Customer Reviews

Party Monster

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

To be honest, I watched this movie for one reason: Seth Green. However, I found the movie quite enjoyable. Not a perfect film--Chloë Sevigny's and Dylan McDermott's characters felt underdeveloped to me and some of the character intrusion and narration seemed unnecessary--but a fascinating, entertaining and funny movie, nonetheless.

Seth Green did not disappoint me. His portrayal of James St. James is excellent and his passion and devotion to the role apparent. I am undecided about Culkin's performance. Michael seems shallow to me, but that is actually appropriate to the role, as Michael Alig seems void of humanity in the interviews I have watched. Culkin's Alig seems a mere poseur to Green's St. James, who lives and breathes fabulousness. But again, that aspect could also be essential to Michael's character who seemed to be a club kid just because it would lead to attention. Mostly, though, I was wishing that Kieran was on the screen instead. Chloë Sevigny is underused in her role of Michael's girlfriend and I could have done with seeing more interaction between Michael and Angel. And some boy-on-boy intimacy. The directors were willing to show such outrageous costumes, copious amounts of drug use, and yet no affection between men despite the heavy homoerotic overtones between the actors. The lack of homosexual interaction wouldn't bother me as much if Michael and his girlfriend weren't shown in intimate moments as well.

This DVD is a pretty good disc. The print of the film is good, capturing the brightness of the costumes and parties and the changing color tone of the movie. The special features are decent. The commentary is pretty heavy with historical information about the accuracy of the events, but the directors share information about the production as well, usually concerning how disgusting the location smelled. I would have preferred more of the latter, but that is just my preference. The featurette was interesting, but the behind the scenes footage was rather dull for the most part. I appreciated having the interview with Michael Alig on the disc and an interview with James St. James would have been a welcome edition.

All in all, the movie is interesting to watch and the disc is worth the purchase.

This movie is best suited for those who are at least interested in the club kid lifestyle and tolerant of homosexuals. I've read a couple harsh reviews, but they seem to have been written by people who have no clue what the party scene or NY club scene was about and are more concerned with judging than understanding this vastly different sub-culture. Some reviewers have even called the movie unrealistic, but this couldn't be further from the truth.

The parties are portrayed with incredible accuracy. The movie not only depicts what you could expect to have seen inside a club of this type, it makes you feel as though you are actually there taking part in the event. The lighting and colors used create a slightly dazed feeling, as though you're walking through the middle of a huge party, surrounded by a sea of eye-candy. The party goers are true to life as well. After all, they used old club kids as extras and featured some of them in their real outfits.

The drug sequences are almost too accurate sometimes, especially the come down. (At one point, they even show Alig sitting on the toilet saying, "I can't pee." For those who've been there, this totally hits home.)

Honestly, if your plans for the weekend include sitting at home with the kids and watching a movie, this probably isn't your best bet; but if you're looking for an adventure (or if you were once a part of the scene and would love a nostalgic reminder of your past experiences) you really should see this film!

"Party Monster" has a unique history behind that production. The film is an interesting account of Michael Alig's life seen from his friend, but the most intriguing part of the film is that it features Macaulay Culkin after 9 years absence from the screen.

The film's directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato once made a documentary film "Party Monster: The Shockmentary" in 1999, which is based on the murder of Angel Merendez, also one of the aquaintances of Alig. Now, the same team give a fictional account of the same case, helped by the book "Disco Bloodbath" by James St. James, who was, besides Alig, one of the faces seen in the "club kids" vogue in New York City in the 1990s. This newer "Party Monster" features talented Seth Green (in drag) as James, who recounts the days of the party, drug, and the eventual downfall of Michael Alig. And you know, Alig is played by Culkin.

OK, but don't try to find out the "truths" of the murder. The film is more about the relations between James and Alig, or how Alig met James, and is taken under his wings to gain the short-lived celebrity status. The film, using flashbacks, follows the crazy days of party, drug, and eventual downfall of the man.

What is most attractive is the acting of Seth Green. His face might be associated with "Austin Powers," but actually he is a good actor, or far better than you miight think. See how he plays the role of flamboyant James with a slight touch of humor and irony. Remember, his debut was back in 1982 in "Hotel New Hampshire," and he's been doing this job more than 20 years.

As to Macaulay Culkin, it is true that he is less effective, but still good. Perhaps we have seen one too many "Home Alone" film. The supports include Chole Sevigny, Natasha Lyonne, Dylan McDermott, and Marilyn Manson. But their roles are not big, and I am afraid Ms. Lyonne is unrecognizable to some.

The story is not the strength of the film. You cannot find the answer to the question -- question, I mean, about how come the vogue, though briefly, took over the media to become the talk of the people. After all, it is about the bubble-like movement, and the film is not trying to rationalize that fact.

Still, the film is interesting to see if, like me, you didn't experience the trend as first-hand knowledge, especially the 'anything goes' style these characters show in their desperate attempt to reach fame, and be fun. We know it will end in emptiness, or the film, not to be judgemental, presents all about the emptiness of their behavior as it is.

I had a hard time liking this movie, mainly because Michael Alig is such a likable guy and Macaulay Culkin is just so creepy to watch though he does play a gay man remarkably well. Seth Green acts his role but never comes off as comfortable in it and who could blame him. Alig lived life over the top and the movie plays everything over the top. The peek inside the infamous Limelight club is interesting and you'll laugh so hard you'll wet yourself at Marilyn Manson who has a minor role but in the end the documentary that chronicles Alig and the murder of "Club Kid" Angel is much much better.

I watched this movie the other night not thinking that it was not going to be that good considering some of the reveiws that I had read. I LOVED IT!!!! The movie was great from the start to the finish. I dont know to much about the real Mike, so I am not sure if the movie follows that story line or not, (I just ordered the shockamentary). I have watched this movie twice already and I sure to watch it several more times. If you are thinking about buying this movie....DO IT!!!!!

I've never read the book, I've never even known a "club kid" and before I saw this movie I'd never even heard of James St. James or Michael Alig. Realize that I write this review from this standpoint.
I enjoyed the movie, though I appear to be the only one I know who did. I thought Culkin's performance was remarkably (if not a little too) convincing as the ambitious, egocentric and utterly uninhibited Michael Alig. Seth Green's performance was almost as inspired and (despite how few scenes in which he actually appeared) Marilyn Manson (who I'm sure got jacket billing simply to boost sales) added to the giddie/creepie humor and overall mood of the movie. That said, it must be pointed out that the direction failed on more than one occasion. Though some scenes were executed nigh brilliantly, others made me feel I was watching a BBC afterschool teen drama. More or less forgivable. Art direction was amazing for a movie of this scope (and presumed budget). I've watched it a couple times, and will probably never watch it again for the simple fact that, as ammusing and intriguing as it may be, it's just not very watchable and leaves the viewer with the question: what the hell was that?
This movie was obviously made for specific cult culture; for those people who have either read the book, researched the incidents or were in someway connected to the "scene" that forms the backdrop of this movie. If you fall into this category, I'm sure you'll love it. If you like off-the-wall and off-the-beaten-path movies, you'll probably get a kick out of it as well. For anyone else: watch at your own risk. You may find yourself prancing around using the word "fabulous" at an inordinate frequency, or otherwise feel the intense need to scrub your brain off with steel-wool and turpentine.

Seth Green is perhaps the finest comedic actor working. He carried this movie. Macauly Caulkin tries way too hard to mimic Michael Alig's physical and vocal mannerisms, but doesn't quite pull it off. It is just that - plain mimicry. I have seen the original "Shockumentary" and I have to say Seth Green's take on James St. James is nothing short of incredible. The odd cadence in his speech, and that weird nasally way he speaks. It's just amazing how Green literally becomes St. James. This film was largely ignored by the public, and critics didn't take much of a shine to it either. The subject matter either too bizarre, or maybe just not bizarre enough...who knows. I go back and forth when trying to decide which I like best, the original documentary ( which is great ) or the film. There are actual Laugh Out Loud comedic moments in the film, even though most of the humour is a little on the dark side. But there is something about the documentary that brings me back to it again and again. I just can't stop watching it. The Shockumentary, by the same duo that made The Eyes of Tammy Faye, I would give a 5 star rating. The film, I give 4 stars.

First of all I would like to say that I really enjoyed this movie. My only gripe with it (and the reason only 3 stars) is the only characters we really get to know are Michael Alig and James St. James. If we knew a little bit more about the other characters this would definetely be a 5-star movie. The acting is incredible and I would recommend this movie.

I originally wanted to see this video just to see Marilyn Manson, however I ended up loving the entire movie. The costumes were amazing - or should I say "FABULOUS". The songs are catchy with good beats. Knowing the fact that the movie is based on a true story makes the murder a little disturbing...yet do not allow that to deny you from this incredible movie! Also make sure to check out the Bonus Features on DVD. Overall the movie is hilarious and amazing. I'm not sure if I can find a word to describe just how great this movie is...well, maybe FAAABulous!!!

Well, now that this film is out on DVD, I finally got the chance to see it. I must have missed its showing in Philadelphia. I had heard so much about it and rented the DVD with much anticipation. I wasn't let down at all! After viewing, I purchased my own copy right away to add to my collection.

I was in college in the mid-late 1980's in North Jersey not far from NYC so I was at least familiar with the setting, Reagonomics and the ME decade of the 80s. It is very easy to see just how this all happened.

Now, on to the film itself. I watched with trepidation to see "little" Mac (that adorable little boy from Home Alone) in his comeback role as an adult actor. Could he pull it off? YOU BET! With beads and feathers to boot! He really prepared well for the film and did an awesome job recreating the now infamous Michael Alig. He's a long way from Home Alone now and I'm so glad. Give a real actor a meaty role and just watch him sink his teeth into it...and that is just what Mac does...over and over again.

Seth Green, playing James St. James, the author of the book on which the film is based is also a hoot! I have never quite seen him like this. He truly WAS a queen in this film...so convincing in his role.

And finally, Marilyn Manson. Well, I really didn't know WHAT to expect from him, this being his first film. What can I say about his performance as Christina, a trangendered Niko-influenced party girl? Brilliant! And WAY too short. I would have loved to have seen more of him. Perhaps he can write and produce HER story to bring to the screen next? I'd love it!

See this film...but when you do, fasten your seatbelts because you are in for a ride that is....well...sick, twisted and....FABULOUS!