REVIEW - Now You Know

Written & Directed by Jeff Anderson
Rated R - 102 Minutes
Released Dec 13, 2002

I have thought long and hard about this film from Jeff "Randel Graves" Anderson. I really liked it but I have spent weeks trying to figure out how to convince a reader (in case this site ever gets any) that it's good. As I consider how silly that is, I have to admit to myself that this is not the kind of film you can be talked into. If you like small independent movies that ream you with dialogue then you might like this movie. If you are a fan of the Viewaskewniverse then you might love the movie. If you spend sleepless nights trying to figure out who would win in a fight between Michael Jackson and Prince then you really need to see this movie.

Props to Jeff Anderson for putting it out there with a funny, smart, and what feels like a very personal story. It was engaging, the cast was great, and it looks amazing considering it was shot in 18 days. The film has a real familiar quality which might be related to the impressive supporting cast. Anderson and Fehrman together create characters that are engaging and sad in a way that I can relate to all too well. When they are joined by Sisto it only gets better.

The only thing I really didn't like about this movie was Jeremy Sisto's soul glo hair, but since the film was set is Jersey I suppose it makes sense. I'm not saying that a really bad haircut can't ruin a movie (I'm looking at you Mr. Hanks) I'm just saying that it wasn't the case for me here. Can't say enough for a pre-The Office Rashida Jones either. She's fantastic.

I also dug the way that Anderson managed to talk about the film and praise the cast and crew in the DVD commentary. Too often these tracks consist of people patting themselves on the back or defending crappy movies and that gets old real quick. Not the case here and it didn't hurt that the man himself (or should I say Sir?) Kevin Smith was along for the ride adding his wit and charm to the mix.

In an age where too often the multiplexes are jammed with mega-budget crap-fests, its a comforting to know that straight to video (or DVD as the case may be) isn't always a bad thing. Now you Know gets an "Oh Hells Yes" on the Mr. Blunderson scale.