MAY
PLOT-A homely, weird girl falls in love with a horror movie-obsessed guy.
VIOLENCE-Numerous bloody stabbings, an eyeball is plucked out, and several blind children are cut by broken glass. Also of note, a severed dog leg is shown, and a cat is killed.
SEX/NUDITY-A couple brief make-out scenes with the main cast, but no nudity.
WHY I WATCHED IT-Most people really hated the recent TV re-make of Stephen King's CARRIE, but I thought Angela Bettis did an astounding job in the title role. I was eager to see her starring in something else.
THE DOPE-This movie is flat-out incredible. It has a small cast, takes place in one location, and has a simple story. However, the characters and acting are all great, and the atmosphere is totally intense. In an odd way, the film is similar to TAXI DRIVER in that its central character is a nice but very warped person who ultimately crumbles into total violence. And yet, there are shades of FRANKENSTEIN as well. Do you see what I'm getting at? MAY is one of the best and most original independent horror flicks I've seen in a long time, and it's expertly crafted. As mentioned before, Angela Bettis kicks all manner of ass in her role as May. She goes for it, she is awesome beyond words. Also, Anna Faris (from SCARY MOVIE) proves that she can handle a different sort of role. She tickled the hell out of me as May's outwardly sexy but dim-witted co-worker. The way she delivers her dialogue is one of my favorite things about the movie. All in all, MAY is dark and weird, yet completely entertaining, tight, and suspenseful. Oh yeah, and it's a lot of fun too.
MEMORABLE SCENES-Hard to choose just one! I really liked the part where you think May is washing blood off her leg in the shower, but as the camera pans left, you see she's actually washing someone else's (severed) leg.
DVD NOTES-The disc has two highly enjoyable commentary tracks, one with director & cast, and one with director & crew. This marks the first time I've ever heard a commentary track in which the participants play harmonica and rap.
(July 2003)