Winter Break

Sheer Bliss is a movie that rises above the general stupidity that is so typical of today's "teen movies" and has a surprising amount of substance. Perhaps this is because it takes place after college, but the characters are not as juvenile and the movie isn't about grossing the audience out. Naturally, with the presence of American Pie's Eddie Kaye Thomas and newcomer Justin Urich, the film definitely has its characters of comic relief. Primarily a love story about a guy chasing after a girl (who has a boyfriend), it doesn't drag on like so many other such films(Loser for instance). Having seen both the original version of the film in its rough form and the final version, the director did a fine job of cutting excess baggage and allowing the film to move along. The skiing in the film is well done with cinematography to match. Supporting characters to newcomer Milo Ventimiglia (who is likeable without being sappy and pathetic) are well done and come off as people you would like to know. Maggie Lawson as Michelle is a great character simply because she is smart, funny and sexy. A rare trio for female characters in "teen" movies. The movie is a great mixture of comedy, drama and romance, and definitely a good date movie. It's worth seeing, because despite how it may be advertised, it is a departure from the traditional teen flick.

Also, for you James Bond fans out there, one-time James Bond George Lazenby makes an appearance as Campbell. It's nice to see him after 32 years.

For a movie that I thought would be just a little boring film this ended up being a highly entertaining film. It made me laugh and was so good my wife caught the end and had to watch the whole thing from the begining. The acting was okay but was not horrible. It was better than a B movie would be. This could have possible done well with a wide release with a very little more work. As a video release this movie was great. I am trying to find a copy to buy now. Go see this movie when you get a chance. It is well worth it.

This is one of those cheesy but good movies, for people who are young or feel young! If you like the Pie Movies, then this might be for you, it is just a slightly more grown up film (less fart jokes) and it has chick-appeal, with the not too over the top amount of romance. These 4 guys leave university and move to a ski hill, now you can live vicariously through the lens. A some what predictable plot, but you were not expecting a great drama, or in depth look into the psychy were you? You have to see the great character played by Eddie Kaye Thomas because i am sure everyone knows a guy just like 'Rico'. If you want the usual laughs and comedy style 'life changing movie' then give it a watch, in fact just watch it anyway... you'll probably like it.

After watching about half of this I was ready to give up and turn it off, but I endured to the end. This is a movie that tries to be a romantic comedy and fails. The acting is poor---much worse than the acting in 80s T&A movies.

There are several attempts at humour that fail miserably and the movie is 100% predictable. Perhaps if you are a teenager this movie will hold some appeal, but for those that have seen many movies, you will know how the film turns out after the first 10 minutes. The rest of your time will be spent in agony waiting for the ending credits to roll.

Don't waste your time watching this.

But it could be a lot better. We could get a fun raunchy comedy in the vain of Animal House, American Pie and Ski School. But instead we got a very nice and sweet romantic drama, about growing up. This is hardly an R. I can't remember hear any profanity the would give it an R, and all the sex was all suggested. Nothing seen. Just a naked back. Some nudity wouldn't hurt. Some more sex and nudity and some raunchy comedy will make this an instant classic, and it would beat out Out Could, and be a classic like Ski School. And this is the better picture.

All in all this movie is sweet and it has a lot of fun moments with out being to coy. Milo Ventimiglia is good as the normal guy, and Maggie Lawson is sweet as Michelle. But it is Eddie Kay Thomas that still the show as the guy that never get laid. Justin Urich and Eddie Miles also good. Anna Faris gives a camo in the beginning, but I can't remember have seen Steve Guttenberg. Maybe he was the man in the opening sequence, which was a pretty funny scene.

All in all, if you don't have any big expectation, and don't to mind see a predictable and sweet comedy, you will not be disappointed. But if you expected to be fun in the vain of Road Trip and American Pie you will be disappointed. Maybe not worth the rental price, but if you see it on cable, give it a shot.

6/10