How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2017) Reviews

• Fantastic romantic musical comedy

  BiiivAL2018-06-07

  The picture "How to talk to girls at parties" is a fascinating and fantastic story about love. The film unfolds in the suburbs of London in 1977. Three friends of high school punks after the next concert go in search of after-care and accidentally wander to an unusual party. There they observe small groups of people in amazing costumes of various colors. One of them is fond of sex Stella (Ruth Wilson), the other finds herself in a strange dance, and the main character Anne (Alex Sharp) falls in love with the beautiful Zen (El Fanning). At first, it seems to him that she is just a nuts American, but later he learns that she is an alien, like everyone else at a party. This is only an intriguing plot of the film, which can be called a fantastic romantic musical comedy impregnated with punk culture. This work was put by John Cameron Mitchell on the eponymous story of the now very popular English writer Neil Gaiman. American Mitchell - a provocative director, screenwriter, actor - known for theatrical and film audience for his musical, and later the film - "Hedwig and the ill-fated inch." Briton Gaiman, in turn, is more known for the novel "American Gods" and his recent serialization. In creating a beautiful visual style, Mitchell was helped by the cameraman Frank J. DeMarco, who shot "The hope will not fade away" with Robert Redford, as well as costume designer Sandy Powell, the owner of three Oscars, for her past work. Along with this, you can hear the frenzied music of the 70's in the picture, not so much hits as it usually happens, how many tracks of lesser known bands that even more immerses in that atmosphere. To watch this picture is a pleasure, if you like its creators like punk rock and Britain of that time. Animated psychedelic scenes complementary to what is happening look bright and mesmerizing. The cast that, to the stars already listed (and they can not be called in any other way, because Ruth Wilson and Alex Sharp are also theater actors with high awards) is complemented by the unfading Nicole Kidman in the image of the punk queen Bodice, looks very convincing. And the fascinating El Fanning, who is at least 18 years old, will make even those who perfectly speak with girls at parties party.

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• You will love it or hate it

  root882018-06-02

  It's pretentious and cheesy, unique and amazing. The only promise I can make is that you have never seen anything like it. That in itself should be enough to make any movie or art lover feel like this movie was money and time well spent. Of course there are flaws, but it's punk, that's what gives it character. If you spend all your money on Hollywood reboots, stay far, far away... You can enjoy the humor in this movie on the surface level or try to dig deeper into the many metaphors. I just went along for the ride and had a great time.

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• Loved it

  pashai2018-05-27

  When I read Neil Gaiman's short story of the same title, I wanted more. It is a beautiful story, I wanted more of it, and this movie delivered for me. If you want to know what you are getting into before watching, it is a blend of romanticized teenage punk scene with fantasy world aliens. It is nostalgic, fun, and touching. You can read the short story before watching the movie, or read the comic book (it is beautiful). Some negative reviews I've seen say the movie failed their expectations, which were based solely on the title (lol), or cast. Don't be that person. Or maybe they are just punks?

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• two worlds exploring each other

  ferguson-62018-06-01

  Greetings again from the darkness. Filmmaker John Cameron Mitchell exploded onto the scene in 2001 with his instant cult favorite HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, and in 2010 he delivered the expertly crafted and somber marital drama RABBIT HOLE. In his first feature film since the latter, Mitchell revisits the punk world in what has been described as Romeo and Juliet with punks and aliens. Mitchell and co-writer Philippa Goslett adapted the screenplay from a short story by Neil Gaiman ("American Gods"). It's set in 1977 Croydon (outside London) and though music plays a vital role, it's not really a musical. And even with some funny moments, it's not really a comedy. And while there are aliens, one wouldn't label this as science fiction. There is a budding romance at the core, and maybe the romance description fits best ... although, any unwitting group of film goers heading to the theatre expecting a typical romantic drama will likely walk out in the first 15 minutes. Zan (Elle Fanning) and Enn (Alex Sharp) are star-crossed (or is it intergalactic-crossed?) lovers - she being an alien, he a young punk rocker. This is less about two worlds colliding than two worlds exploring each other: the freedom of punk vs the conformity of the alien colony. We cross paths with the local Queen of punk known as Boadicea (one of the most extreme Nicole Kidman roles of her career), the alien Stella (Ruth Wilson), and Enn's punk mates Vic (Abraham Lewis) and John (Ethan Lawrence). Far and away the most interesting puzzle piece here is the connection between Enn and Zan. Mr. Sharp (a Bob Geldof lookalike) and Ms. Fanning are terrific together and the film suffers when they aren't on screen. Their live duet onstage is a true highlight and her wide-eyed curiosity combined with his zany punk persona provide most of the film's energy. "Punk ... the best thing to happen to ugly people" is likely the best line in the film, although Zan requesting "Do some more punk to me" isn't far behind. There are messages here about parenting, diversity and globalization, but mostly it's a creative and wild ride that's not likely to please everyone ... especially those looking for a Nicholas Sparks romance or anyone who might take the title literally. The film is scheduled to show at the Texas Theatre in Dallas beginning June 1, 2018.

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• Kinda of a strange movie, but I liked it.

  e_adamo2018-05-27

  I think the Fanning sisters were born in the wrong generation. One plays Cherie Currie and the other plays a Hard Core Alien Punker!! I never like Nicole Kidman, but the punk look suits her!! lol. Kinda of a strange movie, but I liked it.