37 reviews
Just looking at the writer and director behind the camera both alumni of the USA series "The Dead Zone" (of which Anthony Micheal Hall was the star). I will admit, off the top, I was quite dismayed with how small Hall's part was.. but that is only a MINOR quibble and in no way detracts from the film, he's just an actor whom I'd like to see more of.
Writer Scott Lew may be known for the more off beat "Bickford Schmeckler's Cool Ideas".. I don't know what the reputation is among others, its one of those quirky little films you come to.. but considering they got a fantastic performance out of Matthew Lillard (which seems rare, until lately). I would give the movie and its casting good marks.
We come to this film. And the one thing I can say is to me it was overshadowed by the darker more grindhouse driven (but similar old friends meeting in a bar) film "Sushi Girl", if you haven't seen that film I would HIGHLY recommend it.. but to the task at hand.
Seth Green does NOT SUCK. Let's just get that out of the way.. He's quite good here, as is Michelle Trachtenberg and Harold Perrineau (from HBO's OZ). I wasn't bowled over by William Baldwin in the film, then we come to the icy "sexy evil genius" herself Katee Sackhoff best known for the "Battlestar Galactica" revamp.
The basic story.. 3 former lovers of the title character all meet in a bar after a message to meet her. What are her intentions? That's the gist, and what really propels the movie forward. While the BIG twist at the end wasn't all that big a shock, its a film that's interesting to see how it got to that end as the characters bounce off crazy stories, each one seeming to relate an almost entirely different person to the others before a singular version begins to kind of form together.. before it gets pulled out from under us again. The flick isn't high on the stylish look, but it serves the film well enough and the easy dialogue keeps the film moving pretty quickly.
I won't spoil the film, but I will say its definitely worth a watch.. but I would more recommend the similar (as I said) but harder edged "Sushi Girl".. or even the Ryan Reynolds thriller "Buried" films that take place in more or less a singular location through out the entire film. The film keeps your attention for the entire running time, and while not as polished or glossy as the average big budget film giving some bigger stars and a lil more tech this could easily be in the multiplexes. Don't let that stop you from enjoying the film.
Writer Scott Lew may be known for the more off beat "Bickford Schmeckler's Cool Ideas".. I don't know what the reputation is among others, its one of those quirky little films you come to.. but considering they got a fantastic performance out of Matthew Lillard (which seems rare, until lately). I would give the movie and its casting good marks.
We come to this film. And the one thing I can say is to me it was overshadowed by the darker more grindhouse driven (but similar old friends meeting in a bar) film "Sushi Girl", if you haven't seen that film I would HIGHLY recommend it.. but to the task at hand.
Seth Green does NOT SUCK. Let's just get that out of the way.. He's quite good here, as is Michelle Trachtenberg and Harold Perrineau (from HBO's OZ). I wasn't bowled over by William Baldwin in the film, then we come to the icy "sexy evil genius" herself Katee Sackhoff best known for the "Battlestar Galactica" revamp.
The basic story.. 3 former lovers of the title character all meet in a bar after a message to meet her. What are her intentions? That's the gist, and what really propels the movie forward. While the BIG twist at the end wasn't all that big a shock, its a film that's interesting to see how it got to that end as the characters bounce off crazy stories, each one seeming to relate an almost entirely different person to the others before a singular version begins to kind of form together.. before it gets pulled out from under us again. The flick isn't high on the stylish look, but it serves the film well enough and the easy dialogue keeps the film moving pretty quickly.
I won't spoil the film, but I will say its definitely worth a watch.. but I would more recommend the similar (as I said) but harder edged "Sushi Girl".. or even the Ryan Reynolds thriller "Buried" films that take place in more or less a singular location through out the entire film. The film keeps your attention for the entire running time, and while not as polished or glossy as the average big budget film giving some bigger stars and a lil more tech this could easily be in the multiplexes. Don't let that stop you from enjoying the film.
Everyone in this film does a credible job and the story line works for me too. Katee Sackoff is a seriously under rated actress and she totally had me going in this film. I loved her in B.G., I love her in Longmire and am looking forward to her role in the new Riddick film. Trachtenberg never looked hotter and acquitted herself well in her role. Baldwin knocked it out of the park.
The pacing of the film could have used a bit of work. There were some times in the middle where I just wished they would get on with it but other than that, I was pretty darn satisfied with this film and am glad I watched it. This film is about dialog ala My Dinner With Andre or The Man From Earth. If you need action to enjoy a film, look elsewhere.
The pacing of the film could have used a bit of work. There were some times in the middle where I just wished they would get on with it but other than that, I was pretty darn satisfied with this film and am glad I watched it. This film is about dialog ala My Dinner With Andre or The Man From Earth. If you need action to enjoy a film, look elsewhere.
- scrich-696-880307
- May 25, 2013
- Permalink
A group of guys are drawn to the same bar in downtown Los Angeles by an ex-girlfriend (Katee Sackhoff) they all have in common.
I have to say my least favorite Buffy actor (Seth Green) is canceled out by my favorite one (Michelle Trachtenberg). Green is as obnoxious and terrible as ever, while Trachtenberg is performing on top of her game. Round it out with Billy Baldwin and Harold Perrineau ("Lost") and this is a solid cast of characters.
This film is awesome to repeatedly reference My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, one of the greatest (overlooked) bands of the 1980s and 90s. And then actually playing it... wow. Never thought I would see that outside of a movie from Gregg Araki. (I do resent it being called "bubblegum", though.)
A great first feature from director Shawn Piller, who had already made his name in television with "Dead Zone" and "Haven". Writer Scott Lew is also a "Dead Zone" alumnus. I look forward to their future endeavors.
I have to say my least favorite Buffy actor (Seth Green) is canceled out by my favorite one (Michelle Trachtenberg). Green is as obnoxious and terrible as ever, while Trachtenberg is performing on top of her game. Round it out with Billy Baldwin and Harold Perrineau ("Lost") and this is a solid cast of characters.
This film is awesome to repeatedly reference My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, one of the greatest (overlooked) bands of the 1980s and 90s. And then actually playing it... wow. Never thought I would see that outside of a movie from Gregg Araki. (I do resent it being called "bubblegum", though.)
A great first feature from director Shawn Piller, who had already made his name in television with "Dead Zone" and "Haven". Writer Scott Lew is also a "Dead Zone" alumnus. I look forward to their future endeavors.
- The-Plague
- Jun 13, 2014
- Permalink
It was different, but something intriguing about it. I definitely got engrossed with the characters. Good acting & chemistry.
Sexy is subjective, so I'll leave it up to you, although I have never found her anyway near sexy. So with good written dialog, I was waiting for an evil genius something..
What a waste! Is this what passes for a film these days, was this really necessary to bring out to the masses. I'm sensing some friends doing a favor for another here, or just that Seth wanted to meet Trachtenberg. Who can blame him.
So the dialog, camera, directing, and everything tec, was impeccable. Story,casting sucked big time. If you're gonna have genius in the title, ask a genius, or even just a smart person to help you write next time.
What a waste! Is this what passes for a film these days, was this really necessary to bring out to the masses. I'm sensing some friends doing a favor for another here, or just that Seth wanted to meet Trachtenberg. Who can blame him.
So the dialog, camera, directing, and everything tec, was impeccable. Story,casting sucked big time. If you're gonna have genius in the title, ask a genius, or even just a smart person to help you write next time.
Sucked me right in. A woman invites all of her exes for a drink. She hasn't seen any of them since they broke up through the years. Now they've all spilled about their personal experiences with her as they await her entrance. Once she arrives she dazzles them as she manipulates them all, including her current - the fiancé.
- killercharm
- Jan 19, 2022
- Permalink
This is my first review and nothing compelled me more to write it than the painfully positive reviews and the unreal rating for this title.
To begin with, justice was not done with the caste while Green was a type caste role, the "sexy evil genius" herself looked too old to play the role's demand. Performance department was better but not good enough, a staggering performance in the lead role while just an OK job from Green and Trachtenberg, hence my 2/10 rating only due to acting and a bit of interesting opening.
Even though I was already not too optimistic from the title itself my expectations were not very high, still the movie succeeded in disappointing me.
Plot was full of unsurprising, not so twisting twists, and there was a non existent element of suspense. Story progress, though interesting between different flash backs, was too predictable and annoyingly senseless. All of a sudden Nikky just doesn't like being called Nikk...
Character development was also not far behind the plot weakness, in sinking the movie further. The lead "Sexy Evil Genius" character itself gathers more irritation from the viewer than the genius image it struggles so unsuccessfully to project till the very end. In the end the sympathy and support the plot provides for the "genius" main character from other characters is plain failure for the writers to develop the character required to deliver the title role.
In total, it's all down the hill after a couple of good lines in the time before the main character "Nikki" arrives. Unless you really want to sit out the duration you paid for, I suggest leaving the theater and do something good with your time then watching till the end as it would just frustrate you more.
And to avoid further frustration to point you melt down and create an IMDb account only to write a real review, please don't read the rating and other positive reviews of this title.
To begin with, justice was not done with the caste while Green was a type caste role, the "sexy evil genius" herself looked too old to play the role's demand. Performance department was better but not good enough, a staggering performance in the lead role while just an OK job from Green and Trachtenberg, hence my 2/10 rating only due to acting and a bit of interesting opening.
Even though I was already not too optimistic from the title itself my expectations were not very high, still the movie succeeded in disappointing me.
Plot was full of unsurprising, not so twisting twists, and there was a non existent element of suspense. Story progress, though interesting between different flash backs, was too predictable and annoyingly senseless. All of a sudden Nikky just doesn't like being called Nikk...
Character development was also not far behind the plot weakness, in sinking the movie further. The lead "Sexy Evil Genius" character itself gathers more irritation from the viewer than the genius image it struggles so unsuccessfully to project till the very end. In the end the sympathy and support the plot provides for the "genius" main character from other characters is plain failure for the writers to develop the character required to deliver the title role.
In total, it's all down the hill after a couple of good lines in the time before the main character "Nikki" arrives. Unless you really want to sit out the duration you paid for, I suggest leaving the theater and do something good with your time then watching till the end as it would just frustrate you more.
And to avoid further frustration to point you melt down and create an IMDb account only to write a real review, please don't read the rating and other positive reviews of this title.
- dazzlingseem
- Apr 9, 2013
- Permalink
Miranda Prague (Michelle Trachtenberg) encounters Zachary Newman (Seth Green) at a bar. They've been unknowingly brought together by their mutual ex-lover Nikki Franklyn (Katee Sackhoff). She has also invited Marvin Coolidge (Harold Perrineau) and Bert Mayfaire (William Baldwin), both are also her ex-lovers. She has a plan for gathering them.
It's an interesting small little movie. It has some of my favorite actors. It's a tiny story in one room. It has its funny moments for two thirds of the movie. The reveals do leave me a bit split. On one hand, I appreciate going all out for the story. On the other hand, it's a bit questionable. For example, I accept that weak-kneed Bert would come to the meeting, but I don't see why Marvin would stay. All in all, this is a fun little movie with a few familiar faces.
It's an interesting small little movie. It has some of my favorite actors. It's a tiny story in one room. It has its funny moments for two thirds of the movie. The reveals do leave me a bit split. On one hand, I appreciate going all out for the story. On the other hand, it's a bit questionable. For example, I accept that weak-kneed Bert would come to the meeting, but I don't see why Marvin would stay. All in all, this is a fun little movie with a few familiar faces.
- SnoopyStyle
- Oct 31, 2022
- Permalink
Actually, the characters and actors, minus the lead, all make the film work a lot better than it would have. The lead, however, Sackhoff, just doesn't fit. She looks like a mom 10 years older than the characters who are supposed to be at or near the same age. I guess this is a case study in how a single important character miscast can leave a film being little more than olives and alcohol.
Besides being a psychotic-lite drama with a little humor thanks largely to the actors, it also taps into, with better than average insight, common early-to-mid life crisis issues along with sexual abuse issues. Had it not decided to also be a War on Drugs propaganda film, I might even call it smart. Maybe when the writer learns Cobain carried Nirvana, he'll have enough smarts to put together genius films like Matt Damon has done.
Besides being a psychotic-lite drama with a little humor thanks largely to the actors, it also taps into, with better than average insight, common early-to-mid life crisis issues along with sexual abuse issues. Had it not decided to also be a War on Drugs propaganda film, I might even call it smart. Maybe when the writer learns Cobain carried Nirvana, he'll have enough smarts to put together genius films like Matt Damon has done.
Sexy Evil Genius exposes a couple, often forgotten, universal truths. The first: A close shaven Seth Green can pass for a fifteen year old, any day of the week and twice on Sunday. The second: Even absent a billion dollar budget, CGI, 3-D, spectacular shoot-outs, or gratuitous nude scenes, a decent script, coupled with impressive acting is, as always been, damn entertaining.
I am content the above paragraph summed up my viewing experience of Sexy Evil Genius, however, the content gods of IMDb demand more input. To comment on the main character, the "genius", was she a manipulative, severely psychologically damaged individual? Absolutely. Was she someone that I, or any rational person, would wish to share company? No. Did she, and the film, hold my attention? Yes. Was the entire experience worth my time and the few dollars to rent the video. Yes.
I am content the above paragraph summed up my viewing experience of Sexy Evil Genius, however, the content gods of IMDb demand more input. To comment on the main character, the "genius", was she a manipulative, severely psychologically damaged individual? Absolutely. Was she someone that I, or any rational person, would wish to share company? No. Did she, and the film, hold my attention? Yes. Was the entire experience worth my time and the few dollars to rent the video. Yes.
- onetogrowon
- Apr 16, 2013
- Permalink
This movie is not a comedy. I agree with the thriller and drama classification. I didn't consider this a bad movie. I found the actors did a fine job of it, but the predictable plot it let down greatly. I also found this movie classified as science fiction in some other places. I was disappointed with their attempts of twists of the plot and found it bizarre how the characters interacted with each other. They seemed to almost become best friends only after knowing each other for minutes. This movie is neither science fiction nor is it a comedy. If your looking for a calm, predictable thriller to watch, this is the movie for you.
- marthanewsome
- Apr 12, 2013
- Permalink
"Woe be he or she that falls in love with Nikki Franklin." After being told to meet an ex-girlfriend at a bar three strangers show up and begin to talk and share stories. They all tell their stories about how they met, loved and ended the relationship with this woman. When she finally shows up with news that affects all of them no one is really sure how to act, or what to believe. I have to say that overall this is a pretty good movie that is worth watching but it is not for everyone. The whole movie takes place in one area and is pretty much just talking the whole time. That said the dialog is well written and the whole plot is actually interesting enough to keep you watching and interested in seeing what happens next. Trying to tell what is the truth and what is a lie also makes it that much more fun to watch. Overall, a movie that I think is fun and worth watching but is not for everyone. I give it a B.
- cosmo_tiger
- Apr 9, 2013
- Permalink
This movie wants to be taken seriously, wants to be considered clever and original but believe me, it is is not. The lead character Nik is as a ugly, vile she beast that you may ever have the displeasure of witnessing. Why couldn't they at least hired someone that is somewhat attractive? The plot drags, and it sucks. This movie sucks, and so do the people that like this crap. Did I say how f'ing ugly the main character insane bitch girl is? And she looks like she stinks too. Some people just exude stink, like this no talent hack. Save your time, and skip this movie. If it has a video game equivalent, it would be the atari version of et buried in huge desert.
- sm222-740-548577
- Jun 25, 2014
- Permalink
Nikki gathers around at a bar all her previous lovers (including a girl) and they get there before her arrival so they have a chance to know better and everyone talks about the adventures that they had with Nikki. Finally she comes but not alone, but with her fiancé who manage to get her out of the hospital and get away with a murder because she was at that time mentally insane. Soon all find out the real reason why are there and Bert is about to see the real face of the woman who is about to marry.
A good idea and opportune moment to make a good movie but unfortunately it fails. The whole action takes place at a table aside from the flashback scene the ending and the ones in the bathroom. In rest all talking and nothing happens.
A good idea and opportune moment to make a good movie but unfortunately it fails. The whole action takes place at a table aside from the flashback scene the ending and the ones in the bathroom. In rest all talking and nothing happens.
Why hasn't this movie gotten more reviews? (11 at the last count!) Well, it went straight to DVD, that's why. But that's a shame because it's a corker of a script and deserves a wider audience.
A capable cast leads the audience through a twisty turny plot involving the ex-lovers of Nikki, a 'sexy evil genius.' She gathers them together in a bar for mysterious reasons that she baits them with through their meeting... but nothing is as it seems and no-one can be sure whether or not she's telling the truth. Come to think of it, there are questions of 'the truth' about her ex-lovers too.
Key to the story is the question of her sanity, the veracity of which is cleverly shuffled throughout the dialog. What is real and what is imagined... what is believed to have happened and what has actually happened.
The state of Nikki's mental health (don't call her Nik!) would explain her motives but we never know what that is or what they are till the end.
The ensemble cast all help create an electric atmosphere but when Katee Sackhoff is let off her leash she steals it.
If you enjoyed the intelligent screenplay, brisk pace and edgy atmosphere of Glengarry Glenross then you'll get a pleasant evenings entertainment from this.
A capable cast leads the audience through a twisty turny plot involving the ex-lovers of Nikki, a 'sexy evil genius.' She gathers them together in a bar for mysterious reasons that she baits them with through their meeting... but nothing is as it seems and no-one can be sure whether or not she's telling the truth. Come to think of it, there are questions of 'the truth' about her ex-lovers too.
Key to the story is the question of her sanity, the veracity of which is cleverly shuffled throughout the dialog. What is real and what is imagined... what is believed to have happened and what has actually happened.
The state of Nikki's mental health (don't call her Nik!) would explain her motives but we never know what that is or what they are till the end.
The ensemble cast all help create an electric atmosphere but when Katee Sackhoff is let off her leash she steals it.
If you enjoyed the intelligent screenplay, brisk pace and edgy atmosphere of Glengarry Glenross then you'll get a pleasant evenings entertainment from this.
- mark-newman-1
- Apr 10, 2013
- Permalink
So I watched this with my partner and discovered it took 30 minutes until I realised its a go nowhere thriller that's going to fizz at the end. At the 30 minute mark leaving the lounge room to escape to the fridge for a little more excitement I discovered a block of chocolate, at this point I found the highlight of the movie was not watching it. Returning to the couch more comfy that a warm hug from mother Theresa I plunged into the abyss of boring dialogue pro lapsing the many thoughts of sleeping. As I discovered a ipad handy I found candy crush saga totally rocked my world at level 42 then I turned to the movie and frowned. As the movie came to the end I was relieved more to the disappointment of the story line. If you suffer from insomnia this is the cure for you ! Bloody awful. Get your deck chairs out sit in the backyard, make sure it's midnight and cold outside and watch grass grow for something more exciting
P
P
- producer_pd
- May 25, 2013
- Permalink
I must admit; with the likes of Michelle Trachtenberg, Katee Sackhoff, Seth Green, Harold Perrineau and Billy Baldwin, I expected this film to be considerably better. That being said; I found the plot intriguing, the acting exquisite and the actors engaging. The writing could have been (a lot) better - the finale a tad more climactic but I ultimately enjoyed the character interactions enough to say: I liked it.
Would I recommend this enough to spend $20? Probably not, but when it goes down a little in price, then yes – I would recommend it. (If only to watch Michelle, Katee, Seth, Harold and Billy interact.)
One question to anyone else who has watched "Sexy Evil Genius": did I hear Michelle's character; Miranda refer to Seth's character; Zachery as "Seth" (about 12 ½ minutes into the film)? And then later on when Katee's character; Nikki arrives also refer to Zachery as "Seth"? Or was it just me?
Would I recommend this enough to spend $20? Probably not, but when it goes down a little in price, then yes – I would recommend it. (If only to watch Michelle, Katee, Seth, Harold and Billy interact.)
One question to anyone else who has watched "Sexy Evil Genius": did I hear Michelle's character; Miranda refer to Seth's character; Zachery as "Seth" (about 12 ½ minutes into the film)? And then later on when Katee's character; Nikki arrives also refer to Zachery as "Seth"? Or was it just me?
- themagi621
- Apr 8, 2013
- Permalink
This movie is unworthy of the title "Sexy Evil Genius." There was nothing sexy, no real genius involved and the closest to evil was this chick's utter wackiness. Overall, the movie was boring. A bunch of people sit in a bar and talk old times about a crazy ex. The climax wasn't even close to thrilling. Instead of watching this movie, have a couple drinks and watch just about anything on TV. And since I need 10 lines to submit this review, here are some much better things to watch: "American Horror Story," "Hostages," "Sons of Anarchy," "The Black List," old "Law & Order" episodes (any of them) and "Homicide: Life on the Streets." Shoot, even "Gilligan's Island" was more entertaining!
Just horrible. At least show tracenberg naked or something to save this completely boring pile of manure. Did they read the script 10 minutes before they yelled action.
Tries to be smart, but it isnt. Like the type of person who think they are charming so they constantly talk.
I have never written a review before and I most probably suck at it, but as the title says IT made me do this. What appealed to me before watching this movie was that 2 actors where in it who I loved from TV shows Buffy and Lost. They performed like I hoped, these being Seth Green and Harrold Perrineau. But I must say that I didn't care much for Michelle Trachtenberg in Buffy, but she was great in this!
I'm a sucker for clever, funny, fast and weird conversations and this movie has all that. To me, and here comes a risky statement, this is the kind of stuff and conversations Tarantino hasn't been able to pull off since Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. Of course this movie doesn't come close to them, it is not as clever, but it sure is fun! And for me it has been a long long time since I enjoyed a movie that was (almost) all talk.. Pulling Tarantino into this is probably a silly move and making expectations way to high, so don't expect too much OK. And if you can love the characters like I did than I'm sure you'll love this little gem of a movie!
I'm a sucker for clever, funny, fast and weird conversations and this movie has all that. To me, and here comes a risky statement, this is the kind of stuff and conversations Tarantino hasn't been able to pull off since Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. Of course this movie doesn't come close to them, it is not as clever, but it sure is fun! And for me it has been a long long time since I enjoyed a movie that was (almost) all talk.. Pulling Tarantino into this is probably a silly move and making expectations way to high, so don't expect too much OK. And if you can love the characters like I did than I'm sure you'll love this little gem of a movie!
- psycho_anomely
- Apr 7, 2013
- Permalink
Wife & I hope every movie will be good, this was such a flop wife said find another movie.
It could not keep our attention the dialog was just dragging can I use redundant?
There was nothing here, 38 minutes in wife and I decided to throw in the towel, enough listening to 5 misfits discuss nothing.
Maybe its a dramafest? we could not stick around to find out.
pass on this one is our opinion
It could not keep our attention the dialog was just dragging can I use redundant?
There was nothing here, 38 minutes in wife and I decided to throw in the towel, enough listening to 5 misfits discuss nothing.
Maybe its a dramafest? we could not stick around to find out.
pass on this one is our opinion