Scene Stealers (2004) User Reviews

original, inventive, entertainingly bitchy and challenging

[phallock-1 · 9/10 · 8 March 2007]

great twists reminding how easily we can be manipulated by the media and what appears to be the message in a film. You won't guess the truth and true perspective from which this story is coming- until the very last frame. Very risk taking- most won't get it, or appreciate it, (including one VARIETY critic, RONNIE SCHEIB, who is so off base and apparently personally upset by this film, and venomous in his review, you'd have to assume the director dumped him. I'd have to rate Mr. Scheib a "C" (on the scale where "B" is "bitch") This will be a cult classic- when the true story behind the "plagiarism" aspect becomes more public.

WOW!

[mcelf · 9/10 · 5 February 2004]

I recently had the opportunity to watch a new independent comedy...Scene Stealers by Craig Mowry. I found the film facinating on a number of levels. I believe the campy scenes were hysterical..Mr. Mowry was able to pull off the tightrope walk.....he is able to successfully direct the whole gamut from campy humor, to black humor to ultimately some very fine dramatic performances. Equally impressive is he had a very diverse cast to deal with from seasoned professionals to a number of cast members who are making their acting debut in this film. One of the things I enjoyed most about Scene Stealers is this movie required my complete attention throughout the entire film....the twists and turns kept my mind engaged throughout. Most importantly, I have found myself still thinking about this film even weeks after I watched it. I wish Mr. Mowry good luck and great success with this little gem...Scene Stealers is well worth the ride!

Enjoyable romp

[rblue-1 · 9/10 · 18 August 2005]

My boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed viewing Scene Stealers at The Hamptons Film Festival. We loved taking a satiric look behind the scenes of a low-budget (or is it?) Hollywood production and the humorous characterizations portrayed.

Our favorite was Bob Balaban- as usual, his subtle, low-key performance hit just the right note for some great comedy. The mix of newcomers with seasoned actors helped make the plot convincing and we didn't see the twist-ending coming at all- it was a completely unexpected surprise, which we loved.

The multidimensional plot layers both helped keep our interest and also at times lost one or the other of us- which led to some interesting post-movie conversation.

A very unique film. We both recommend it and we'd love to see more from Craig Mowry and the new actors he's introduced us to!

Unique, refreshingly entertaining

[nvisages · 9/10 · 28 January 2004]

Scene Stealers was a refreshingly entertaining surprise. As the inner workings of the film industry is somewhat a mystery to the general public, I always enjoy a little peek "backstage" - like in Robert Altman's "The Player" and now in "Scene Stealers." Root for the underdog! Up and-coming filmmakers may relate to the frustrations of Billy Bottomsly, a screenwriter who, finding himself at the end of his rope, decides to take matters into his own hands. I felt like I was living vicariously through him. Taking on "the powers that be" is something we've all fantasized about in one way or another at some point and Billy does it big!

Although there is a moral to the story and a greater truth is revealed, this is a film which playfully pokes fun at the very things it is (or sometimes isn't) participating in- which is the basis of the Hollywood system. The charmingly desperate character of Billy Bottomsly, played by Craig Mowry (who also wrote and directed the film), made me laugh right from the opening credits. Especially entertaining were Bob Balaban ("Gosford Park," "The Mexican") playing Jonathan Crouch, a character who takes himself so seriously amidst the exaggerated goings-on, and Katy McGannon, a newcomer who is an absolute natural, playing the female lead's strong-willed agent. I love discovering raw, new talent and seeing their first forays into acting. I find it refreshing.

When you view Scene Stealers, pay attention and go along for the ride. There are twists and turns and great surprises straight through to the very end. My friends and I had some thought- provoking conversations afterwards, going over what we had thought was going on and the reality which was later revealed.

WOW!

[mcelf · 9/10 · 9 February 2004]

I recently had the opportunity to watch a new independent dramedy...Scene Stealers by Craig Mowry. I found the film fascinating on a number of levels. I believe the campy scenes were hysterical..Mr. Mowry was able to pull off the tightrope walk.....he is able to successfully direct the whole gamut from campy humor, to black humor to ultimately some very fine dramatic performances. One of the things I enjoyed most about Scene Stealers is this movie required my complete attention throughout the entire film....the twists and turns kept my mind engaged throughout. Most importantly, I have found myself still thinking about this film even weeks after I watched it. I wish Mr. Mowry good luck and great success with this little gem...Scene Stealers is well worth the ride!