Me and Will

I stumbled across this film on the Sundance Channel one night and got hooked right away. It's a simply told, yet amazingly powerful and affecting story about two women who find a common bond, form a friendship and take to the open road on their motorcycles for a journey on which both will confront a few of their personal demons, leading to a poignant yet somewhat uplifting conclusion.

I'm surprised that this movie never made it to theatres. Sherrie Rose and Melissa Behr were already actresses when they got together to write, direct, and star in this film and I look forward to seeing them get back behind the camera again; they are definitely film-makers to watch out for! I hope this movie gets released on video and DVD so that others can discover this simple yet powerful story. ***stars

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.

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.

This has to be one of the best independent films I have ever seen. Sherry Rose and Melissa Bher are truly two very talented writers. The simple combination of two women escaping from a mental institution, their developing friendship, and what emotion means to even a couple of druggie biker-chicks makes for a perfect drama. Jane's emotional chains to her father reflect how even childhood problems can haunt you forever, as does Will's relationship with her obsessive compulsive mother. Also, the cracking of an emotional shell of two hardend bikers may appeal to some drama hounds. The acting was four stars, even from a very tatooed Patrick Dempsey, as the boyfriend of Jane. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone looking for something to satisfy an uncontrollable urge to see a fantastic film.

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.