Going All the Way

There were two things that shocked me about this mostly average film. First, Jeremy Davies gives almost the exact same performance as he gave in Saving Private Ryan, the tics, the mannerisms, the speech patterns, it's all there. Second, his character, an awkward, nerdy photographer home from WWII bags both Amy Locane AND Rose McGowan! Huh? Unbelievable but true.

As to the film itself, my main problem with it lay with the friendship at the center. Why does Ben Affleck's character, an outgoing, popular vet also returning from WWII, want to hang out with Davies' character when they are clearly opposites? It's never explained. Also lacking is the plot. There is none. The film simply follows those two characters around on their various exploits but there's never any kind of narrative driving the "story" from scene to scene.

All in all, the film is interesting only to see some early work by actors who have gone on to become more popular today - Affleck, Davies and McGowan.

"Going All the Way" is a touching story about learning to let go, coming to terms with yourself, love, and the power of friendship between two young men whose relationship "is the core of the movie," says MTV Award-winning music video director Mark Pellington, whose debut film shows that he clearly knows what he's doing, and that his talents can be set on more than one profession. Pellington tackles the challenge of presenting two authentic young men who we can relate to, and passes with flying colors.

Aside from the catchy oldies tunes, I really enjoyed the dialogue the two young men shared with one another, which was as absorbing as it is true. Among all, one in particular comes to mind, where Gunner was trying to prove a point that "peach pie is fine, but that's all you get? I mean, morning, noon, and night, peach pie? Breakfast, lunch, dinner, peach pie. Peach pie, day in, day out. Day in, peach pie." Jeremy and Ben were terrific together. As improbable a coalition as their character's had, I thought that they, nonetheless, had perfect chemistry together, and were very enjoyable to watch.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

From what I thought was a pretty average film came the most shocking scene I've ever seen in a movie (pardon the pun).

Gunner takes out the hot chick-E-babe and Sonny gets her even hotter friend. Sonny gets all liquored up and is sooooo p***** he can't even get it up and ruins the "chance of a life time".

Well I'm told I'm not allowed to tell the rest but even if you watch the movie for this one scene, it's worth the wait. I wasn't enjoying the movie too much until this changed the tone of the movie. VERY thought provoking.

Apart from that the movie is basically: High School sports jock (Gunner) fights with nympho mum over Jewish girlfriend and loser High School photographer (Sonny) meets Gunner on train back from "war" to shock church-going parents, lose high school sweet heart and chase Gunner to New York.

Considering Rachel Weitz was in it I thought it would be better.

I'm not speaking for anyone besides myself, but I thought that this movie was great. It truly showed growing up from a high school boy into a man who has to deal with things such as marriage and faith. This movie truly showed that many things can change a person, even by visiting a country you can be affected. This movie also shows the realization a person can have when reflecting on his/her life. This was a good movie about life.

==ULMER'S RENTAL REVIEW= "Going All the Way," though catchy and engaging, fails to deliver what it promises so clearly, and the incompetent script makes us forget to care about these characters. Usually a film like this one shows some character progression going on. "Going All the Way" doesn't, and it's a shame, because it had some great potential.

Pre-stardom Ben Affleck is not even enough to see this movie for. He's not that different anyway: He couldn't act and he still can't.

1.5/5 stars -

John Ulmer