Star Leaf (2015) User Reviews

Probably shot when everyone was actually high

[quincytheodore · 3/10 · 2 December 2015]

Random people going into secluded place is the benchmark of horror genre. Star Leaf, to its credit, decides the motive should be finding weeds. This is not so much a horror rather than a parody of one, it's utterly bizarre and often doesn't make much sense. Characters are partially product of satire, and it's confusingly insipid since it opens up with heavy theme of homicide and kidnapping. The best it could come up with is a few giggles due to its extreme oddity.

Three people go into a forest to find a mysterious sage who can lead them to a promised place of rare medication plant. Bizarre as it may sound the following is even crazier with trippy creature or haunting dream. This may very well meant to be representation of being high, nearly everything is pointless gibberish. Fortunately, the runtime is rather short, so it's equivalent of a weird dream.

Characters would appear out of nowhere, then disappear in five minutes as there's no consistent plot here. One can actually randomly skip a scene or reverse them and it would be the same incoherent story. Characters themselves are not likable, they are created for such intended effect with hippie gibberish and blatant reference to pop culture. The most sensible of them is surprisingly the jock stereotype, and even he seems woozy at times.

Star Leaf's best chance at entertainment is if audience is lenience and laugh at its silly antics. For anything resembling horror, thriller, or any coherent narrative, don't expect much from this delirious mess.

No horror. Life time lesson.

[Patient444 · 3/10 · 25 December 2015]

The movie is as bad as the plot sounds. Aliens growing weed for some special people, testing them out, bla bla.

I'm going to go into very few words here, it has no horror elements, tries to induce some tension, some mystery, fails each time, ends predictably. Luckily for me, it has only 75 minutes, so there is an upside to it. The movie itself is avoidable! Only if you're into weed movies, could this pass as a junky cheesy fun!

I'm also quite done with stereotypes, all of them present here, the smoker, running away from responsibility, the girl, always trashy and the war "veteran", still facing his inner demons. Can't we do something betters, I mean it is 2016 almost, how many such copy cat movies are we supposed to endure?

Cheers!

Didn't expect much ...

[begob · 6/10 · 15 June 2015]

Soldier with combat stress is led by his stoner friends into a forest to partake of a legendary drug, and weird dangers emerge from the undergrowth.

Surprising low budget sci-fi hallucinatory type of thing with a message about coming to terms. It doesn't look great, but it's not tediously trippy and the modest effects deliver the menace pretty well. The acting is decent, and while the characters aren't deep there is some nice idiosyncrasy. And the pace is good.

The only thing I didn't like was the music - sounded like an '80s TV show.

Overall good entertainment and good natured.

Low budget, terrible movie

[djtranny · 2/10 · 30 June 2015]

At the start of any B-grade movie review I like to make it clear that I generally love B-grade horror/thriller/action movies. However, this was terrible. Bad acting, bad script, bad editing (at one point you see the actor's mouth move but no audible voice). The horror element is not developed very well, the action is cheap and horrible. The characters are not likable. There were some laughs to be had at how bad it was but mostly it was just bad and cringe-worthy. There is really very little to recommend about this movie. Save your time/money and watch something else. You have been warned. Do not watch this movie unless you have absolutely nothing better to watch or do.

A Bong-full of Awfulness

[stanrogersmith · 2/10 · 9 January 2016]

Like, far out man. Duuude, that was, like, totally mind blowing. This movie was like totally gnarly. I'm, like, totally down for some munchies and cheese. Man, like, this movie just totally was like so awesome in its awesomeness. That star leaf weed was like totally awesome, man. I gotta go out and find me some of that and watch this movie again,so I can, like, ya know, really wrap my mind around the exponentially large ideas being thrown at you.

OK, so, I tried my best to write like I was a stoner. And now I feel both embarrassed and dirty.

The stupidity of this movie has been imprinted on my DNA and will be passed down from generation to generation and any children, grandchildren, etc., I may have will, in fact, be stupider for my mistake of having watched Star Leaf.

What to say about it? Script - sophomoric. Acting - terrible. Editing - even worse. Incidental Music - all I can say is WTF???

To be quite honest, I fell asleep on my couch and missed the last 10 minutes, I believe. On the other hand, maybe I toked up a bit too much star leaf myself and can't remember how it ended.

Anyhow, you're better off getting high or drunk yourself and passing out instead of watching this.

My Review Of "Star Leaf"

[ASouthernHorrorFan · 6/10 · 11 June 2015]

For me personally, I felt the story was a bit flimsy. I get the bringing in elements of extraterrestrial/ contact point, I loved the whole pot from outer space thing, I even respect the bringing in the whole returning, fragile soldier in need, it was the characters themselves. They seemed only mildly developed. At times I just didn't connect with their personal story. Other times the characters and the moments were just spot on!. Directing and the creativity are pretty cool in "Star Leaf". I haven't really scene films on this kind of high outside of Full Moon Horror.

The special effects for the most part are pretty hokey for the most part. But I think that it was intended and even celebrated by the team behind "Star Leaf". This is really meant for a nice, sometimes disturbing trip "through the crack", or say, "down the rabbit hole". The aliens were cool, and done enough to were they didn't seem completely CGI, often they looked more like practical design. All the extra paranormal/supernatural CGI was used in a trippy, hallucinatory aspect that even though it comes off a bit cheap, it still is fun and entertaining.

Overall "Star Leaf" is an entertaining, 420 staple. I mean it is better than "Evil Bong" and I get high to that quite a bit. The ending is a more "life lesson" , hallmark moment situation that, I am sorry, but I thought was a bit lame. Plus when the ending is delivered to us I kind of felt the whole movie was built up around that ending concept and its message. I didn't get any real horror from "Star Leaf" , some definite thriller moments, but I love aliens, and pot. Plus anything that spotlights the emotional and psychological conditions a lot of our soldiers return home in is dope! Pun intended!

Drug-fuelled indie

[Leofwine_draca · 2/10 · 18 January 2018]

STAR LEAF combines two perenially popular subjects that go hand-in-hand in modern-day America; namely, drugs and UFOs. The story follows a bunch of drugged-out characters as they head off into the woods in order to get hold of some alien marijuana, if you can believe that. The whole story plays out as a massive trip with lots of bizarre situations and characters sitting around off their heads on weed. The production qualities are a little better than usual for the indie genre and there's even a recognisable actor in it (Z NATION's Russell Hodgkinson) but otherwise it's a complete waste of time.

I love trash movies, but....

[zelig7777 · 2/10 · 17 June 2019]

There is almost nothing to like about this movie. I will give credit to some decent cinematography and some decent (for the budget) special effects. Literally everything else about this movie is terrible. I'd say the writing is the major culprit. Not funny, not scary, not coherent, not dramatic, not interesting. Just a pile of nothing. The movie is mercifully short, at least.

I just want to say, for the record, I give B movies every possible concession. It takes a lot for me to hate on a low-budget movie like this. This movie just sucks. A lot.

They have something here...

[SpaceMonkey907 · 3/10 · 8 September 2020]

Its not a good movie. Its not God awful either though. Its watchable. More like a student film. There are some really good ideas here that could spawn a series/franchise. I hope so. Very cool premise.

The question is.....

[sharoninrussia-46527 · 8/10 · 9 August 2015]

While I'm not sure I would place this movie in the horror genre, it is DEFINITELY an enjoyable watch.

The characters are believable - a little corny at times - but not OVERwritten. They are self-aware enough that the reality checks you wish would happen in these types of films actually do.

The scenery is stunning & the visual effects do the job of creating an other-worldly/alternate reality.

The story works on multiple levels.The casual watch is engaging, and the messages of the benefits of medical marijuana and the effects of PTSD on returning soldiers resonate on a deeper level. "It's not how high you go that matters,it's where you go" - and this film will, without a doubt, take you on a wild trip!

The question is - where do I sign up for the Star Leaf tour? :)

Unearthly Motivation

[doublehumpproductions · 8/10 · 10 June 2015]

AMBITIOUS isn't a word usually associated with marijuana but it is the best way to describe Star Leaf. The premise is typical of concepts hatched during smoking sessions and usually followed with excited remarks like "Dude we should totally make that movie!" But that inertia always dissolves faster than a smoke ring. Fortunately that was not the case with Cranor. Not only did he complete the movie but he did so with surprisingly high production value. The film is beautifully shot, smoothly edited, and the special effects are more satisfying than a toasted marshmallow. The story is also AMBITIOUS in it's embrace of sensitive subjects like terrorism, the war in Afghanistan, and the devastating impact of PTSD on returning soldiers. Not your typical stoner high jinx. I don't know if the Star Leaf strain contains medicinal properties but if it can inspire this level of motivation it is definitely worth a toke.

No room for creative improvement.

[rradosti · 2/10 · 10 March 2020]

GOOD INTERESTING STORY THAT IS FUN AND PRETTY EASY TO FOLLOW = 1/2 Star

MEMORABLE DIALOGUE = 1/2 Star

FEEL A PULL TO WATCH IT AGAIN = 0 Stars

MUSIC OR SCORE STANDS OUT = 0 Stars

NO NOTICEABLE PLOT HOLES = 0 Stars

STORY GETS RESOLVED OR FEELS COMPLETE IN SOME WAY = 0 Stars

I PERSONALLY LIKE OR FEEL A CONNECTION TO THIS STORY = 1/2 Star

MEMORABLE OR LIKABLE CHARACTERS = 1/2 Star

MOST THINGS ABOUT THE STORY COULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN OR ARE BELIEVABLE = 0 Stars

STORY ISN'T BORING OR REPETITIVE = 0 Stars



I think this movie could have been better if the writer's were willing to expand the plot and add new ideas. It feels like they were completely set on one idea and felt that there was no room for improvement, which is always false. Most of the acting is just OK, and like I said before the story is shakey. The special effects are pretty good for being an indie. You wouldn't miss much if you skipped over this one, there is much better out there.

Clever sci-fi flick with laughs, adventure, and a palatable message

[RainForest13 · 8/10 · 12 August 2015]

Star Leaf was an unexpected pleasure to pop in the DVD! Tracking the pursuit of pot plants with extraterrestrial origins by some younger PTSD-afflicted US vets from Afghanistan, this timely movie offers a lot of younger generation references and humor that bring the current-day marijuana landscape and veteran experience to the fore. The production team and cast did a great job with this low-budget film to keep the dialogue and the movie visually engaging, funny, moving, and suspenseful to the end. Responsible use and medicinal legitimacy of marijuana, as well as the tip of the hat to veterans, are neatly woven into the story line, but never preachy. A second watch of the film likely will reveal additional plot, and character, and message gems that can be missed during the action of a first watch. Start Leaf is solid enough to play enjoyably to stoners and sobers and successfully deliver on either level. Seems ripe for a higher budget sequel or series.

Didn't get there

[korythacher · 3/10 · 1 August 2022]

Bottom line: This wasn't worth the watch.

I didn't have expectations for Star Leaf to be a *good* film, but I did expect it to be a *fun* film we watched around 420. I really like Russell Hodgkinson in Z-Nation and it seemed like they cast him in a similar role for this.

The good news is that Russell Hodgkinson's character is still pretty funny, but he doesn't actually get much screen time. Also, like a lot of these sorts of scifi movies, the park ranger is pretty weird and funny too. He also get's very little screen time. Star Leaf is mercifully short, so it has that going for it too.

The story is disjointed, the hallucinations aren't done well, and the "overall driver" they reveal later in the film just feels strange and forced. It felt like, for the most part, they forgot about what the description of the movie was and just shoehorned in some stuff about it periodically.

Ignoring the terrible story, you will *hate* all the main characters and their acting is atrocious on top of it.

If you keep the world, Russell Hodgkinson, and Richard Cranor (park ranger) then it could be a pretty fun TV show.

Star Leaf: Follow the rules... or be punished

[rootuser-40030 · 7/10 · 25 November 2015]

When first introduced to the title I immediately thought of Cheech and Chong's Next Movie. Space weed and "trippin'" is what I had a feeling this movie was going to be about, and while that was part of it, it certainly wasn't anything like Cheech and Chong.

Star Leaf tells the story of 3 friends on a road "trip" to find a special strain of extra terrestrial marijuana, the Star Leaf. This drug, they hope, will help their friend cope with the effects of PTSD. Unfortunately for the group, there are rules to be followed when partaking of this cure and needless to say, some one always breaks the rules.

The story actually has multiple morals intertwined into decisions we may all face day-to-day one way or the other.

Primarily, if you use marijuana or not, it is difficult not to sympathize with a set of friends trying to help their buddy suffering from PTSD. The tolls of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq have left us with soldiers much like our veteran in this movie. Our veteran struggles with the idea of using a possible illicit substance, being an upstanding person, however, he is probably in the greatest need of the relief the Star Leaf will bring to his affliction.

Beyond the overt medicinal and or recreational uses of marijuana the story reminds us "There are rules". With great relief and or "high" comes great responsibility. And if you break the rules, there will be consequences. This is much like our politicians like to remind us, that if marijuana is legal, there are still regulations around it.

The consequences for breaking the rules are exactly when things go to hell in a hand-basket for our friends. While it is not quite a "horror" element, it definitely gets the point across. I would categorize this movie more as a Sci-Fi Drug Thriller.

Richard Cranor, who directed and wrote this film, filmed most of it right in the forests of Olympia Washington near where he resides. Ironically, Richard plays "Ranger Dave" a kind of law enforcement man watching over the "rules". Yet another not so subtle reminder, you can partake, but the law is watching.

What made this movie compelling for me was Richard Cranor's personal story. He has a brother who struggled with PTSD and Richard himself was stricken with cancer. Knowing this going into watching the film made me appreciate the personal connection he made with this movie.

I don't want to add too many spoilers, but I will write: Star Leaf is a movie with a message that resonates in my opinion. As indie movies go, I really enjoyed it. You do not have to be high or on something to get enjoyment out of the story, although I am sure the story might seem different if you were. I particularly like movies when things go to hell due to the characters bringing it down on themselves, and this movie delivers.

One can never go into watching a micro-budget movie expecting a full-fledged Hollywood flick. There is not unlimited cash to make everything picture perfect, so be forgiving. Take the story for what it's worth and enjoy the filmmaker's vision. I look forward to more of Richard Cranor's work as I think he has lots of story to tell.

What a hot mess

[scarlettsdad · 2/10 · 8 February 2021]

Oh dear.

I went into this thinking hopefully that-given the subject matter-it might be a low budget, cheesy but fun drug culture comedy romp that just might be a sleepy cult classic. No, it was just one big hot, steamy mess. The acting by the three young leads was atrocious, the special effects were laughable and the story was all over the place. I was confused from the second act on. What's unfortunate is that HAD the film makers gone with cheesy but fun instead of attempting a somewhat serious movie with a synopsis that is no way serious and on a shoestring budget, they might have ended up with an okay little flick. The only reason I made myself watch the whole, sad thing is because I knew I wanted to put my two cents in and I don't feel right doing a review unless I've seen the entire film. But it never got better, just further down the toilet. The reviewers who gave this awful piece of dreck a10? Really? Makes me wonder how they rate GOOD movies? But as for "Star Weed"- I suggest you move along...nothing to see here.

Its My STAR Review ;)

[RevanthWriter · 10/10 · 12 March 2018]

Thrilling small movie big fun i enjoyed a lot when i'm not in HIGH watch it in HIGH .... and open your fantasy world ..!!

Just bad.

[brisleep · 1/10 · 3 July 2019]

I thought I'd put a show on while I was doing other things, instead of what could have been a great show, I got this. It's fairly pointless and a head scratcher, which means I was scratching my head wondering why I watched it.

A Must See Multi-Dimensional Film - Greatly Produced & Directed

[ucets · 8/10 · 19 December 2015]

Up and coming Executive Producer Robert Leeshock and Director Richard Cranor hit a home run with this cool twist and turn Sci-Fi movie. In today's political and mental health care environment that not only focuses on our returning veterans but all those who suffer from chronic illnesses in which cannabis can provide significant relief, the story line adds a nice humanistic overture to a very serious problem that many find hard to discuss and often seen as a polarizing topic. From a production and execution standpoint, I found this low budget film to have a similar impact to the Blair Witch project in providing enough suspense and keeping the audience totally engage to see what comes next. Lastly, I was a big fan of the blue dancing Asian Fairy and the Willie Nelson like gate keeper of the Star Leaf Map.. Well done Executive Producer, Director, Cast and Crew!!!

Fun movie

[strongtheory · 10/10 · 27 January 2016]

It is a fun movie to watch and I definitely will watch it again. Obviously lower budget, but a thoughtful and crazy script that kept my interest. I saw extraterrestrial and it obviously had quite the budget. I thought this movie was better on script, videography and directing. Extraterrestrial could have been a home run, but needed another re write or two...I dunno, it just got out of control. Star leaf seemed to have more maturity on all aspects of the movie making. sure, crazy kids running around the forest, add some pot, add some violence, but in the right proportions and some zany flavor, it makes for a good watch. I love films like "Still Alice", but do I need to be in front of reality when i watch movies all the time? Heck no. Give me a movie like this any day to make me forget my worries for an hour and a half. Give me aliens and one toke to go please!!!!

This movie is a spiritual journey

[asjkaj · 10/10 · 25 September 2016]

This movie is like a spiritual journey for me. I went to family video to rent Sinister 2 when it came out and they had a copy of Star Leaf right above it. I had never heard of this movie and knew nothing about it but I stared at the cover and knew I had to watch it. I watched it everyday for a week, took it back to the video store and bought it. For me this isn't a stoner movie or a horror movie. It is about overcoming your inner demons and the struggles that come with that. It's about ultimately doing the right thing and forgiving others as well as yourself. These reasons and a few others is why I call this movie a spiritual journey.