Neo Ned (2005)

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

Blistering performances.

Wow! What a pleasant surprise! Don't let the neo-Nazi/Hitler/racist premise scare you off from enjoying a well-written and entertaining character study -- a really solid little piece of cinema. Great performances all around: Jeremy Renner's star is guaranteed to continue rising, as evident in his work as the troubled but likable Ned -- and even Gabrielle Union (who I usually find rather flat, predictable and ultimately uninteresting despite her prettiness) succeeds here as well. Union, thanks to the tight script and adept directing, perhaps puts in the best work of her career. And I agree with another reviewer's observation: there's great chemistry between the two leads, empowering the notion of their characters' profoundly unlikely romance. Overall, the film is at times dark, humorous, genuinely touching and never heavy-handed or unforgivably false. I consider Neo Ned a more insightful, true and telling treatise on racism in America than 2009's laughable and embarrassing The Blind Side. I highly recommend Neo Ned!

'Neo Ned' was kind of hard to watch. For the abundance of the racist slurs? The hate crimes? No, it was hard as you really couldn't root for anyone, side from possibly the orderly (Suplee) or the psychologist (Elwes.) Sure the so-called racist-with-a-heart Ned or the crazy-or-not Rachael appear on paper as likable characters, but really you have to think of them as either strongly immature or just plain stupid. Yes, I see the background of Ned – I did watch the movie – but doesn't make him any less of a person you really should avoid, yet smart (and portrays otherwise) Rachel can't help but care for the less than human Ned. Basically, Ned is sent to a mental hospital after stomping a black male with the help of a "great" attorney – helping him avoid real prison. Now, watching his upbringing and bankroll (or family,) I can't imagine he could afford other than a public defender, and no offense to those who work hard for the underprivileged, I strongly doubt they could've gotten such a reduced sentence. There he meets the only interesting, though enormously flawed, character of the movie Rachel, who believes, despite being a black female, she possesses the soul of Hitler. When released, they begin a strange bond, him with dreams, her just along for the ride. And when freed, Ned immediately steals liquor and a car. All pity you can feel for Ned's past is lost; he did have a bad upbringing, but is still responsible for his adult choices. No one seems to question the stolen vehicle. In fact, he gets mad when he, himself, is car-jacked. And what a laughable closing – (spoiler) No way would she get her daughter back and his very happy ending. Yeah, I get it, but still it was hilarious.

I saw this movie at the San Diego Film Festival. It was absolutely incredible. Neo Ned is a romance-drama-comedy wrapped up all in one. It offers unique ideas on racism, love and making choices that are revealed through the talented actors in this film. Jeremy Renner and Gabrielle Union put their heart and souls into this film and their breath taking on-screen chemistry is captured. This is a movie that can be appreciated by people of all shapes and sizes (except children, there is profanity). The director, Van Fischer, did an awesome job with this film. His plot style is disarrayed characters who wind up in odd situations, a dynamic duo that results in entertainment. During the film festival he answered questions from the audience. We shall be expecting to see more of his movie magic soon. He did a lot with his budget that was so small. I give it five stars(*****)! I also recommend getting familiar with the independent film festivals.. you might just find a diamond in the rough!

I was able to see this film at the Tribeca Film Festival last week and walked away incredibly impressed with Jeremy Renner. I'd seen him in Dahmer so expected another good performance, but was truly blown away. The Village Voice compared his performance to DeNiro's in Taxi Driver and I can see why. Gabrielle Union was also good - this film is nothing like her previous work. I admire her for playing this part and also for defending her decision to do so. I think the director Van Fischer should be commended for spotting this interesting screenplay, having the vision to create such a compelling story of love, and being able to make it actually happen. If you like quirky romances, this film will satisfy you and then some.