Bugcrush (2006)

Overrated and overhyped

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

For a low-budget psychological horror film, this one really hit the mark. It was a mix of teen angst, horror and adolescent hormones (i.e. the "crush"). There were many elements that made this film creepy and set the tone to be unsettling; chiefly among them was the town itself which gave off a remote, backwards "anything could happen here" feel. And was accomplished with some very creative photography, such as the scenes where all the dialogue is heard within the car, but the focus is on the scenery/drive. The horror in the climactic scene is unfortunately a bit anti-climactic; we get the sense that the main character is being violated physically, that he has been coerced into doing something he now regrets. And there are subtle hints at a sexual nature....but that doesn't really resolve the "riddle" here. It almost seemed like the director ran out of money and simply cut the film short there, when another scene was needed. Worth a watch for the creep factor and good acting.

Look, nihilistic films aren't all bad. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the great films of the 70s. The difference is it actually had something to say - or at least felt like it did. This short was engaging, and decently acted, but the utter pointlessness and meanness of it was uncalled for. Basically, because he's attracted to guys and makes a bad decision to hang out with the white-trash school hottie, a young kid is tortured and (presumably) executed - for no apparent reason. Wow, talk about a fun time at the movies!I agree with those who felt this was an anti-drug PSA. The ironic thing is that I wouldn't berate anyone who, after watching, felt the need to toke up, down some pills, or go on a bender. I felt the same way after watching "Requiem For a Dream", and not because it was depressing, only because people actually liked it.

Saw it on LOGO last night. Foreboding, but not with that kind of constant tension that is so taxing about thrillers generally. I kept wondering if things were going to turn out well or not. Take a few steps down the story, things are looking up; then a another and they gets spooky again. The mix of sex, danger, longing, and uncertainty was just perfect. The acting, directing, and execution were really well done. I can't remember a time I was so engrossed in a film. It was like I was in the shoes of the main character- asking myself his questions, sensing his feeling, and, oddly, making his choices. Remarkable.I'm surprised by some of the criticism written on here. I guess if you demand that LGBT films provide some kind of cheerful morality tale or insist that every movie with LGBT characters must have some universal gay community message, you'll be disappointed with what you get with this film.But if you take it on it's terms, leave your baggage at the door, and just go along with the ride, it's just so well done you can't help but be swept up in it.

What an impressive film debut for Carter Smith. Based on a short story by Steven Treleaven about a high school loner who is attracted to a mysterious new comer. He follows him to a remote farm with chilling results. This is a scary movie and ominous metaphor for the dangers of sexual experimentation.Smith works wonders in creating foreboding and eroticism in the possibilities of the dark of night. The production values and acting are all uniformly excellent. Carter Smith has a real talent and is to be looked forward to in his upcoming projects. It makes perfect sense that he is developing a screenplay with cult writer, Dennis Cooper. This is no J.T. Leroy, Carter Smith is the genuine thing and in the best of horror, He reminds me too of H.P. Lovecraft, and the best short fiction of Stephen King and the noir-ish writings of Black Cat magazine.I can't wait to see what he does next.