MovieChat Forums > The Smell of Success (2009) Discussion > Negative Sundance Review

Negative Sundance Review

posted 15 years ago by Nick_Dets
5 replies | jump to latest

I'm not familiar with the source, but the website hitflix's film reviewer Gregory Ellwood posted a very negative review about the film here:

http://www.hitfix.com/posts/2009-1-21-sundance-review-manure-an-appropriately-titled-piece-of-expletive

Ellwood thinks that no distributor will touch the film, despite its strong cast. While there isn't anything to compare this review to, its hard to trust that the assessment is fair. Was anyone else at the premeire, particularly any Polish Brothers fans?

Ellwood himself calls the Polishes films an "acquired taste," which may be true, so I'm wondering what those of such a taste think about the film and what their predictions of its distribution might be?

[–] Livesurf21 15 years ago

I went to the premiere last night and thought the movie was awesome. That guy probably just doesn't understand the polish brothers humor. It's one of the better movies I've seen so far at sundance. The art direction was really cool, all brown. My girlfriend loved it too. I'd definitely recommend watching it if you get a chance.

[–] jenniferlpowell 15 years ago

I also went to the premiere on Tuesday at Eccles. If this is the Polish brothers type of "humor", I'll know to avoid their films in the future. I thought it was a complete waste of the cast - even though The Office's Ed Helms did his best with his role.

Half of the row I was sitting in got up and left during the first hour, I hung in there hoping things would get better. I saw Tea Leoni and Billy Bob Thornton taking photos with fans before the film and I really wanted them to be in a good film - better luck next time.

The only worse thing I've seen this year was "Stay the Same, Never Change" and I actually walked out of that film. There are much better things to see at Sundance this year - no need to punish myself by sitting through bad films.

More comments and reviews (including an open letter to Sundance Film Festival on how to improve the festival) on my website at www.sundanceexperience.com

[–] John900 15 years ago

I too saw this film at the Eccles at Sundance. I really like two of their films: Northfork and Twin Falls, ID are great. Northfork is actually one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. Astronaut Farmer was so-so, then this came along.

I appreciate the production design, it was well done and very unique. However, I couldn't wait for this to be over. The same joke, over and over again. It was an uninteresting story, or a poorly executed story maybe.

I get their humor, I've enjoyed it in films past, but this time it was too forced. And quite simply, cliche. I just couldn't enjoy it, at all. I look forward to their next film, but I just won't have as high hopes this time.

[–] Nick_Dets 15 years ago

That's too bad! I enjoyed those films so much (I'd recommend "Jackpot" too if you haven't seen it) and was hoping after the disappointing "Astronaut Farmer" that this would be a return to form.

[–] agha_e 15 years ago

I wonder if I will like this movie. I’m having my doubts now as for the rest I’m on the same pas as you. I think "Northfork" is a little gem.
I did need to read the plot after I watched it though (too often I still watch a movie without really reading the plot as I want to stay surprised). This movie has so many beautiful images and in my view the most beautiful performance by Nick Nolte.
Curiosity made me check out "Twin Falls Idaho" which I like and "the Astronaut farmer" which to me is slightly above average. I must admit I wouldn’t have watched the movie if it wasn’t for the Polish brothers as nor the story nor Billy Bob Thorton directly appeal to me. "Jackpot" is on my to watch list.
And if "Manure" is a disappointment then I do hope they return to form.