Yar, you be here: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas > Customer Reviews

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Customer Reviews (22 - 24 of 35 Reviews)

A FANTASTIC JOURNEY THROUGH DRUGS N' VEGAS!
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is unlike any movie you will see for quite a while. The visionary behind 12 MONKEYS and THE FIShER KING Terry Gilliam has directed this film about a drug-addicted journalist and his equally addicted lawyer with style and panache. Based on the popular book, this film is both moving and hilarious on so many different levels. The plot is basically this: Raul Duke(played by Johnny Depp; Edward Scissorhands, Blow, Ed Wood), is a journalist for an unnamed magazine, who is asked to cover a race in Vegas. Taking along his lawyer Dr. Gonzo(Recent Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro; Traffic, Snatch, The Usual Suspects), they embark on a drug-induced farcical journey into Las Vegas where anything can happen and often does. The excellent direction and cinematography in this film is stunning, as well as the performances by the two stars. Johnny Depp is incredible as Duke/Narrator, definitely one of his best yet unknown performances(He is somewhat unrecognizable without a head of hair). Del Toro rocks as Dr. Gonzo. Definitely a sign of things to come as he would launch himself into some of the best performances of his career. Also, there are many great and memorable cameos by Tobey Maguire, Ellen Barkin, Christina Ricci, Christopher Meloni, Craig Bierko, Cameron Diaz, heck! Even Dr. Evil's Mini-Me makes a two second appearance if you look closely. All in all, a riotous and riveting movie that I absolutely love!

Extreme entertainment
Prepare yourself for a wild journey into the world of bright lights, flashy people, and non-stop substance abuse. Hunter S. Thompson's book about covering a motorcycle race in Las Vegas through pure "gonzo journalism" has been excellently adapted for the big screen by former Monty Python member Terry Gilliam. The movie stays very true to the story, the product of one of the founding fathers of the drug culture of the 70's. This movie covers both extremes: you will love it or hate it, and it won't allow you to stay anywhere near the middle. People who are interested in the drug culture and beat culture, or even a cynical look at one of America's craziest cities, will probably find themselves enjoying the film immensely, laughing and gasping at the insane antics of a drug-abusing "doctor of journalism" and his attorney. People looking for a more down to Earth experience without the odd visual trip and inexplicable dialogue will only be confused and repulsed, wondering what kind of person enjoys this kind of thing. Johnny Depp's performance is absolutely first-rate, Benicio Del Toro sheds the mediocrity he produced in The Usual Suspects, and cameos by Gary Busey, Cristina Ricci, and Thompson himself add to the perfect blend of acting that make this film one of the best of its kind.

The extras alone are worth the price!
I like this film, and I think Terry Gilliam was the best person to direct it. One only need watch BRAZIL to see that Gilliam is altering his consciousness in some deep way. But, I am also the first to admit that this film isn't for every one. However, if you're even remotely interested in Hunter S. Thompson, the 50 minute BBC documentary on him that the good folks at Criterion have included on the second disc is worth the price of this set. You can't lose.

Previous Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Next Page