Slackers

Starring:Devon Sawa, Jason Segel, Michael C. Maronna, Jason Schwartzman, Jaime King, Laura Prepon, Travis Davis, Jim Rash, Nat Faxon, Don Michaelson, Retta, Marilyn Staley, Jason Garner, Gedde Watanabe, Heidi KrÃ¤mer, Alissa KrÃ¤mer, Michael McDonald (XI), Charles Dougherty, Robert B. Martin Jr., Michael Swiney
Director: Dewey Nicks
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Dewon Sawa is the impish leader of a trio of higher-education shysters who are blackmailed by deranged nerd Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore) into playing cupid in this latest twist on the college prank comedy. It starts playfully enough and winds through some clever test-taking shell games and commando-style operations to cheat the system, but soon enough falls into a familiar formula of teen sex, outrageous pranks, and gross-out gags. If that's your bag, this film rings the bell with a mind-boggling scene involving Schwartzman, '60s sex bomb Mamie Van Doren, and a sponge bath. Sawa's crooked smile is loaded for charm, James King is adorable as the angelic beauty, and Schwartzman is perhaps too convincing as a stalker with a raging psychosis, but this has nothing on Animal House, the original college rebel film of sex, scams, and the celebration of bad taste. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Don't listen to the naysayers.......2007-03-16

This movie is hilarious! gross silly humor, but my favorite of all Jason Schwartzman films- even better than Rushmore!

It's just 'American Pie' done horribly wrong!.......2006-12-22

`Slackers' is about as tasteless as `American Pie' but only has half the laughs, thus deeming it somewhat of a worthless time-waster. If you want to see a bunch of off color jokes made with no real fun factor then this is the film to watch. If you want a smart sex-comedy that will make you laugh while still delivering the goods then this is the film to avoid. Devon Sawa is your star here, the bad boy who learns a valuable lesson about scamming on the hot chick. That hot chick is Jaime (James) King, who plays Angela, the girl of nerdy stalker boy Ethan's (Jason Schwartzman) dreams. Ethan bribes Dave (Sawa) and his two friends Sam (Jason Segel) and Jeff (Michael C. Maronna of `The Adventures of Pete and Pete' fame) to play match maker between him and Angela, but Angela ends up falling for Dave and then the truth is spilled and hearts are broken, but we all know how it ends because we've all seen this done a million times before, except it's been done better, smarter and much funnier! I will say it was worth watching to see Laura Prepon from `That 70's Show' get her grove on...

What's most tragic about this film . . . . .......2006-11-12

. . . . . is that it's actually being discussed. I'm pretty down about the fact that I have so few ways in which to usefully spend my time that I am offering an opinion on this excrement. Exploitation of aging film stars is nothing new and if they are willing to be exploited then who am I to complain?; there's nothing objectionable about seeing a naked body on the screen, in my opinion; we all do stupid and regrettable things in our youth and they are, potentially, funny. However, certain crimes against the viewing public are inexcusable, namely the fact that WE HAVE SEEN IT ALL BEFORE, SO MANY TIMES. I, personally, feel insulted that we are being offered this crud but am also aware of a sense of doom that people are actually getting laughs from the tired, old, flogged cliches (you know, sock over turgid member, lustful older woman, kooky student, BOY WHO REALISES THE ERROR OF HIS WAYS etc., etc., etc). As a final tirade and the most astounding feature of all the reviews that have appeared before is that some so beguiled by their own "insights" that they are reviewing this film in a pseudo-academic manner. I was sure the word "ouvre" (if that's how it's spelt) would appear somewhere. Please, someone, tell me that nobody has yet written a PhD thesis on campus comedy, that most banal of film types. Please!!! Otherwise, truthfully, any pretension that we are an intelligent species may as well be buried once and for all.
Yes, this is a truly terrible film in every sense of the word. It is a "comedy" that is genuinely depressing but we're getting pretty used to being fed swill now, am I right? And some are becoming quite fond of the taste . . .

You're smart. I like you. I'll probably give you a nickname........2006-08-11

If a stranger were to walk up to me and with a straight face ask me if Slackers is worth the rental ... I would pause, consider the options, and finally say, boldly, "yes". For me, Slackers wasn't a poor film, but it wasn't, by far, the greatest comedy ever written. I am basing this fact on the "laugh" factor. For a reason that I cannot explain, I found myself mildly entertained by this film. I don't know if it was the constantly changing tone of the film, or the fact that Schwartzman pulled the comedy off with the greatest of skills, but this meager film critic found some value in this little off-beat comedy. I will have to whole-heartedly agree with other critics that Slackers was cliché, random, and at times, very very dull, but overall it seemed to fit. I have found quite a bit of articles comparing this film to the infamous American Pie movie, but to me, it seemed more like a less-nudity, less-bodily gas humor version of Animal House. The intelligence skirted around this film, at times entering in it providing one or two great moments, but overall it couldn't counter the random blandness that seemed to further creep in, surpassing the greatness.

I think we should begin with the good of this film, because again, it is what stood out greater in the scheme of it all. Jason Schwartzman. Bar none he carried this film. From his random songs, the great scenes in which he "volunteers" with Angela, and his well-celebrated hair doll, Schwartzman was funny. In fact, as you watch this film, one could say that in each scene Jason is honored to be in, he dominates them. His lines are not just perfect, but his mannerisms seem to also accentuate his character very well. Schwartzman is worth the price of the rental alone. Outside of me just drooling on Jason's character "Cool Ethan", I thought that the sporadic (and need I say random) way that this film was actually filmed, with the "Magic Number" relapse, the true way to help Ethan find a girl, and the singing sock - of which that is all I believe I can say. These enjoyable interjections made Slackers a bit more unique. I wasn't expecting this level of satire for such a small film. It felt like director Dewey Nicks did his comedy homework. He knew how to make some people laugh. Now, I am not saying that he graduated from Comedy College, but he did finish his homework early as well as do the extra credit.

Jason Schwartzman was phenomenal in this film, but those that accompanied him deserve some respect as well. While I think that Devon Sawa was struggling in this film (see next paragraph), his co-conspirators held their own. Jason Segel reminded me of a young Ken Marino, just not as funny) and Michael C. Maronna had a funny bit or two. Laura Prepon, of That 70s Show fame, added some flair to the duller moments, but seemed more like eye-candy than any sort of actual actor value. The hair doll was an odd, yet fun element. I don't want to drool over Schwartzman in this entire review, but it was entire do to him that this film did not fail in my eyes. He was short, spastic, and completely unappreciated by other critics. This was one of those small films that allowed Schwartzman to fully grow and demonstrate his humorous ability. I could go on for some time, but I have to discuss the ultimate pitfalls of this film.

Slackers was funny, but it wasn't great. I don't think I could bear to watch a second time. While I previously drooled over the amazing comic ability of Schwartzman, he could not match the downfalls of this film. There was not visible plot. There was a very cliché storyline that could be viewed in nearly every other film of this genre, but nothing that immediately stood out. While I did just mention how amazing the one to four humorous imaginative scenes were (thus making it a memorable film - not just forgettable), there were plenty of faulty scenes that followed. I would have to criticize Jaime King for her very poor acting in this film. She was purely placed in Slackers to advance the story, nothing more, nothing less. Her lines were wooden, her character was trite, and nothing was appealing about her in the least. She attempted some comedy, but obviously could not handle the talent that surrounded her. The same could be said about the ending of this film. While I did think that it wrapped up decently well (for a comedy college film), there were increasingly more random moments (one featuring Cameron Diaz) and less actual character development. I wasn't expecting a character driven story here, but I was expecting to know this trio a bit more. I would have loved some history on "Cool Ethan" and his demonic love for Angela. I felt that everything suddenly situated at the end of the school year. Why couldn't we have seen Ethan's passion for Angela grow instead of tossed directly in our faces? I just seemed that Nicks should have expanded his comedy segments, developed a funnier story with Ethan, and given us a stronger female lead, and he would have had a keeper of a film. Instead, he force-fed us mediocrity, until we could not do anything but enjoy it.

Overall, I liked Slackers for trying to break the genre norm. Did it succeed in being imaginative and original? My answer world be "no", but it did give over 100% in trying. For those wanting to see Schwartzman roots, this would be a great place to start. I will agree that he was playing from his Rushmore character a bit to much, but I didn't mind. He was out of the box and insane at all the right places, bringing some much needed chuckles to the film. I could not watch this film a second time, which is a bit downfall. You can always tell how good a film is by the level of return watching, but Slackers had none. I would recommend it to friends, but not as more than a one-night viewing. It definitely had some potential, director Nicks just chose not to exploit it.

Grade: *** out of *****

Watch it with your hair-doll =).......2006-07-29

Quite a few mixed reviews here, and that's too bad that some people have to overanalyze a simple movie like this, designed to distract you from your own troubles for just under an hour and a half. Slackers is short, but if it went on any longer it would most likely lose it's charm. I don't want to ruin it for first-time watchers, but the beginning is just great once you realize what is happening (and you will unless you're on the not-so-bright side). As explained by countless reviewers, a group of guys at college cheat their way through school. They have quite the plan, but what they don't plan on is that their friend Dave (Devon Sawa) has slipped his number to the gorgeous Angela during the exam, which she leaves behind and Cool Ethan (Schwartzman) while analyzing her chair for pieces of her hair finds the number and blackmails Dave and his friends. Cool Ethan has a terribly unhealthy obsession with Angela and he wants the guys to help him get her to go out with him or he'll blow their whole cheating scheme and get them kicked out of college. Unfortunately, Dave has fallen for Angela. So now he needs to choose between keeping the cheating under wraps or being with Angela. And it's a whole lot of fun finding out what happens next. It's not the type of movie that gives you an epiphany or makes you think about life, but it's fun and quite funny. I've never liked Schwartzman but he is perfect for the role of Cool Ethan here. Good times and well worth watching again and again. If you can find it cheap, definitely worth buying.

YogaSlackers - Slackasana: The art of slackline yoga

Average customer rating:

YogaSlackers - Slackasana: The art of slackline yoga
Starring: T- PhyProductions LLC , T-PhyProductions , and Yoga Slackers
Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Fitness | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

Skateboarding | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

( Y ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Walk the Line: The Art of Balance and the Craft of SLACKLINE

ASIN: B000J6H1BG
Release Date: 2006-10-02

Description

The Journey began in Estes Park. Together, two yoga practitioners found a love for combining yoga and slacklining (tightrope walking). A natural synthesis occurred during the following months of practice and the Yoga Slackers were born. This video will give you all the tools you need to begin using slackline yoga to enhance your personal journey. The DVD covers a unique and simple way to set up the line, simple one person tensioning system, and lots of techniques. It covers basic standing, walking, sitting, turning, and then several yoga postures and sequences. The goal is to teach the basics and give the practicioner the tools to tailor a program to their needs. Slacklining is a great training tool for yoga, surfing, climbing, snowboarding, and just about any sport that demands focus, balance, strength and attention. Plus, it is an amazingly impressive skill, and a great way to meet people. So get your line out and start walking!

Average customer rating:

ABC News 20/20 Lazy in America

Manufacturer: ABC News
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

amazon.com

At work, would you take unauthorized breaks, spend time flirting with colleagues or even lie about your work if you thought no one was watching? ABC News holds a hidden camera experiment to secretly observe who's slacking off, and how they get away with it. ABC News then takes viewers through the history of slackers from unforgettable movie roles like Ferris Bueller, to a 29-year-old college student who has spent the last 13 years as an undergrad. And what about lazy children? John Stossel sits down with two lazy teens and their frustrated parents, who say they've tried everything. And, where did we get the word sloth? ABC News educates viewers on actual sloths, who are awake only a few hours a day. Spend some time with a sloth and you'll understand how it got its name. Anchors: John Stossel and Deborah Roberts. Correspondents: JuJu Chang, Chris Connelly, Lynn Sherr.

Average customer rating:

Ouch! This is one killer workout!
High intensity, deadly dull

Spinervals: 1.0 No Slackers Allowed

Manufacturer: Spinervals
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Bike-O-Vision Cycling DVD Journey #4 California Coast

ASIN: B000KBM21Y

Product Description

Join Coach Troy and 20 competitive cyclists in this 45 minute high intensity workout. An exciting combination of interval sets including ladders, superspins, tempo sets and sprints, "No Slackers Allowed" is for any athlete hoping to improve all aspects of their cycling fitness.

Customer Reviews:

Ouch! This is one killer workout!.......2007-04-24

I own several Spinervals cycling workout videos - this one is just plain evil! Strangely, it isn't rated as difficult as others; frankly, I think their rating system changed over time, leaving this one with a middle of the road rating. But make no mistake, this is one tough workout.

Spinerval workouts have bad music; but it doesn't get in the way of the workout, it's just annoying.

If you dare...

High intensity, deadly dull.......2007-01-05

If you are looking for the combination of serious spinning and creative, high quality audio/visual this is not for you. This is of the "this is serious training and shouldn't be fun" school. Well sorry, I can suffer and smile at the same time. Specifically, there was little or no attention placed on choosing music that was 1) good and 2) beat coordinated to the sets. It is, however, a serious plain vanilla interval workout-although short at 45 minutes. It is shot with some of the guy's students set up on trainers at a homely lakeside setting while he walks around in highschool football coach garb incessantly instructing while holding a stopwatch.

Anyone with extensive spinning experience could get pretty much the same thing by choreographing their own workout, turning on the radio and using a stopwatch. There is a reason why music is carefully coordinated into this type of workout: it makes work feel like dance. This is more like a Calvinst sermon than a night at the club.

Charlie Rose with Ivan Seidenberg & Raymond Smith; Lawrence Ellison; John Pierson (April 22, 1996)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Ivan Seidenberg & Raymond Smith; Lawrence Ellison; John Pierson (April 22, 1996)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Average customer rating:

Don't listen to the naysayers
It's just 'American Pie' done horribly wrong!
What's most tragic about this film . . . .
You're smart. I like you. I'll probably give you a nickname.
Watch it with your hair-doll =)

Slackers [Region 2]
Starring: Devon Sawa , Jason Segel , Michael C. Maronna , Jason Schwartzman , and Jaime King
Director: Dewey Nicks
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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