Stuck Between Stations (2011) Reviews

• A relationship drama about the characters and what they have to say

  napierslogs2012-04-22

  It's not too often that small, indie, unknown films come along and engage you with dialogue. Only dialogue. And that's what makes "Stuck Between Stations" such a good movie. There isn't really a story as it just meanders along with two semi-directionless people on one night with parties and conversations. The trailer suggested there was a mysterious element, but none of that was to be found. But Rebecca and Casper connect and reconnect and we connect with them on a very meaningful and personal level. Rebecca (Zoe Lister Jones) is smart, extremely beautiful, but most likely rotten at making decisions. She's a comparative literature doctoral student, having an affair with her married professor, and hanging out at bars with her low-life friends. Casper (Sam Rosen) is a soldier on leave from Afghanistan and dealing with the fact that he doesn't care that his father just died. They are obviously both lonely and at this crossroads in their life even though there is no physical or even metaphorical crossroads. They both have a life to go back to. They realize that they went to elementary school and high school together, and she was his dream girl. Once that is revealed there is a romantic chemistry that helps pull the film along. It's also the smart, funny dialogue that keeps the film moving. I was completely captivated with what they were saying and couldn't wait to hear what they would say next. Each line would either be funny, silly, or dramatic, revealing or insightful. Or all of the above. It's the type of movie where the characters were likely crafted first, then put into a story, which is then spelled out with dialogue. Except in this case, there really isn't much of a story. The discerning dialogue reveals the entire background of both main characters throughout the film. It's only funny in the sense that they say things that make you laugh; it's dramatic in how real, touching, and serious or depressing their situations could be. It is romantic but whether or not they kiss is completely irrelevant to their relationship and what we get out of their relationship.

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• Yep, nice one

  davidgduncan2012-04-08

  I'm not one for romantic movies, and i've only written a couple of IMDb reviews, but I have seen a ton of low budget movies over the last few years, and frankly this is one of the best - certainly of the US variety. In fact I'd say it's as good as Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, I can't quite remember those movies names. This is a very cool movie. It just flows. The main protagonist starts off as a complete dooch. He's in his early 30s and rides a BMX. I almost quit the movie then, but somehow the movie trickles on and before you know it he's striking up a relationship with his high school dream girl. I won't spoil the movie, but it's a very nice trip, that despite it's obvious basicness doesn't seem like a low budget movie at all. I personally think that this movie was completely engrossing, engaging, thought provoking, interesting, if not inspiring, engaging, no I said that already, and enchanting right from the almost beginning to the end. Well played to all participants.

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• One Night in Minneapolis a Delightful Surprise

  shangrilala-205-5867912011-11-05

  I almost passed on this film based on the movie trailer which was interesting, but didn't really grab me. Luckily, this is one of those films where the movie is actually far better than the trailer. The writing was realistic, the banter is entertaining without being precious or too-clever, and the characters were engaging. Altogether, this movie was charming and surprising. It managed to avoid the pitfalls of the genre (one night shot at romance)through solid writing and great casting. The Minneapolis setting is also unique because I had not seen that side of the city before. I saw this in the DUMBO area of Brooklyn at ReRun Gastropub Theatre which I credit as a wonderful venue, but No matter how you view it, check out this lovely film. You are unlikely to be disappointed.

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• A movie that in some parts is very good and others are very boring...very OK. I liked it though. I say B

  cosmo_tiger2012-03-12

  "I got to go tomorrow, or today, but I just keep thinking what if this is all we got, what if this is it?" Casper (Rosen) is a soldier home for a few days when he meets high school classmate Becky (Jones) at a bar. After getting in a fight Casper and Becky begin talking and wind up walking and talking for the rest of the night, revealing deep secrets to each other throughout the night. This review may sound confusing. I was trying very hard to like this movie for some reason. To me this movie alternated from really good to really boring over and over. The movie is pretty much just the two walking and talking for an hour and a half but it is still a decent movie that if you are in the mood for is worth a watch. The ending is very good and is worth making it all the way through for that. Overall, a movie with real high and lows that is worth watching. When you are in the mood for it. I give it a B.

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• Very slow paced but witty

  snhoward242013-05-27

  I thought this would be a decent movie after reading the plot summary, but I was really wrong. Casper is home from Iraq/Afganistan because his father has passed away. He runs into Becky at a local bar and they spend the night talking and doing some random things together as well. They both have traumatic pasts and seem to bond over their horror stories. The movie ends very flat with no real ending. They just leave at the night with a promise to call in a year when he gets done with his tour. Not even a kiss between the two. I can see why though the main character played by Sam Rosten does not have much acting ability and this is his first writing credit as well. I see potential in him he is just not there yet. The veteran actors are bit players and have hardly any screen time. I'm not even sure why they were top billing characters for this movie. I wouldn't bother with this movie.

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