Ok, let me tell you something. If you want to watch this movie for the sole purpose of analyzing each aspect of it, go rent something else. If you want to pick apart Culkin's acting, or the over-the-top outfits, go ahead, but just realize that you will only make yourself look stupid.

A movie like this does not carry a depth that is dependent on the best acting or a tight plot. This movie, if anything, is an interesting peek at a world in which many of us did not acknowledge as part of Manhattan history-- a glammed up, drugged up, 24 hour party full of glitter, feathers and chunky shoes. It is an interesting peek into the world of Michael Alig's bizarre 15 minutes of fame as club kid extraordinare and drugged up murderer. If viewed with this in mind, it could be quite a fun ride to experience.

Basic story: Michael Alig (Culkin), as a young boy, moves to NYC from a small town in Indiana(?) to strike it big. He meets a young James St. James (Seth Green) and they strike up a friendship built on James' guidance and Alig's ambition. This said partnership grows into what would later be referred to as "the Club Kids", or Alig's followers comprised of partygoers dressed up in crazy outfits abandoning their troubles and all reason just to dance and get drugged up.

The club kids became notorious for having parties in random places (burger joint, the inside of a truck, you name it), all while looking fabulous. The club kids also became notorious for their drug use, especially of the drug Ecstacy. This drug use later became the downfall of Michael Alig and his friends, and led Alig to murder his drug dealer Angel over unpaid drugs.

What makes this movie interesting though, is the fact that such a bizarre story actually happened. The way in which Angel was killed and the way in which Alig and his club kids lived are comic-book crazy and unbelievable, but that's the point. The fact that this madness actually happened is half the fun.

And personally, I think Macaulay did a fine job acting -- hey, YOU try successfully acting out a drug addicted gay club kid. I think he pulled it off quite well. Seth Green, as always, proves himself as a good actor, and there is a special, ehh.. "appearance" by Marilyn Manson as well, so be sure to be on the lookout for that.

I watch this movie to forget about my troubles. To be distracted by Culkin walking around in a feather corset and Seth Green in a meat suit is great. I mean, there's no WAY that you will be able to find this entertainment in your backyard, folks.

Party Monster is great eye candy. As long as you remember that, and don't get too caught up in its loopholes or "bad acting", you should have a great time.

My first encounter with this movie was on the Independent Film Channel at 12 in the morning. I had no idea what it was about, who was in it -- nothing. 2 hours later, I was curled up in a ball crying my eyes out with feelings of intense sadness for the character(s) in Urbania. This movie has proved to me that film has the capability of changing one's perception of life.

Without going into further detail about why I was crying (that would ruin the movie, yes?) , I will say that this film revolves around the gay main character Charlie (Dan Futterman, in a wonderfully believable performance) and his search for inner peace after a horrific experience leaves him lonely and traumatized. The key to begin healing, Charlie believes, is finding the man "that will make it all better". This man, Dean, played by Samuel Ball, is a rugged, handsome, heterosexual male. Dean has a snake/heart tattoo and smokes his cigarettes with seductive ease.

The big question is:

"What would Charlie, a depressed young gay male, want with a character like Dean?"

That question gets answered in the final minutes of the movie, when everything is out in the open and HARSH reality sets in.

This movie is set in the dark shadows of New York City -- entirely at night, which gives the movie a creepier feel than it would have had it been set in complete daylight.

There are scenes in which urban legends are present -- in fact, this movie is encircled by a web of them -- the one night stand with AIDS, the woman who microwaved her dog in an effort to dry it.. they're all here. Their presence really has no point to the movie whatsoever, other than to show that sometimes even the most horrific urban legends are not nearly as terrible as real life can be.

Matt Keeslar plays a beautiful role as Charlie's boyfriend, who is only seen in the movie through Charlie's flashbacks. I can honestly say that I feel Chris is a sweet soul, and his relationship with Charlie is one of the kindest and most loving I have ever seen on film, rivaling even the greatest and most convincing heterosexual relationships.

Another actor in the movie worth mentioning is, the one and only Alan Cumming, who delivers a great performace once again (I can't tell you how much I love this guy -- ehh, but that's beside the point) Alan Cumming plays Charlie's AIDS stricken-friend Brett whom Charlie visits during his evening escapades.

The plot of the movie is not dependent on the sexuality of its caracters completely -- this film, in fact, DESTROYS all myths that gay men are all about casual sex, drugs, and clubs (as seen in Party Monster and Queer as Folk). It also DESTROYS all myths that gay men are superficial, blatantly feminine, and stupid (as seen in The Birdcage). URBANIA focuses on true love between two people, and the loss that comes with it, and the overwhelming feeling to have revenge -- feelings that are universal and not dependent on sexuality.

Urbania made my blood boil at the end. I was confronted with feelings of surprise, hate, sadness, anger, and awe. I would like to state up front that this movie HAS SCENES OF GRAPHIC, REAL, HATE-MOTIVATED VIOLENCE that, after viewing flashbacks and getting to know the characters, some may not be able to tolerate. I have watched this movie twice, and, upon the second viewing, I had to leave the room when the ending approached. Granted, Kill Bill is a very violent movie, but it also did not have the harsh reality that Urbania has.

If you are someone who is offended by gay men or homosexuality in general, then I'm sorry, although I wish you would give this movie a chance -- maybe it would change your perceptions a bit?

This movie is disturbing, but REAL (with the exceptions of the urban legends that crop up every now and then). The love is REAL, the pain is REAL, the emotion is REAL. And the saddest part is that all these feelings, all these actions are a part of every day life, and that some people have to live in Charlie's shoes.

I STRONGLY recommend this movie because it is well done, simply put. It is well done, and a beautiful, sad, story. I must warn you, though, that the situations in this movie are very, VERY deep and hard to take. They're tough pills to swallow, to say the least. If you're very sensitive like I am, you may have a problem with a few scenes. Even still, I urge everyone and anyone to watch it for its depth of reality. (And do not get frustrated if during your first viewing you do not understand everything -- like Fight Club, Memento, and Donnie Darko, the movie Urbania may have to be watched more than once)

Urbania is a powerful film that leaves an impact you won't forget. Check it out.

That's reallty all you need to know. It has the raw power of Live Through This, as well as the polished glamor that was Celebrity Skin. Though not as soft, vulnerable and sweet as Celebrity Skin, this album packs a very strong punch that proves that Courtney, though pushing 40, can still rock out with the best of them.

And.. so what if she got help from Linda Perry? If it gives the songs an edge due to another person's input, then so be it.

There are quite a few songs on this album that scream radio friendly. Not that that is a bad thing at all, it's just that it will be interesting to see which of the large assortment of songs will be chosen as the second single.

Ok, here's the track listing:

1. Mono - Many people say that her voice sounds violently tortured and overdone in this song, but it grows on you. I guarantee you that the raspy sound of her voice on "Mono" is not an accurate representation of her singing on the entire album. This song is a good "comeback" song, to reintroduce the public to the human hurricane that is Courtney Love. 4/5 stars

2. But Julian... - It took awhile for me to like this song. It's fast, and the lyrics are catchy.. it is supposedly about the lead singer of the Strokes, Julian Casablancas, which is amusing. (of course, if I had any contact with Julian, I would probably feel the same way Courtney does in this song...) The song really lets loose after she screams "AND I'M COMING FOR YOU!" 4/5

3. Hold On To Me - This is the song that Courtney wrote all by herself. Yes, you heard me right, Courtney bashers.. all by herself. This is a quality song in which Courtney sings about her experience with Russell Crowe during a night in which she confided in him and scribbled poetry (supposedly). Very nice slow song that picks up momentum towards the end (like many of the songs on the album) 5/5

4. Sunset Strip - Getting back to the California summer songs a la Celebrity Skin, Courtney gives us "Sunset Strip". A very happy song, really, except for her rant at the end, which is inspiring/inspired, but doesn't necessarily have to be there. Might have been better just left as poetic ramblings in the booket. All in all though, another good song. 4/5

5. All The Drugs - "Devil's driving my car tonight and he's drunk" I LOVE this song. One of the hard rockers on the CD. If Courtney ever decides to do hard rock Jane's Addiction style the rest of her career, I am all for it, if this song is any indication of what she is capable of with this sound. 6/5

6. Almost Golden - A very well put together song. Lacks vocally in the beginning, but gets better at the end. Lyrically it is great. Not one of my absolute favorites, however I don't mind listening to it at all. 4/5

7. I'll Do Anything - Nice little horny romp. It has a sped up version of the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" riff. The "Woo hoo"s in the back ground add to the song. This would make a good single. 4/5

8. Uncool - I don't know what to say about this song -- it is amazing. One of her best songs of all time. This would be the single to end all A.S. singles, if she releases it as one. 5/5

9. Life Despite God - For those who didn't like her howl on "Northern Star" -- dont' even go near this song. Courtney takes a great Robert Plant approach to her singing and it works for those who can handle it. However, if you are sensitive to her howls, don't listen to it... it will drive you mad. But if you're like me and can handle it at least until she finishes howling, then you will enjoy it. 3.5/5

10. Hello - This is one of my favorite songs on the entire album. It has SO much radio potential -- it is light, airy, strong, and shows Courtney's ability to rock out mindlessly and speak her mind at the same time, which, i guess, is quite a feat. Not that she has anything extremely profound to say in "Hello" -- it leaves a slightly shallower path than "Mono" does with its message, but it's great, I love it, it's fabulous, etc. etc. 5/5

11. The Zeplin Song - I have a love/hate relationship with this song. Firstly, the name bothers me due to the misspelling. Secondly, it reminded me initially of the pop-punk that I dislike with such a strong passion. But, after a few listens, I came to realize that lyrically, it's interesting, and it really isnt' as bad as eeeevil Good Charlotte. The structure of The Zeplin Song is its strong point. 3/5

12. Never Gonna Be The Same - Sweet and melancholy. I could never get into this song even though it is decent. Just because I did not really 'get' it doesn't mean anyone else wont, though. 3/5

Bottom line = If you are looking for a great representation of Courtney and her personality, get this album. It rocks in the car or wherever. I can honestly say that there is nothing seriously bad about this album. It was worth waiting for, and I encourage anyone who is even slightly interested in Courtney Love to pick this album up, as well as the last two Hole albums.