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Topic: Iowa (2005)

Sam Graham
AKA: "The Evil Sam Graham". Wackiness ensues.

Posts: 1431
From: Waukee, IA
Registered: Dec 2004

posted 05-28-2006 12:10 AM

CINEMA: Fleur Cinema & Cafe, Des Moines, IA
AUDITORIUM: 3
PRESENTATION: 35mm/Left channel analog mono
PRESENTATION PROBLEMS: Picture slightly out of focus
RATING: Two stars (out of four)

WARNING: "Do me a favor...When you join me in hell, bring my Spoilers with you."

As I opened the door, I discovered the lobby clouded in smoke. Terror was in the air. People were choking as they crawled through the darkness trying to make it to the door...trying...to survive.

Okay, so it wasn't that bad. But somebody DID burn the popcorn. I mean, the popcorn here ALWAYS tastes burned, but this was REALLY bad. And the lobby really was smoky as a result.

Some Guy and his girlfriend sit behind me and she says "Now be sure to point yourself out to me so I don't miss it."

He says "I'm pretty sure I was cut."

"But you're listed on IMDB."

"I know, but I think that's a SAG thing. You have to be credited even though you're cut."

I didn't see him in it. Loser.

"Iowa" is a meth love story. Shot on the cheap and partially on video, it's not particularly pretty. It's been floating around since Tribeca 2005, where people largely looked at it and went "Huh?"

Esper Harte (writer/director Matt Farnsworth) is up for a $200,000 life insurance windfall after his father dies. His mother (Roseanna Arquette) and her dirty cop boyfriend (that guy who used to be "The Pretender") are plotting to kill him for it. The boyfriend tazers him with plans to plant drugs on him. Trouble is, he didn't have to plant anything. Esper and his girlfriend discovered his father's dope.

Long story short, he gets out, they figure out how easy meth is to make, and they start making and selling it themselves.

The whole film has a "Warm Summer Rain" quality to it, meaning it's a cheap smut flick designed to look more artistic. It's chock full of drug-induced hallucinations, soft porn, and plot holes.

It's dark and sad and lots of fun all at the same time.

Having said that, it's also not that far from reality. Meth IS simple to make, and is as common around here as Maid-Rite sandwiches.

As I left the auditorium, I was surprised to see the lobby full of people, some dressed really odd. One girl looked like she was wearing a prom dress. They're showing "The Big Lebowski" at 11pm for $3 plus $2 for popcorn and beer.

I probably should have stayed.

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