Product ReviewsSouthland Tales (DVD, 2006)

Don't expect another Donnie Darko

Many of us have seen hundreds, if not thousands of films. Once in a while a movie comes along that tickles your brain in new ways. Whether you like it or not, it has an impact. Movies like Blue Velvet, Repo Man and Brazil. This is one of them.

Southland Tales is basically a collection of great moments pulled off by a great cast and a brilliant director. Think of 20 wonderful YouTube clips strung together in an interesting yet incoherent way. And believe me, numerous scenes in this movie will be YouTube hits.

This isn't a movie for most audiences. You won't relate to any characters, and you won't follow or really care about the preposterous plot. It is dark and cynical. And despite it's heavy-handed political story, there is no deep, introspective meaning behind anything whatsoever. This is why many people won't get it, and thus will hate it. It's a dark film with a dash of comedy and a heavy dose of LSD. But there are enough funny moments to save it from feeling like a depressing, bad trip.

Critics have used the word mishmash - and it is. Just like David Lynch and Terry Gilliam, Richard Kelly is clearly conflicted between telling a coherent, compelling story while simultaneously expressing his creative vision. Sometimes you have to choose one or the other, and he chose the latter this time. Which is fine by me. This movie is a gem, and if you are confused or put off by the plot, just pay attention in the beginning. The entire story is explained very early on during a movie pitch scene. After that, all that matters is you enjoy the ride.

And one last note to Kelly fans. Do not expect anything remotely similar to Donnie Darko. Very different type of film. The only similarity is the amazing soundtrackRead full review...

The Movie was ok.It had a lot of stars.

This was kind of a different kind of movie.I liked some of the stars in the movie.Sarah Michelle Gellar,The Rock,Sean William Scott,Justin Timberlake,
Mandy Moore.Justin Timberlake I don't really like.Not based on his performance.I just don't like him that much.The main reason I bought this movie was because of Christopher Lambert.He's one of my favorite actors.The original Highlander.He has a lot of great movies.This movie was ok.Read full review...

Movie was absolutely ownderful! Loved JT :) as usual!!

Film has a very powerful message and great points on life as we live it. The first time you watch the film it is fast paced and somewhat hard to follow, but if you pay attention or even have to watch it a second time, it is very much so worth the time. Consumes your mind and makes you view the world around you a little differently. Has a great cast as well with many familiar faces, for any of the fans out there!Read full review...

Another good movie from Richard Kelly

I enjoyed this movie as well as the graphic novel that goes with it. Most of the stuff Richard Kelly makes is pretty interesting and entertaining to watch.

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Got to have strange movies once in a while. But great cast.

This was a strange movie. I think it was produced by the same person who did Donnie Darko. It kept you guessing and had plenty of great stars in it.

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Give it a Five Star Rating

Good storyline.

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"I got soul but I'm not a solider."

I enjoyed Southland Tales, it caught me and would not let go. I realized immediatly this movie is not for everyone as when it started there were three of us in the room and when it ended I was the only one left. It has similar qualities to Donnie Darko but it's definatly not the same movie. Stiffler and the Rock put in awesome performances. If you like different (odd to most people) types of movies that make you think, this is a movie for you.Read full review...

If you like it, buy it! I did.

I have seen the movie many times, sense its release to DVD. I DID NOT, see the movie when it first came to the movie theaters. Previews made it look like a joke. To me. BUT, as I have said. I have seen it many times. Over ten times, would be a safe, low estimate. Renting was becoming difficult and hard to find. Problem solved! I bought it. The movie, I find AWESOME. It is very interesting. Enlightening to the mind. It is by no means a true story. BUT! I don't care. I put it in my top ten most AWESOME movies ever made!!!

KarlRead full review...

I'm breaking the rules...

I usually don't review movies I couldn't even finish (it kind of ruins the point of the whole process). However I can't help it this time. After 10 minutes I knew I'd hate Southland Tales, but I decided to be a man and keep watching. 30 minutes later I just couldn't take it anymore. This film is horribly crafted. Actually finishing the film wouldn't change that simple fact. The dialogue itself made me want to punch a pony! So sue me!Read full review...

Great Movie, but not for everyone!

I personally loved this movie! It was written and directed by Richard Kelly, who also wrote and directed Donnie Darko. This movie was a cross between Donnie Darko and The Fifth Element, mixed with a good cast; The Rock, Sean William Scott, Justin Timberlake, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Like Donnie Darko, Southland Tales is a movie that is extremely difficult to understand and at times it seems like there is no plot. For those that like strange movies and don't mind movies that have difficult plots to understand, then this movie is for you!Read full review...