Reality Bites

Starring: Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Steve Zahn, Renee Zellweger, John Mahoney, Swoosie Kurtz, Joe Don Baker, David Spade (cameo), Andy Dick, Kevin Pollack
Directed by: Ben Stiller
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Drama
1994

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Follows four friends (Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo, Steve Zahn) after graduating from college and trying to discover themselves as they make the transition into the "real world."

Review:

Tim: Reality Bites is a terrific film about being young in the 1990s. Well, relatively young, we're talking about the post-college years here. The young 20-something crowd should appreciate this film for how much it relates to their exact situation.

The best part of this film is that it is really geared toward a particular audience. Even the director isn't some old stuffy person out of touch with reality- it is Ben Stiller making his directorial debut. He directs an excellent film.

The strongest aspect of the film is the performances of the cast. Winona Ryder headlines the movie, showing she can be sweet and likeable while being stressed out and lost. Ethan Hawke is a terrific bad/good guy. He perfectly embodies the loner/rebel. Ben Stiller is good as well in a supporting role. Even Janeane Garofalo and Steve Zahn add good performances. While watching this movie, you really don't feel like you are watching actors act, but that you're watching real people just being themselves. The talent in this film is pretty spectacular, and it is interesting to watch them here before they became as big as they are (well, most of the cast).

Reality Bites is not a perfect movie. There are many mistakes and weak areas, but you have to expect that from a first time director. If nothing else, the positives far outweigh the negatives and you can tell Stiller will have an excellent career behind the camera (as well as in front of it). This movie isn't a bad film to check out.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Permanent Midnight, Zoolander, Meet the Parents, Edward Scissorhands