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Sundance Review: Smiley Face

by Alex Billington
February 5, 2007

US Release Date: Sundance Film Fest 2007
Genre: Comedy
Running Time: 88 minutes
Directed by: Gregg Araki
on IMDb
4.5/10

Smiley Face is a quirky midnight movie that premiered at Sundance from director Gregg Araki, who's had a few previous films at Sundance, including Mysterious Skin. Smiley Face is supposed to be a stoner's film all around that focuses on a stoner girl - Jane (Anna Faris) and her rather ridiculous day-long adventure. We start with Jane on a Ferris wheel thinking about orange juice with a historical document in her possession - and no previous knowledge as to how this happened or how she got there. Eventually we learn that she consumes more pot, both by ingestion and by smoking, than even Snoop Dogg, and begins to slowly meander her way around town trying to keep on track. The biggest letdown - Smiley Face is unfortunately not the next Half Baked.

Smiley Face

The film is just a little too stupid, like Idiocracy, but with even worse filmmaking aspects; however, it's a dream film for a marijuana enthusiasts. At first I wondered why a stoner movie was being touted as a limited release independent, but now I know - it fits right into that category of campy and low-budget filmmaking. With cameos from John Cho, Adam Brody, Danny Trejo, and even John Krasinski as a nerdy friend of Jane's, not even small time comedians can save Smiley Face. There's no reason to go out of your way to catch Smiley Face on its upcoming 4-20 release, unless that is you are a pot aficionado yourself; and even then it may be better to stay home, smoke some pot, and watch Half Baked.

Smiley Face

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Related categories: Movie Reviews, Sundance 07

Krager

Alex Billington is dead wrong. No pot enthusiast am I, though I partake from time to time. Smiley Face is comic gold. Ana Ferris has the most hilariously expressive face, and her portrayal of Jane, the stoner/actress/economics major is spot on. In many ways, the movie makes the movie watcher feel high even if he's not. Ignore Billinton's review and review this gem for yourself.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_G3N6TYEYRXKHOFBCEAVIEIVBNA Roxana

I loved this movie! Like any other film it is not meant to be loved by everyone, as is obvious in Alex Billington's objective review. However, it is his opinion and if you only want to stick to one particular demographic then it's your choice. Half-baked is hilarious but Smiley Face is hilarious and unique since it's from a female-stoners point of view. Watch it for yourself, it's definitely worth the time.