Stateside (2004)

User Rating:

5.8/10   

Director:

Reverge Anselmo

Writer:

Reverge Anselmo (written by)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Boy In A Flack Jacket Meets Girl In A Straight Jacket.

Plot:

The film follows a rebellious teenager on leave from the Marines who falls in love with a female musician. The relationship is threatened when she develops a mental illness...

Plot Keywords:

Marine | Mental Illness | Priest | Schizophrenia | Military

Awards:

1 win

US TV Schedule:

Fri. Nov. 13	3:55 PM	SHOW
Sat. Nov. 14	4:00 AM	SHOW
Mon. Nov. 16	10:30 AM	SHOW

Cast

Rachael Leigh Cook	...	Dori Lawrence
Jonathan Tucker	...	Mark Deloach
Agnes Bruckner	...	Sue "of the Dubervilles" Dubois
Val Kilmer	...	Staff Sergeant Skeer
Joe Mantegna	...	Gil Deloach
Carrie Fisher	...	Mrs. Dubois
Diane Venora	...	Mrs. Hengen
Ed Begley Jr.	...	Father Concoff
Michael Godere	...	Gregory Tripodi (as Michael Goduti)
Daniel Franzese	...	Danny Tripodi
Zena Grey	...	Gina Deloach
André Vippolis	...	Dori's Agent, Ricky (as Andre Vippolis)
Paul Le Mat	...	Dori's Internist
Bridget Barkan	...	Francine
Billy Lush	...	Nando

Also Known As:

Sinners (Germany)

MPAA:

Rated R for language, some sexuality/nudity and underage drinking. (2004 re-rating)

Runtime:

USA:97 min

Country:

USA | Germany

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Germany:12 | USA:R | USA:R (2004 re-rating) | Australia:MA

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Seven Hills Pictures

Trivia:

According to Reverge Anselmo, Dori Lawrence was based on a real actress in the 1970's who did four movies - two of them big hits - before disappearing from the industry. On the DVD commentary, Anselmo reveals that the actress' brother plays the character of Silvio. The actor is David Holcomb leading many to believe that the actress is Sarah Holcomb of Animal House (1978) and Caddyshack (1980). Someone listed as "S.H." is thanked in the end credits.

Quotes:

SDI Skeer: You are here because you could not be trained to become men by the mothers of America.

Movie Connections:

References Platoon (1986)

Soundtrack:

96 Tears

NOT Another Teen Movie

Stateside breaks the mold of teen love stories. Though it might not appeal to a mass audience of younger teens, this movie appeals to people ranging from young adults to baby-boomers and gen-x-ers who lived through this period. The cast is stellar, and the direction seems solid and the camera-work deliberate. The real-life Marine experience of director of Reverge Anselmo brings a sense of realism to the film that is often lacking in pictures about the military – which tend to be heavy with political rhetoric and are often written by people who experience wartime from Berkley CA.

This picture is enhanced by a spectacular soundtrack that compliments the film well. It's always a good sign for a film when major actors accept minor roles. Stateside finds Penny Marshall having an un-credited role as a nurse, and Carrie Fisher as Mrs. Dubios – a part which is concentrated in mostly one scene. Val Kilmer and Joe Mantegna combine for about 15 minutes of screen time.

The reviews for this movie were mixed. However, I find it impossible to change the channel when it comes on TV, and it's quickly climbing my short-list of favorite films. Clearly not everyone will like this Stateside. It does have continuity issues, and there are some dialogue and plot details that don't make sense until the second or third time you see it. And I agree that the ending is slightly abrupt. However, if you're looking for a romantic movie or a hidden gem drama, you can do a lot worse with an hour and a half of your life.