Me and Will

The film ME AND WILL is terrific...certainly all the characters are moving and interestingly true to life. All the actors were terrific and totally believable in their rolls. The young actor who played the the part of FREAK was someone I would like to see more often.

This was a great movie about a woman who finally comes to terms with who she is at the age of thirty. It chronicles the journey of two women who meet in a clinic after drug related incidents. It was touching to see a film about a strong friendship between two women who appear to be tough on the outside but are actually very emotionally fragile.

Even though the characters are very specifically blond, female, motorcycle-riding drug users there is something in them that speaks of the easily-bruised emotions in all of us. The glimpses behind the scenes of how a person might turn to a destructive life-style were also very revealing.

In the end, it takes the death of the younger woman, Jane, to make Will realize that she is actually luckier than some and that she does have the strength to survive, and to open up her heart to the genuine emotions she has found in a man who loves her. Despite the tragedy of losing a friend she has grown so close to, the end is uplifting both for Will and the audience. Though she has reached the end of their journey physically alone, the spirit and memory of Jane will always be with her, reminding her of how much she has to live for.

It's amazing the way Hollywood squanders talent. Sherrie Rose and Melissa Behr have spent most of their careers doing exploitation and cheap TV shows. On their own they put out a movie like this. This is a very touching movie, a road picture with obvious debts to "Easy Rider" but also a lot to say about individual freedom and the choices made in life. This kind of movie was very prevalent in the 70's but is a lost art these days. And who paid attention to it? If not for an article in Femmes Fatales Magazine, I never would have heard of it. It's sad the treasure that goes unnoticed out there.

For those old enough to have experienced 'Easyrider', Me and Will holds no new vibes. I think it a true copy of this very famous 1969-movie. It is admitted to be so, by the way. What remains, is enjoying the nice American landscape the two bikers are travelling through. A short study on the differences between Me and Will and Easyrider also provides some entertainment: two girls (1999) against two guys (1969), a deeper explanation of the youth- and drugproblems compared to 1969, and a different death by one of the bikers. In 1969 he is shot, in 1991 she gets an overdose. For the fans of Traci Lords: she has a tiny role as a waitress, and does well.

Although this type of movie would generally not interest me, I bought the DVD because Billy Wirth was in it. What a shame too, that his appearance was so brief. This actor should receive the recognition he deserves. His unique acting ability is only one of his many talents and his outstanding good looks are incomparable to other, more recognized actors. After viewing "Me and Will", I was glad that I took a chance on it and recommend it for others.