I thought the worst was Domino, but HKW clearly wins this one. Interesting voice for the voice over but the movie itself looks like a depressing, self-indulgent, amateur stoner tale of woe. Any kind of relationship that anyone would care about? Nope. How about a sympathetic character? Nope. Hint of redemption? Nope. Just a junkie-in-the-gutter ride. Maybe there's someone out there that will pay to see this. Heck, there might be two.
shareSaw this at SXSW and I have no idea why it's getting such rave reviews. The movie is depressing, the characters completely unlikable and such a bore to sit through.
Most of the time when an obscure art house film is released, I tend to agree with the rave reviews that follow with it. But with this? Man, I feel like I'm the only person in the world who did not get it. 90% fresh, my ass!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FQ5E7j2gqo
Clearly much of the budget went to the publicity department where they bought favorable reviews and "fans." You can't trust "word of mouth" anymore as many reviews are purchased or fake. But, usually lame films have a trailer that hides the flaws so the gullible are lured into the cinema. Not so with HKW. You can tell it's a plodding snorefest.
It's funny how junkies think their drug-addled escapades are so interesting. One of the most obvious side effects of smack is complete narcissism.
I know a lot of people excited to see this movie who have been waiting for it since last year!
I guess it depends on the crowds you hang with but just like the film 'Animals' drug addiction movies always have a decent viewer base who love watching this specific genre of films.
The PSA is pretty low so the decent viewer base must be waiting for VOD. (And rightfully so. This movie screams for streaming.)
shareYeah, hayleighblair, I know a lot of addicts too. They don't spend their money on movie tickets though.
shareWhether or not the film is a commercial success does not relate to the quality of the film.
Dark, depressing art house films are generally made as artistic expression. Someone wanted to tell Abagail's story while using the city as another protagonist. Like 'The Wire' you feel as if your on the streets with them and although thats not a ride for a mainstream audience its has its viewer base even if most will wait for it to be on netflix/streaming or torrent.
I could ramble off lots of movies with poor box office success that were indie classics but im sure you get my point.
Depresing art house films arnt everyones cup of tea but I love a slice of the darker side of life.
That's strange cause I think it's fantastic & very well done!
shareThere is tons to like in this film apart from any of the characters.
I like the trailer a lot more than the actual movie.
A bit of the old ultraviolence...