Click to read the article
subUrbia (1997)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:20
Fresh:12
Rotten:8
Average Rating:6.2/10
Synopsis: Richard Linklater's fascination with suburban American youth is brought to the screen once again with this adaptation of Eric Bogosian's stage play. The story follows a group of unmotivated high... Richard Linklater's fascination with suburban American youth is brought to the screen once again with this adaptation of Eric Bogosian's stage play. The story follows a group of unmotivated high school graduates who spend their days and nights getting drunk and hanging out in front of their small town's local convenience store. Jeff (Giovanni Ribisi) is the cynical and bitter boyfriend of Sooze (Amie Carey), a performance artist who is planning on moving to New York City to escape the confines of Burnfield. Buff (Steve Zahn) is an energetic goofball who drinks and eats to excess along with Tim (Nicky Katt), an alcoholic ex-Marine living off checks from the government. One particular night, their former classmate Pony (Jayce Bartok) returns to the parking lot to hang out with the group. Pony has recently hit the big time as a successful musician, which sparks massive friction between the friends. At the same time, the convenience store's clerk, Nazeer (Ajay Naidu), has become fed up with their loitering, causing a confrontation that threatens to end the night in violence. Like DAZED AND CONFUSED and SLACKER, two other portraits of small town American life, Linklater creates a recognizable atmosphere that allows his actors to deliver Bogosian's lines with a realism that is poignant, humorous, and believable. [More]
Starring: Giovanni Ribisi, Steve Zahn, Parker Posey, Amie Carey
Starring: Giovanni Ribisi, Steve Zahn, Parker Posey, Amie Carey, John Cherico, Ajay Naidu, Nicky Katt, Jayce Bartok, Dina Spybey
Director: Richard Linklater
Director: Richard Linklater
Screenwriter: Eric Bogosian
Reviews for subUrbia
Linklater is collaborating with a certified grown-up who also happens to be the screenwriting equivalent of a shock-jock; laid-back bong-hits have been supplanted by endless black-comic cruelty and a lot of sociocultural pissing and moaning.
This brooding comedy fails to blend the sensibilities of two artists, director Richard Linklater and writer Eric Bogosian, which couldn't have been more different--the only thing they share together is a concern with youth's discontent.
More Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 70% 70% | Where the Wild Things Are | 03/12 |
| 83% 83% | Paranormal Activity | 03/12 |
| 89% 89% | Zombieland | 03/12 |
| 76% 76% | The Informant! | 03/12 |
| | The Strength of Water | 03/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- subUrbia at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Tim Burton's costume designer talks to Movieline about her long collaboration with the filmmaker and Johnny Depp.

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

We've got 20 copies of the hit TV series' Pilot Episode to giveaway.

Double passes up for grabs to the new comedy starring Paul Giamatti.

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions

Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.

We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection



Top Critic

