Quite poor. It had potential but fell short with completely false dialogue and horrible acting. I felt like I was watching a cable access attempt at a movie. It was pretty funny, but I don't think the meant it to be. The ending was like a slap in the face after a punch in the stomach.
13 Reviews
At least it has Charlie Talbert.
bennyp815 September 2001
"Social Misfits", as many of you are already aware, is a small-time independent flick. I found the film quite enjoyable and even poignant at times. Some of the writing, especially amongst the counselors and between the warden and the mother, was stale. The theme and premise of change of character through suffering slips away, as some of the violence that continues to occur throughout the movie suggests.
Still, the film has a slew of young actors with great potential. Tann is excellent as the leader of the group, as are Damon and De la Fuente as the Hispanic hoodlums. All the female roles were played wonderfully, and I'll give high esteem to the very young Huett, who played the girl who though she could fly.
What really saved the movie, for me anyway, is Charlie Talbert, in a very rare showing. Talbert is of "Angus" (1995) fame, and is rarely seen in movies. Even though his performance and his "moments" were short, he took great advantage of it. Throughout the movie, he is sweet, assertive, and charismatic. Through tone, physical features (he looks huggable), hand gestures, emotions, and body movements, he expresses his character (Kyle the klepto) perfectly! Talbert once again (alongside "Angus") demonstrates that he truly has a talent for acting. He would surely be appreciated if we see him in more key films.
All-in-all, "Social Misfits" is a great movie to rent. Take it home, and I bet you'll enjoy it, if only a bit.
Still, the film has a slew of young actors with great potential. Tann is excellent as the leader of the group, as are Damon and De la Fuente as the Hispanic hoodlums. All the female roles were played wonderfully, and I'll give high esteem to the very young Huett, who played the girl who though she could fly.
What really saved the movie, for me anyway, is Charlie Talbert, in a very rare showing. Talbert is of "Angus" (1995) fame, and is rarely seen in movies. Even though his performance and his "moments" were short, he took great advantage of it. Throughout the movie, he is sweet, assertive, and charismatic. Through tone, physical features (he looks huggable), hand gestures, emotions, and body movements, he expresses his character (Kyle the klepto) perfectly! Talbert once again (alongside "Angus") demonstrates that he truly has a talent for acting. He would surely be appreciated if we see him in more key films.
All-in-all, "Social Misfits" is a great movie to rent. Take it home, and I bet you'll enjoy it, if only a bit.
Drivel
karenkyla310 December 2001
Warning: Spoilers
This is the worst drivel I've ever seen come to the screen. The so-called actors appeared to be reciting from scripts. The stereotypical teenagers were utterly unsympathetic - no, not unsympathetic, but just so cardboard that I could care less about any of them. (Spoiler Alert, if it's even feasible to 'spoil' a movie like this.) Then of course there's the little girl who looks up with her innocent praying eyes all but jumping up and down in front of the screen "I'm the Christ Figure!!! The sacrificial lamb, that's me!" Oh, but it gets worse. They've decided to throw in possibly the most cliched and outright groan-worthy pseudo plot-twist ever invented. The 'then she woke up twist' where you find none of it was really real. It was all in his head. Oh my gosh! How deep! Well that just makes the whole movie then! It just says so much about misunderstood teens in an oppressive adult society littered with sex, drugs, and violence. (dripping sarcasm, if you hadn't noticed). The only conceivable way to enjoy this movie is with a lot of alcohol, because really it's so ridiculous and bad it's just downright funny. You'll find yourself laughing so hard that tears will stream down your face as you contemplate that there were people that actually read this script and thought it was such a good movie they actually FUNDED it!
UNWATCHABLE
JimBob-268 February 2002
Life is short. You only have so much time on this earth. So don't waste 90 minutes of your precious life, watching this HORRIBLE film.
I don't know where to start. The non-stop screaming and ranting. The fact that every character is supposed to be different, yet they're all screaming the same S*** "I hate my parents! I hate you!"
What is this film trying to say?
I wanted to see this for one reason. Charlie Talbert from the movie Angus. I think he's a great actor, and he gives a decent performance, given what he's got to work with. Still not even close to his performance in Angus, still it's interesting to see him older.
Elizabeth Huett, the little girl who believe she can fly, was good as well. She stood out among the surrounding S***. But then you have to ask "What is a 9 year old girl doing locked in a cell with a bunch of 18 year old crackheads?"
I bought this for 1.99 at Hollywood Video. Needless to say, it will never enter my VCR again.
I don't know where to start. The non-stop screaming and ranting. The fact that every character is supposed to be different, yet they're all screaming the same S*** "I hate my parents! I hate you!"
What is this film trying to say?
I wanted to see this for one reason. Charlie Talbert from the movie Angus. I think he's a great actor, and he gives a decent performance, given what he's got to work with. Still not even close to his performance in Angus, still it's interesting to see him older.
Elizabeth Huett, the little girl who believe she can fly, was good as well. She stood out among the surrounding S***. But then you have to ask "What is a 9 year old girl doing locked in a cell with a bunch of 18 year old crackheads?"
I bought this for 1.99 at Hollywood Video. Needless to say, it will never enter my VCR again.
The idea was great!
annameghan22 December 2002
I had come across this movie in search of actors from the Newsies musical. This movie had a great concept. If it had been a book, it would for sure be a best seller. The actors in the film left little to be desired. Most were what appeared to be over-acting. It was hard to believe the actors. I put that aside and followed the movie. The end was very very good. I love a twist. For the most part I did really like this movie.
Stereo-types Unite.
enviouskitten3 November 2004
As a fan of movies that challenge the social norm, "Social Misfits" is by far a favourite. Based on a single weekend in March of 1997, it gives the detailed accounts of several children/teenagers and their own problems, their own distorted realities - and a surprising end. "Camp Resurrection" is a place of strict discipline - and the wrong kind for most of the children. Some of the kids band together to find a way to survive this place that's supposed to heal them of what's wrong with them. I've heard if you liked this movie you should see "Kids" but it's very hard for me to find in video stores.
interesting, ok acting
sub438486613 September 2002
I rented this movie soley for the purpose of checking out Gabriel Damon. I enjoyed the movie. it has an interesting premis, and good character development, however i would have prefered if it could have been done without so many monologues. as and actor and as a viewer i have never liked monologues. A few of the actors were gave really good performances, but a few didn't.
un-freakin-believable!!!!
ivyfairy2330 May 2004
The best cast of young stars in the history film. I was blown away by the acting, plot, and cinematography. This movie tells the truth about what is it like to be a teenager. It tackles every issue of todays youth. Each star is vibrant, brilliant, and stunning. I had seen each one of these actors long ago, and was impressed by them. I'd hope they would have another good break, and I think that this is a hell of a breakthrough. I was floored by Tyrone Tann's work of art, and acting. I'd have to say that Social Misfits is my favorite movie! Brilliant, powerful, provocative, and real. Two thumbs way,way up!!!!!!!!!!!
MOVIE LINE: "Camp Ressurection existed, but only in my mind!"
MOVIE LINE: "Camp Ressurection existed, but only in my mind!"
Um... a really great movie.
Roxburyfunny130 January 2004
I thought the cast was great. You couldn't have asked for a better cast. Especially gabriel Damon, haylie Johnson, Elizabeth Huett, Ryan Francis and Tyrone Tann their characters really stood out among others and just made you think. Gabriel damon it was interesting to see him in a different movie a change of pace if you will and he did an amazing job on the role of Jason. This movie indeed is a wakeup call for everyone. Great story line and just a really great movie. i've been wanting to see this movie for awhile and i'm glad i did i thought this movie was great i really enjoyed it but it is indeed very intense. Recommended for people who want a very good and intense movie! ~!
See it for Charlie, and Elisabeth, but thats the only reason.
doblerman12275 March 2002
"Social Misfits" is one of the messiest, preachiest, most mediocre acted films I have ever seen, and the writing isn't pretty either, it was just so all out of place, for something that had so much potential, I saw it just for Charlie Talbert, who broke out in "Angus", and hasn't really been heard from since, I'm just sorry, this had to be the next starring role for him, well, not really starring, he was given so little to work with, the only other reason to see it is for Elizabeth Huett, in a truly exceptional performance, but the lead character seems to be there for no other reason than to be like the referee, or the mediator, and there was NO resolution for the film, it just ended, for no reason, other than, the writers ran out of ideas, I liked this film better when it was called "The Breakfast Club", if you HAVE to see this, see it for the reasons above, other than that, stay away.
Hmmm...nice try...
naomer15 March 2002
Whenever I watch movies, I tend to try to seek out those independent, maybe low budget type films because sometimes they are some of the best. In "Social Misfits", I admit that the plot was kind of cheesy, but that type of thing never makes me not want to watch. Most movies get much more credit than what's written or pictured on the box.
I also admit that this movie didn't have the best actors in it and many lines used were way too cliche and stereotypical for use in the year 2000, but I kind of liked the movie. Almost any attempt at a coming of age movie appeals to me. I am not so critical when I watch and I can overlook over-acted lines, mediocre acting and just straight up cheesiness in general.
As always, this movie had a good point. It may not have been displayed as well as it could have been if they could have afforded to hire better actors, but it's the lesson to be learned which was important, and I liked what they had to say. The ending was kind of surprising to me also to be honest.
If you can overlook the fact that this movie is very low budget and kind of cheesy but you can look up to the fact that someone got their work on screen despite not having the money, then I suggest checking out this movie.
I also admit that this movie didn't have the best actors in it and many lines used were way too cliche and stereotypical for use in the year 2000, but I kind of liked the movie. Almost any attempt at a coming of age movie appeals to me. I am not so critical when I watch and I can overlook over-acted lines, mediocre acting and just straight up cheesiness in general.
As always, this movie had a good point. It may not have been displayed as well as it could have been if they could have afforded to hire better actors, but it's the lesson to be learned which was important, and I liked what they had to say. The ending was kind of surprising to me also to be honest.
If you can overlook the fact that this movie is very low budget and kind of cheesy but you can look up to the fact that someone got their work on screen despite not having the money, then I suggest checking out this movie.
Odd and bluntly insightful...
innocentimmortal5 August 2003
Even if it was rented for the shallow reason of seeing a former newsie, Social Misfits is almost hysterically funny in it's blunt stereotypes and prejudice. White supremacist brothers in their swastika and confederate flag shirts, one black man convinced the white man is bringing him down, two Hispanic guys just randomly spitting up wise-cracks, one drug dealer, one suicidal kid from an abusive home, and then of course there are the random quirks such as the pyro, the nympho, the klepto, and the girl who thinks she can fly. Sob stories abound that one may find in a psychology textbook that would link to problematic children; hence Camp Resurrection in this film. It's tough love for walking, talking stereotypes. You may cringe at the Hispanic and black stereotypes, laugh at the pyro and her "attention-seeking" ways. Textbook cases and a former newsie... I was amused, and the movie should be seen solely for the ending alone. Granted, if you didn't enjoy the ending to the Attic Expeditions (with Seth Green- another amusing and utterly pointless movie to watch when feeling brain dead) then you won't enjoy the ending to this flick.
Not quite utterly pointless, but it was an after-school special with a lot of four-letter words. It was more to the point than School House Rock ("We just need attention!"), but it had its moments. The nifty camera work and added er... effects (I guess one would call them) during the sob stories was worth it.
Overall, it's a flick to see once, and maybe only once just to say you've seen it. It certainly won't be the greatest thing you've ever seen, and it won't rank up there on characterization quite like Malcom X or American History X with the racism, but it's worth a chance. Look for the good in the bad, the little moments that make the movie worth seeing.
Not quite utterly pointless, but it was an after-school special with a lot of four-letter words. It was more to the point than School House Rock ("We just need attention!"), but it had its moments. The nifty camera work and added er... effects (I guess one would call them) during the sob stories was worth it.
Overall, it's a flick to see once, and maybe only once just to say you've seen it. It certainly won't be the greatest thing you've ever seen, and it won't rank up there on characterization quite like Malcom X or American History X with the racism, but it's worth a chance. Look for the good in the bad, the little moments that make the movie worth seeing.
potential...lost.
dayknight1 September 2001
I picked up this film at the video store. I was not bothered by its cheesy package design nor the even cheesier provided synopsis, designed to pull in curious viewers no doubt. Did it work? Maybe it did? I mean, I wanted to watch it, but I guess since Blockbuster was all out of "The Wedding Planner", I had no other choice. Kidding. BB'd never be out of that pearl! Alone on the shelf "SM" sat, so I wanted to dust it off and give it a fair shake. I wanted something that no one had seen before. I wanted to know that I was not alone in my views. I was identifying with what I knew about the film but only from reading the back. So I took it home and popped it in the VCR and began to become part of the world of these characters. Somewhere along the line, they led me astray and I was lost. Who are these people? What are the representing? Why are they there? Who are they? What are they fighting for? The characters are changing for the film? Reality is bending. It is an independent film. I dig indie films-I make 'em! That's not the problem-polish, smolish, I dig plot and interesting it shot for, but it fell short, I think. A lot of potential to say a lot and it tried but maybe too hard. All the world's problems? Big topic, that's a lot to shoot for, a lot to live up to. I'm not saying I could make a better film, (although I do have some ideas) but if we all we all watched it, maybe we could all make it better. Mistakes are great teachers! You learn from yourself!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
