giving me that "yeah right" feeling, it still portrayed that "it could happen" feeling as well. The acting is good - even though it was a bit odd to watch some American actors pull of a British accent - and the story line is interesting and keeps you hooked just to see what happens next. It's neat to see how all of the characters are connected through the café and how it impacts their lives. I would definitely recommend this for a late night or rainy Saturday afternoon movie!
I Think my Summary just about covers it really.
This movie runs in almost the same direction as the film "Waiting". It runs through a mundane day at the local coffee shop, not exactly Starbucks or Costa here.
The worst thing i have to say about this movie is that being set in England and the English(Yes i am English) not being the most polite, in fact quite ignorant people, well the characters in this are all nut cases. I hope only that people watching this movie don't think that all people in England are like that because we certainly are not.
The movie as i said has a parallel with the film "Waiting", Dull, boring, unfunny and was too long at 80 odd minutes. The characters wandered along through the movie but ultimately you don't care what happens to them in the end.
I would not really suggest this, wait until its free to watch on your satellite/regional TV.
Sorry to spoil this for anyone eager to see it but if you do watch please remember that i did warn you.
This movie runs in almost the same direction as the film "Waiting". It runs through a mundane day at the local coffee shop, not exactly Starbucks or Costa here.
The worst thing i have to say about this movie is that being set in England and the English(Yes i am English) not being the most polite, in fact quite ignorant people, well the characters in this are all nut cases. I hope only that people watching this movie don't think that all people in England are like that because we certainly are not.
The movie as i said has a parallel with the film "Waiting", Dull, boring, unfunny and was too long at 80 odd minutes. The characters wandered along through the movie but ultimately you don't care what happens to them in the end.
I would not really suggest this, wait until its free to watch on your satellite/regional TV.
Sorry to spoil this for anyone eager to see it but if you do watch please remember that i did warn you.
- stephengraley
- May 4, 2007
- Permalink
It's a little and simple movie entirely shot inside a coffee shop in London but it's quite entertaining and funny.
The plot is all about the crossed talks between the costumers and also the employees of the coffee shop and all type of hilarious and absurd situations happens! From the girl who broke up with her boyfriend because he had a threesome with two identical twin girls to the crazy old lady who is shooting a gun inside the bar!! Not to mention the story of the guy who dresses with his wife's underwear
Well there are a lot of crazy stories in this film It just proves one more time that each person is a book full of chapters and that everyone has his little secret written in one of those chapters I appreciated this movie especially because of that and also because it crosses many characters, stories, funny and crazy moments in a simple and unpretentious way.
The cast is good and includes some known actors like Mena Suvari. It was nice to seeing her "practicing" her British accent I enjoyed this film and I score it 7/10.
The plot is all about the crossed talks between the costumers and also the employees of the coffee shop and all type of hilarious and absurd situations happens! From the girl who broke up with her boyfriend because he had a threesome with two identical twin girls to the crazy old lady who is shooting a gun inside the bar!! Not to mention the story of the guy who dresses with his wife's underwear
Well there are a lot of crazy stories in this film It just proves one more time that each person is a book full of chapters and that everyone has his little secret written in one of those chapters I appreciated this movie especially because of that and also because it crosses many characters, stories, funny and crazy moments in a simple and unpretentious way.
The cast is good and includes some known actors like Mena Suvari. It was nice to seeing her "practicing" her British accent I enjoyed this film and I score it 7/10.
- nats_always_write
- Feb 20, 2009
- Permalink
Not the best acting or editing but a good plot that makes us want to see it until the end.
A nice comedy to see and relax during a weekend evening ir just when you fill lazy.
He see how the team managing need to solve their own problems while in each coffee table a different situation us going on.
Nice to see how these stories unfold and some cross each other making us hanging around to watch it until the end.
As a movie you can easily find better one. As an entertainment it is very fine and reaches good comedy side.
So, you loose nothing to see it and for sure it will leave you with a smile in your face when it ends.
A nice comedy to see and relax during a weekend evening ir just when you fill lazy.
He see how the team managing need to solve their own problems while in each coffee table a different situation us going on.
Nice to see how these stories unfold and some cross each other making us hanging around to watch it until the end.
As a movie you can easily find better one. As an entertainment it is very fine and reaches good comedy side.
So, you loose nothing to see it and for sure it will leave you with a smile in your face when it ends.
- jewelfires
- Jul 6, 2022
- Permalink
Cliché-ridden, wooden stereotypical characters, totally unbelievable situations, disjointed, emotionally shallow, patronising, platitudinous, visually constipated, trivilisation of serious issues . . . the only good thing going for this movie was the location - quite a nice cafe it seemed though near-empty most of the time and soooooo quiet . . . except when someone was screaming out obscenities . . . oh, and as usual the actors, in this case doing their best with such an appalling script. Did anyone involved in making/writing this gumph ever try doing some time in a cafe for example. What was it then . . . a try-out for a series . . . comical, outlandish vignettes of cafe society? Or just a limp attempt by a writer to describe their pathetic existence drinking coffees while they sat attempting to coax their imagination into second gear? I was reminded of Benny Hill, but a benny Hill taking himself seriously and so cooooool . . . . Abysmal.
People compared this to Waiting, I beg to disagree, its most like "La cena" than any other movie, has really funny bits, and shows us different realities, and different relationships, and give us a lesson on acceptance and love. The acting is not worth of an award but if you have no further expectations, this movie is funny, witty and has this weird -yet- sweet twist at the end. I saw it because of Callum Blue who happens to be perfect as the tortured unfaithful boyfriend, you almost believe his pain, but who takes the scene is Rozz Witt's grandmother, she's just too funny for words. I thought that a movie with Mena Suvari after America Beauty wouldn't be good at all but I really liked.
There are some pervy things that made me think, that someone's normal is not the standard and that's good, otherwise life would be just boring.
its perfect for those days with friends or for yourself when all you need is to laugh at something that could happen to you.
There are some pervy things that made me think, that someone's normal is not the standard and that's good, otherwise life would be just boring.
its perfect for those days with friends or for yourself when all you need is to laugh at something that could happen to you.
- Arien_Kartheiser
- Jan 9, 2008
- Permalink
This film is about the chaotic events that happen in a day in a medium-sized London cafe.
Many have compared this film to "Waiting". I think this film focuses more on interpersonal relationships and emotional aspects following shocking revelations. It could have been a great film exploring such issues. However, the story is not so well written. There is too much jumping about from one character to another, making it slightly hard to follow, and decreases to coherence of the plot. It is not so much a comedy, as there are few funny moments. If it was not marketed as a comedy, then there would have been less disappointment.
Many have compared this film to "Waiting". I think this film focuses more on interpersonal relationships and emotional aspects following shocking revelations. It could have been a great film exploring such issues. However, the story is not so well written. There is too much jumping about from one character to another, making it slightly hard to follow, and decreases to coherence of the plot. It is not so much a comedy, as there are few funny moments. If it was not marketed as a comedy, then there would have been less disappointment.
nice. and chaotic.full of good intentions and noble desires but , in many parts, confuse and too strange to not be common. not the cast or the script saves this film. but the expectation of public. because it is not bad but seems be a collection of crumbs without becomes bread.this is basic sin. than - temptation to be original or a kind of Woody Allen films. nice actors, not very inspired humor, many links, couple problems, gay relation, friendship limits, first date, a strange old lady, coffee and escape from a bizarre circle. a lot of ingredients and not very tasty food. sure, it is not bad option for a Sunday evening.