Syrup (2013)

I liked this movie, and am mildly surprised at the preponderance of negative reviews. I'd have to say that most of the negative reviewers seem to have been looking for something that's not there.This movie came across to me like a comic book... so much so, it's hard for me to imagine this is not what the writer and director were aiming for. Don't look for an explicit message or plot line. And don't look for "realism" (whatever that means). I don't think there's really a "message", or "takeaway". I think the medium is the message (whatever that means).So... How like a comic book? I'm not sure how to say it... Each scene represented a discrete locale, as if a single panel. No jerky camera movements. In some cases the setting had a surreal quality.The action and editing is choppy, jumping awkwardly from scene to scene, leaving you puzzling about what just happened in the previous panel that would lead to the present situation. There's no vector to the story line, and you can't predict where the plot will be going. It just happens... And there are unaccounted for gaps in time, when major events must have transpired, yet the viewer doesn't witness them. In fact, there's not a clear sense of the passage of time. It just happens.The characters know exactly what to say at any given time, as if there were a balloon over their heads providing the dialog. They exhibit no uncertainty, and seem somewhat one dimensional; even enigmatic. I found the dialog terse, punchy, and engaging, and in some cases starkly missing. And they are always perfectly dressed. Where do they live? Where do they get their clothes? Who is their tailor? Don't even ask.The characters don't really evolve much. For some movies, this is a fatal flaw. I didn't see it that way here, especially because I envied their complete sense of place.The acting was expressive when it needed to be, but was also flat at times as well. Finally, the lead actors are what I believe is referred to today as "eye candy"... It made for pleasant viewing.... for me, at least.As a few of the other positive reviews have noted that the style might appeal to you, or it might not. I suggest you give it a try.

An odd take on the image we present ourselves as and how product is brought to our attention. Surface tension has no strength to remain the same.Everything isn't what it seems to be or is everything exactly as it is? Either way all things change in an instant. Just like the relationship between Scat and Six, product is presented to the public one way and then suddenly another.Something we love to buy today is off the list soon. No matter what the change is it's still perceived as the same thing. Once the syrup is gone we loose interest.Welcome to 'Syrup'.

Ahhhh IMDb reviewers what is wrong with you people. I sat down to this after reading the reviews (5.5 average) and thought maybe its just another romcom flam which will fill in the evening, it will be nothing much.But what I got was an original storyline and an engaging non cloned romcom I never seen before which zinged with ideas and concepts which I am still thinking about 2 days later, that is very rare with films these days. As the film went the main protagonists have a great on screen chemistry, the story is an in-depth look at shallow marketing and it does that brilliantly. I really don't have to say more.People have a look at this film and don't trust the reviewers who have read the book. I am sure the book is better, but as a standalone film this is very enjoyable. I have just bought another of the authors books as I am eager for more of his views of this time we live in.

I watched this for one reason and I am perhaps ashamed to say it but it was because I think Amber Heard is gorgeous. She isn't always the best actress (though I think she isn't bad) but I just have a huge thing for her. What surprised me was that this little indie romance/dark comedy was actually okay. It was far from amazing and didn't blow me away but honestly I watch so many truly awful indie flicks that I don't make it half way through and this wasn't awful. In fact, it was a unique and well developed concept with some very dark humour and the spin on it using marketing as a driving force and lesson in morality was really well done. The pacing of the film isn't great and often drags just a little bit. The chemistry between our lead stars isn't perfect, it isn't bad but there is some spark missing. I also am not sure they knew what direction or genre they wanted to take this film in and it feels a little jumbled at times. I think with a better director and perhaps screenwriter they could have honed the picture just a little better and made it more impressive. However, for what it is it was fun and worth watching if not mostly forgettable.The aforementioned Amber Heard is the cutthroat Six. She has spent years creating her image and is a power hungry and emotionally void marketing manager. Heard is decent in the role. It isn't her best performance but she does it well. Shiloh Fernandez is okay in his role as Scat. He is supposed to be a brilliant marketing genius who is scatter brained and disillusioned with the advertising world. The problem is that he looks too young and isn't quiet believable in his role. He comes across as someone who just lucked out on a good idea. The chemistry with Heard is again, okay, but could have been much better. The supporting cast includes Kellan Lutz in a darkly comic role as Sneaky Pete. It isn't exactly a tough role but he does it decently. Brittany Snow shows up in a role so small if you sneeze you'll miss it so there isn't any point in even mentioning her. Everyone else plays their role decently but no one really stands out as worth mentioning.Syrup is a satire and there is very few films that do satire well. This does is well. The problem is the potential is really great and it drops the ball frequently. Aram Rappaport is very inexperienced and this film needs a director with more style and vision. I was surprised to see that author Max Barry who wrote the novel the film is based on also co-wrote the screenplay with Rappaport. The entire movie just needed more experience. Now pleasure understand I enjoyed watching it, it just felt unfortunately forgettable. Still it was unique and a good story and the voice over narration scenes breaking the fourth wall worked very well. It was an average flick that showed a ton of potential. I have no doubt the book was exponentially better. 6/10