ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW: A QUIRKY EXPERIENCE

The most annoying aspect of independent films are that most are overly quirky. Independent films have quirky titles, quirky characters, and quirky plots. At one time seeing an Independent film meant seeing a true original idea that is turned into a memorable film. Today these films all seem to be the same. I never thought the day would come when typical Hollywood fare released in the mega-plexes each weekend would have more originality that most independent films. The characters are usually weird or more simply stated, odd. Film makers would like to believe that their audience actually know people similar to their quirky characters in their screenplays.

ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW (MYEWK) is billed as a film about how technology is involved in the relationships that isolated Americans have. OK...What does that mean? All I know is that the only technology involved in the film is the "on-line" relationship between an adult woman and a seven-year-old boy. The movie is much more simple than its official website would have you believe. For the record, most movies are. MYEWK deals with two central quirky characters. The first is Richard, a shoe salesman, played by John Hawkes. Richard is extremely aloof. His wife has recently asked him to move out and he seems content, if not happy about it. If Richard is simply aloof...I have to respect his reaction to his wife's request. If Richard isn't aloof...He might be a dumb-ass. Richard has two children and although he cares for them both, they seem to realize that their father is a tad flighty and they may have to raise themselves. Like I stated above, the seven-year-old is swapping perverted messages to an on-line chat partner. His oldest son, a young teenager, is being teased by two female classmates who want to use him as a sexual experiment. The two females feel that if they can "practice" on their classmate...they will be prepared for future sexual experiences. MYEWK is not for young viewers and justifies its "R" rating.

The second central character is Christine, played by Miranda July. July directed and produced MYEWK and her character in the film feels like its a self portrayal. Christine is an artist who deals with multi-media items such as video tape and her verbal recordings. In other words...it's art that no one wants to buy. She also works for a cab company that specializes in transporting senior citizens. The viewer takes an instant liking to Christine. One day Christine notices Richard at his shoe store. She goes ga-ga over him. The last half of the film deals with the relationship between Christine and Richard and the characters that enter their lives: Richard's children and the characters they encounter, the senior citizens that Christine deals with, Richard's friend and co-worker. The idea of interweaving plot lines is most popular in the Independent film genre. It works well in MYEWK.

Technically, MYEWK is a success. I really enjoyed the film's musical score. Its difficult to explain but most of the score sounds as if its an electric organ purchased at Wal-Mart. It's a simple score for a simple movie. ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW receives a "7".

Independent movies work best when the quirky characters are played by no-name performers. No one wants to see Harrison Ford play an odd-ball after seeing him play such characters as Indiana Jones and the President of the United States (AIR FORCE ONE "8"). When a no-name performer plays an odd-ball its as if the actor is playing themselves. Ironically...there are a plethora of odd and quirky people working in Hollywood...And they don't have to act to be that way.

John Hawkes has had bit parts in several films. Although he is not the reason for me to recommend the films below...I give you the "TOP 3 MOVIES THAT JOHN HAWKES HAS APPEARED IN...BUT NOT INCLUDING MYEWK".

1. FROM DUSK TO DAWN (1996) I consider this one of the most under-rated movies of my generation. I love watching it with someone who doesn't know the plot. They are always shocked at whot happens in the middle of the film. Hawkes has about 5 minutes of screen time. "10"

2. THE PERFECT STORM (2000) Yes, the storm actually happened. Yes, the fishing boat in question was lost at sea. But to call this a true story is ridiculous. No one will ever know what happened on the fishing bout leading up to the hours of the storm. Regardless, the film is thrilling and deserves to be viewed. Hawkes has a major supporting role in the film with lots of screen time. "7"

3. IDENTITY (2003) A good thriller with an above average twist ending. Once again Hawkes has a supporting role with at least 15 minutes of screen time. IDENTITY has a great cast which includes John Cusack, Amanda Peet, and Ray Liotta. Fans of the television series LOST will enjoy this film."7"