OVERALL
Show of hands. Who expected a movie called "Vulgar" to be about a clown who starts doing bachelor parties, ends up getting raped, becomes a hero, and then gets blackmailed, then looks for revenge? Not you, Silent Bob.
There are a few familiar faces in this movie if you've seen some Kevin Smith movies, as this film is written and directed by Brian Johnson, a familiar name to those who've seen Smith movies, and a long-time friend of Smith himself. Actor wise, this main antagonist in this movie is played by Brian O'Halloran, aka Dante from Clerks in a very un-Dante role. His best friend is played by Super Producer Scott Mosier, and the man who wants to make him a star is Silent Bob.
But this isn't a comedy. Not by a long-shot. If anything, you might see it as a dark comedy, but even then you'd have to be pretty sick yourself. This borders on drama/horror, especially if you don't like clowns. The title of the movie isn't the feeling about the movie itself, but the name of the main character/clown.
First and foremost, the production of this movie is pretty bad. It looks and acts just like an indy movie that would never get released in theatres. But the acting itself is top notch.
NOTE: Some people HATE the acting in this movie. I mean really, really, REALLY hate it. Just look at some of the reviews through Netflix. Yowza.
But I repeat, I thought the acting was great.
As I said before, this is a sad little movie about a children's clown who had something done to him that nobody would want to experience. And after what happened, his world is changed, along with the mood of the movie. Then comes the unexpected -- he saves a little girl and becomes a hero, which puts him on television... but of course his past comes back to haunt him.
I had no idea what this movie was about going into it. The description at Netflix didn't say much, and really wouldn't make anybody to go out of their way to see it. In fact, I can see only View Askew-niverse folks (Smith fans) watching this one.
PRO vs. NO
PRO: A hidden gem of a movie. One that expresses a lot of feeling, whether it be rage or remorse.
NO: It's a indy-riffic looking movie with a slow beginning and a kinda-out-there ending. Although I liked the acting, it looks like I'm in the minority. Also, the mood in this movie is really, really dreary.
SIX WORD FINISH
"I must have the wrong place."
FINAL BELL
-- 4 out of 5 -- I'm glad I saw this movie. It's an interesting premise but a very dreary movie. Not too many happy moments because a sad one is right around the corner... and you're probably expecting it. I enjoyed the acting and the storyline, although one scene was really tough to watch.
WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION?:
It's worth seeing. I don't see many people really looking to see this movie, but it's an experience nonetheless. I think I would have enjoyed seeing it on the big screen, and would recommend it... but only to a certain minority.
