Sweethearts (1997) Online

I urge anyone who cannot sit through a Meg Ryan film without wanting to scream "the world is not like this!" at the top of their lungs to watch this film. Sweethearts is an absolutely fantastic film, with a pair of top draw performances from Mitch Rouse and, especially, Janeane Garofolo who shows a grasp of pathos I for one had previously never even glimpsed. The choice of setting the film almost entirely in one locale (a trendy bo ho coffee house) is inspired, fostering an claustrophobic intensity that gives the emotional content that extra bite. The dialogue is, with one or two exceptions, in turns bitingly savage, wonderfully droll and genuinely touching. There are also some wonderful directorial flourishes, in particular during the rooftop scene. By far the best element of the film, however, is the way it consistently plays with the conventions of the genre it superficially falls into. Horvat masterfully leads the viewer into a falls sense of security ("oh, right, now he'll fall in love with her and she'll have a life changing epiphany and they'll all live happily ever after. And there'll probably be a dog involved somewhere") only to pull the rug out from under at the perfect moment. In all few films, especially romantic films, have left such a deep and lasting impression on me. I heartily recommend anyone with at least half a brain and half a heart to try to find this film (please, someone, release it one DVD), you won't be disapointed. 10/10

The idea is very interesting, and Janeane is downright brilliant. And I don't even mind how depressing it is. But halfway through I was ready to shut it off. If not for Janeane, I would have. I found the dialogue very unrealistic. And the fact that Arliss falls so hard for a woman who insulted, tricked and threatened him is very bizarre. I think Jasmine's comments at the end, on the phone, were right on. He had a White Knight thing going on. And what was the point of Bobcat's character always nipping off to the john for some self-gratification? I wonder if Janeane and Mitch were still a couple when this movie was made? That aspect made it interesting, but overall I wouldn't recommend this movie. I am waiting for Janeane to use her immense talent in a movie that will be better than just her performance.

This film has a wonderful blend of comedians inside, Janeane Garafalo, Margret Cho and Bobcat Golthwait. The mystery here is, this isn't REALLY a comedy. It is a fairly serious tale of a woman meeting a man for the first time. The trouble is the woman (Garafalo) is nuts. She takes him on a wild ride over the course of the evening turning him from hating her to loving her. In the end, no happy ending here. But a poignent look at why we say and do the things we do.

Some reviewer called it unrealistic. They think that because its so different. Jasmine isn't endearing, but she isn't meant to be. However, you begin to care for her just as Arliss does, against your will and with a feeling of doom. She's frustrating, but in a very real way (maybe i just think so because i know someone very much like her, not quite so far gone). Its shot almost entirely in one restaurant, at 4 different tables, with just the two actors and some very funny supporting by Cho and Goldthwait Its rather Shakespearean in the way that does not rely on set or atmosphere, the two leads are great. Just be open minded.

I saw a trailer for this movie last night and feel compelled to comment on it. In short, the trailer makes this film look like a sweet, quirky, romantic comedy. It isn't. Janeane Garafalo plays a suicidal loner who tricks a guy into keeping her company the night before she is going to off herself. Not exactly Notting Hill. While there were some laughs, this movie is very serious and depressing. If you like Garafalo, give it a shot. If you're looking for a light hearted romp, look elsewhere.

By all rites, this movie should have been crap. Low budget, questionable production values, B-Movie trailers on the video tape, etc.

A well developed script delivered by superb actors bootstrapped this movie out of its own mediocrity into something truly substantial. So nice to see a film about manic depression that doesn't sensationalise the disease, shy away from its realities, its highs and lows, and doesn't throw itself a pity party.

And then of course there's Janeane Garofalo as lead and film producer who, I imagine, could *sneeze* brilliantly if she wanted to.

I rented this movie expecting a lighthearted romantic comedy with Janeane Garofalo to make it funny. I couldn't possibly have been more wrong. What I ended up with was a study of desperate humanity on the brink disaster... the hours before the two second storm that destroys lives. Janeane Garofalo plays Jasmine, a bipolar suicidal manic depressive, and I can't describe accurately how well she accomplishes this role. This marks a departure for Garofalo. She isn't merely funny, or a plot device. This character has true depth and meaning for anyone who watches this movie, and like most people with Jasmine's conditions her difficulties are trivialized by those around her because not many can truly understand what she is going through, and those who can are in as terrible a state as she is... therefore, it all ends up looking pretty hopeless. Mitch Rouse, as Arliss, is the perfect every guy. He's just trying to help someone in any way he possibly can, whether it is futile or not. Margaret Cho is a lovely voice of wisdom in the Cafe Asylum and Bobcat Goldthwait has thankfully lost that annoying Police Academy voice. This is just such a great movie, beautifully written and poignantly acted. Janeane Garofalo is truly brilliant. Go ahead and rent it. It's worth it.

While this movie sports an all-star cast of some of my favorite comics (more Cho please), this is a DARKLY comic look at urban loneliness as well as the loneliness implicit with mental illness. The script starts out humorously enough with Jasmine (Garofalo) answering a personal ad and messing with the respondee at an espresso shop (run by Cho and Goldthwaite) named the Asylum. The name is apt because it becomes more and more obvious that Jasmine is not a happy puppy. I will not go on and spoil it but be warned that this is not a "happy' movie. There are funny moments but the overall tone is pretty dark if not depressing at times.

I am a HUGE Janeane Garofalo fan ( as well as Cho and Goldthwaite) and rented this with the expectation of having a good laugh and a smile. I must tell you that this not the movie for that. I don't think it's a bad movie but... damn... this is NOT a funny movie.

Janeane Garofalo is the only worthwhile thing in this low budget film. Her performance as Jasmine, the suicidal and embittered loner, is so original and on the mark that you wonder how much of Janeane's real personality is imbued into the character. I'm sure for many, Janeane's character is truly repellant. However if you'd like to watch a surly, sullen, and morose woman acting out, then this film is for you!

This film has zero production values. I believe the director must have been asleep at the wheel as the lighting is non-existent and the camera shots are inept. In fact, there are so many shots in the film that you can't see because there is literally no light. (And I don't think that was planned .

Despite these annoyances, Janeane's performance stands out as exceptional. I hope she develops this character further and brings it to a film that will better showcase her talent.

5/10

This film is quite depressing, not that there's anything wrong with that. Not an enjoyable watch, but I'm sure it wasn't intended to be. A great acting performance by Janeane Garofalo. If my rating was only about her performance it would have been much higher. She has the dramatic chops, especially for someone who came up as a comedienne. She never was really pretty in the classical sense, but I always liked her looks. I really liked her on The Larry Sanders show. She still looks good here. Margaret Cho was fine here, and Bobcat Goldthwaite was suitably repulsive. But I would only recommend this film to fans of Miss Garofalo.

In the unlikely event that comedienne Ms Janeane Garofalo brings her stand-up act to the UK, please remind me to skip it. I've never heard anyone chunter on for so long, and not come out with a single remark that was enlightening, witty or interesting in any way, shape or form. Quite an achievement. I doubt even David Beckham is capable of that.

Of course, the loser in the movie who meets her on a blind date thinks she's 'delightfully kooky' and falls in love with her monotonous patter. One thing that does concern him though, is she seems intent on committing suicide. Maybe she got the idea from her exes, who I can imagine would be lining up around the top of The Empire State Building just to get a bit of peace and quiet from her infernal mutterings.

I appreciate some things are an acquired taste. Doctor Who, Flip-Flops, The Welsh... all these I loathe, but I can respect some people like them for various reasons. If you find anything redeeming in this 90 minute monologue from hell though, you're WRONG. It's as simple as that. 1/10

Okay, it's a good movie, but trying to compare it to other movies not even in it's genre (Meg Ryan movies, for example) is beyond ridiculous. "Oh it's just so cynical!" "Oh it's ever so subversive!" "It's cool because it turns other genres on their ears!" I've heard all the pretentious crap.

This is a good, even great movie. Not for any of the pretentious reasons, but for all the conventional ones: it is extremely well written; it is superbly performed; and it explores its subject matter (depresion and suicide) in a fresh but very truthful and unflinching way.

This is a movie I would recommend anyone watch, but only because it's a great film, not because it is some film student's idea of an antidote to movies he has been told it isn't "cool" to like.

I happen to think "You've Got Mail" is a wonderful movie, and there is room in the universe for BOTH films.

My recommendation for this one: most definitely see it, you will enjoy it.

Sweethearts is a clever little black comedy with a wonderful performance by JG, and a great surprise performance by Bobcat Goldthwait.

Set in a post modern coffee house hipster gen-x joint, the film plays on all kinds of gags... it's a great blind date movie. (movie ABOUT blind dates, not necessarily a good movie to take a blind date)

It has its moments, definitely, and is one of her more memorable films. I've seen many JG films... I keep going back to this one.

Okay, I've got to admit that I to was misled by the title of this movie,but I've never been Happier to be misled. I too am one of those freaks who love Janeane, and thats why I rented this movie, thinking it would be a romantic comedy (like everyone else seems to have). Anyway, all of the performances, taken on by well known comedians, playing (for the most part) uncomic roles were wonderful. The cinematography and lighting, if simplistic were both very well done, and it deserves some very positive mention.

All that said what really and truly blew me away about this movie was the writing, dialog was witty, and if not "true-to-life," it was far closer than in just about any other movie that I've seen. The writing done for Janeane's character was extraordinary. As someone who is clinically depressed I can vouch for at least that part of the writing, very true to life. As was the ending of this movie, it's sad and depressing but sometimes you need a little sad and depressing in your life.

There is however one thing that I wonder about this movie, who conspired to keep it from audiences for so long, this fantastic movie should have enjoyed a much earlier release.

This film was not what I expected at all but I enjoyed it immensely. For those who may have been misled by the previews, please take note that this film, although funny at times, is not a romantic comedy. It is a study of people, most of whom are at their most vulnerable points in life. The film is also quite real in its portrayal of Jasmine -- a bi polar manic depressive planning to commit suicide -- and Arliss -- a man who only wants to find his Miss Right. His encounter with Jasmine truly changes his life as their story will change yours.

This film showcases the brilliant skill of Janeane Garofalo. This actress/comedian continues to delight me in every film she does (She was the only thing good about 'Clay Pigeons'). I was also quite impressed by the performance of Mitch Rouse, who I have only seen opposite Janeane Garofalo in 'The Truth About Cats and Dogs'. He was the man so smitten with Uma Thurman that he courageously battles a bee in a coffeeshop. His portrayal of Arliss was so touching and realistic that you got angry at him every time he displayed a loathsome male characteristic and wept for him when he expressed his feelings for Jasmine.

If you feel like a moving character study about people who could be real and at the table right next to you in your local coffee house, rent this film. You will not regret it.

I love the crazy romance story between Jasmine and Arliss but the ending depresses me. Janeane plays her role brilliantly, adding both humor while showing the dark side to manic-depression. Definitely a movie that makes you think and challenges your outlook on things in this world.

Try hard to find this movie. Garofalo is ascerbic, sarcastic, wounded, funny, delightful, dark, endearing, sincere, shy, compelling and believable.

An awesome movie.

I'm a sap, though. I would have given it a 10 (instead of a 9) if the movie ended differently in one significant way. When you see it, you'll know what I mean.

Otherwise, it was an excellent find!

This film touched me alot....I couldn't take my eyes off my tv for the hour 20 minutes! Janeane Garofalo gave SUCH a performance and totally proves that she is more than a 'one trick act' with her cynical walk-on parts (not that theres anything wrong with those!). Her role as a manic depressive was heart wrenching and very believable. Mitch Rouse and Margaret Cho werent bad either! My only complaint was that Margaret should have been it in more:)

Some of the dialogue was depressing -but some parts of it was so sweet and very funny!

The ending was sad, but it made me think (and cry a bit!). I thoroughly enjoyed this film and it was worth me waking up at 4 in the morning!

The thing about Sweethearts is that you automatically assume that a movie with Janine Garapholo called sweethearts is some sort of romantic comedy. This is in fact a very dark, drama with a few comedic elements, which looks and feels like a stage play. The only thing I can even really compare it too is Edward Albee's "A Zoo's Story." Highly recommended, but if you rent it on a first date she'll never speak to you again.

But this film bites the proverbial big one other than those funny bits. This film like so many other wannabe edgy indie films needed its script run through the old typewriter again. Janeane Garofalo is a whinny, annoying feminazi heifer frequently in her films, stand up, and life as well I would imagine and she is in this film too once again.

But her one saving grace is that she is very cute. And she is a good actress. She kinda looks like Kennedy from MTV in those librarian glasses she sometimes wears. Or maybe the Adrienne Shelly character in the great Hal Hartley film 'Trust'. The glasses are missing in this film, so that's a strike against it for me.

Bobcat Goldwhatever his name is does have some funny masturbation scenes though. But the arty red lighting in a lotta the scenes of this film has GOT to go. For die hard Garofalo fans only!

Aleks Horvat's Janeane Garofalo vehicle, "Sweethearts", has a lot going for it--unfortunately, it still fails to be watchable from beginning to end. The basic plot is a typical high-concept Hollywood cliche--the date from hell. Nothing special there. However, there are sporadic elements of harsh reality in "Sweethearts" that simply aren't found in big budget junk like Blake Edward's "Blind Date" (1987). Garofalo's character isn't simply a cutesy nut, she's a suicidal woman with serious mental problems. Horvat's screenplay had some real potential--at least until he put himself in the director's chair. As a screenwriter, he set up a complex emotional situation, but as a director he is simply not up to the challenge. For the most part, the movie plods; and when it does move, it moves in fits and starts. This inability to edit and pace the action and story all but kills most of the laughs as well as potential moments of pain and pathos. Too much of what we see seems stiff and fake, like an amateur stageplay.

Janeane Garofalo is terrific, however, in a part that seems to have been written for her (perhaps that's why she decided to help the production along by becoming an "executive producer" along with Horvats). Garofalo is one of the most "real" actors we have in the US, but her intensity, in both the light and dark sense, is constrained by the obvious inexperience of the director. In the hands of a more-assured filmmaker, we could have had Oscar material here instead of more filler for the Independent Film Channel.

Since very few folks have ever seen this film (I found it on VHS in a cutout bin for $4) Horvat and Garofalo ought to just try the project again--with another director. This kind of story is difficult to do without pushing it into harmless farce, but it can be done (Jonathan Demme's "Something Wild" is a good example). They need an experienced filmmaker, preferably one who can work loosely, with lots of improvisation from the actors. This would help eliminate much of Horvat's strained, unnatural-sounding dialog. Some of the more unbelievable plot twists might be made to seem more believable as well. Think some one like Robert Altman or Mike Leigh.

If a good improv director can't be found, Horvat and Garofalo will simply have to find someone to whip Mr. Horvat's script into shape. And then they will have to find a director skilled at doing more than pointing the camera and saying "speak my lines now". Janeane and her performance deserve that.

I`ve never understood the concept of lonely hearts columns . Yeah sure we all get lonely but that`s part of the human condition . When I`m drowning in a sea of lonliness I just plug in my collection of Pink Floyd and The The tracks and pretend that Roger Waters and Matt Johnson are writing lyrics about me personally , vanity is preferable than desperation , and common sense dictates that anyone putting an ad in a lonely hearts column is gotta be desperate not to mention asthetically challenged . Have I made my point ? Good because anyone in a film who writes a reply to somebody in a lonely hearts column deserves all they get .

And that`s the problem I had with SWEETHEARTS . Arliss writes a reply to Jasmine after seeing her ad . Dear oh dear , obviously cinema isn`t one of Arliss interests otherwise he`d realise he`s going to be getting himself into a whole lot of trouble . That said SWEETHEARTS isn`t one of those cliched characters from hell movies seen in the early 1990s ( Did Hollywood do a lonely heart from hell ? ) it`s a low budget independant black comedy , but that doesn`t mean it`s a good film . It`s very static , talkative and unconvincing . But worst of all it`s badly lit . I`ve heard of " dark " comedies but this is ridiculous

GSHO ?

Janeane Garofalo stars in this movie as a young woman who answers a personal ad in the paper as a sort of 'last chance'. She meets the man at a café but doesn't tell him who she is right away making for some light hearted fun before things get really interesting. That's already more info than you need. Janeane Garofalo does an amazing job in this movie! This is the best I've ever seen her. Her performance is funny, whimsy, and dark all at the same time. She shows a vulnerability here that I've never seen in her before and it fits her fine. The film has a mystery ending, one that leaves you wondering without giving you many clues and this is one of the few imperfections in this movie. This is a love/compassion search story that's better and more watchable than any that quickly come to mind.

First I just have to say Janeane Garofalo did a fantastic performance, as well as the other actors. This movie is great for people who are not into main stream TV, not saying if you are you won't like it, but chances are... It can really make you think about how we treat people, and I love how oddly depressing it is. In a way its one of those movies that makes you feel, "wow maybe my life isn't so bad". haha. Also if you have ever been fascinated by a crazy person in real life you will totally relate to Arliss in the movie, and understand why he puts up with all the drama he goes through. All together I love the concepts in the movie, and just the over all real feeling to it. So its not filled with action or comedy, it is worth seeing at least once.

I'll keep this nice and short, folks. This film did not 'bomb'. Its not particularly realistic, although only the room-mate of a manic-depressive could accurately comment on that aspect of the film. And besides, not to get all celestial...but there are many people walking this fine little earth and I do believe that this film shows human beings are unpredictable and they have an array of emotions bursting to get out. It's not profoundly romantic, although only someone who has love well and truly figured out could expertly comment on that asepect of the film. I thought the acting was offbeat and completely intriguing and I enjoyed it.