Grimerlana Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Exoticalot People are voting emotionally.

Lela The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

Kimball Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

icelandknight This is a somewhat cute little bar hopping movie that always seems like it's going to end badly, but due to amusing twists, never ends as one expects. It's interesting to see how the interaction of characters cause and negate problems between them.Basically it's Christmas in New York and a rather unlucky actor owes ("Fatty") a fat bartender (and illegal bookie) money. The out of work actor decides to tell everyone he needs the money for his girlfriend's abortion. She, in turn, is the sister of another bartender who is known for selflessly lending everyone money. Hearing his sister is pregnant he goes off to call in a few debts. His pride and sympathy for others hamper his efforts. Some of the people involved in the plot appear to be somewhat unscrupulous, but thanks to the domineering and honest counterparts in their lives, they shrink to conform to the imposed morals.Throughout the movie there is the threat that things could go horribly wrong at any time... but ingenious twists in the plot constantly surprise the viewer, neutralizing the threat and this is done rather ingeniously.True, much of what goes on in between is totally TRIVIAL. I believe that is partly why this movie may get bad reviews, but the story is well tied up with unexpected twists... but it's HOW they get tied up that is mildly amusing. Not hilarious, but mildly amusing.There are, however, a few pointless lengthy scenes, for example where the bartender meets up with old friends comparing wine around a table. This they could have cut, or used the time better to include other stories.4/10 for interesting, unexpected and "different" plot twists.

wharper-2 Daryl Hannah's character complains about her ex-boyfriend idolizing her: "He thinks I'm an angel. (pause) It got to be a f-cking bore." If that didn't make you laugh, avoid this film. If it did make you laugh, there are certainly other films that would be funnier to you.

George Parker "Hi-LIfe" tells of a NYC corner pub and the antics of numerous young adults associated with it...a sort of "Cheers" kind of "feel". The plot: He needs to pay off a bookie. His girl friend tells her bro she's preggo and needs the money for an abortion. The bro begin calling in old debts from old friends...etc, etc, etc. With a Christmas time in NYC ambiance, a good cast of second tier actors, and a clever plot, "Hi-Life" has much going for it. Unfortunately, it plays like a tv sitcom with only a modicum of entertainment and a script below the level of the acting talent. Enjoyable stuff for the terminally bored but no sex, nudity, love story, or hilarity.

k h This has to be, to my knowledge, the only christmas/abortion comedy ever made. Featuring splendid performances by Charles Durning as a hen-pecked love lorn bar owner, Eric Stoltz as the self-absorbed actor, and Campbell Scott as the bitter ex of Daryl Hannah, this film continually surprised and delighted me. Filmed in New York City by John Thomas (of Whit Stillman and "Sex in the City" fame) the city has never looked crisper or more inviting. The plot is wacky- a subplot involving two wacky ambulance drivers is particularly silly- but also has a wandering tone that careers from touching to bizarre, in the way that all good independent films do. Featuring the angriest Jewish santa clause ever filmed, rousingly played by Dean Cameron of "Ski School" fame. Worth a look!