Stuck (2007)

Stuart Gordon once more distinguishes himself as one of the most versatile and multi-talented directors active in today's horror film-making industry. This man handles sheer entertaining splatter flicks (loosely inspired on the work of Gothic novelists) as well as he handles far more mature and genuinely disturbing horror themes. Following the critically acclaimed "King of the Ants" and "Edmond", "Stuck" is Gordon's third horror/thriller hybrid revolving on ordinary human beings gradually turning into cold-hearted monsters; mainly as a result of their egocentric and despicable social environments. At least as far as I'm concerned, "Stuck" easily overpowers the other two films because here Gordon has the opportunity to work with really current issues (hit-and-run accidents) and the type of agony everyone dreads (helplessly being left to die like a dog). "Stuck" became something that is almost unique these days: real-life horror that doesn't rely on eerie monsters, deranged killers or supernatural phenomena to be disturbing. Modern society and its docile inhabitants are clearly more than unnerving enough already.

Tom Bardo is going through a difficult time lately, since he lost his job and became homeless. His life literally turns into a living hell when a young nurse, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, hits him with her car. She panics and, out of fear the consequences of this event will unbalance her perfectly stable life, the girl drives home and leaves Tom to perish in the garage; his body still stuck halfway through the windshield. The basic plot is inspired by a true story (which makes everything all the more depressing), but Stuart Gordon masterfully turns the whole event into an extraordinary non-stop spitfire of social criticism. In just this one film, he covers the malfunctioning of public administration services, lodging issues, selective police duties, work pressure, immigration, self-centerings, cowardice and alienation from your own neighbors. This great director literally confronts his audiences with the real illnesses of our time. "Stuck" is primarily a drama but, maybe because he basically remains a horror director or maybe just to remain consequent, Gordon doesn't turn his camera away from the agony inflicted by the accident. The footage where Tom, more dead than alive, struggles to free himself from windshield is very graphic and surely not intended for people with a sensitive stomach. These sickening sequences are actually a form of criticism as well; referring to everybody's morbid reflexes to purposelessly stare at someone else's misery. The film is uplifted to an even higher level of quality by the sublime acting performances. Stephen Rea is always reliable in every role he plays and especially Mena Suvari impresses with her unconventional and definitely inglorious role as Brandi. She depicts a character who worries more about her upcoming promotion and her cheating boyfriend than about the life of a fellow human being, so I imagine it really isn't a preferred role for a young actress. "Stuck" is an unforgettable film, just don't even think about watching it when you're craving for pure and undemanding entertainment.

Fmovies: An hard working nurse (Mena Suvari) life's turns upside down, when she accidentally a down on his luck homeless man (Stephen Rea) late night in the streets. Instead to bring him to a nearby hospital, she goes home instead... hoping the man will die on her car windshield! But the man is actually tougher than he looks and she tries to convinces her drug-dealer boyfriend (Russell Hurnsby) to kill this bum.

Directed by Stuart Gordon (Fortress, From Beyond, The Pit and the Pendulum "1991") made an entertaining darkly comedic thriller that is loosely based on a true fact. Suvari and Rea are terrific in their roles. Hurnsby is also good as the sleazy drug-dealing cheating boyfriend. This is Gordon's most straightforward film to date and it is one of his best films along with his previous work like "Edmond", "King of the Ants" and "Re-Animator".

This independent film wasn't widely release to the mainstream cinema. But film critics and audiences were pleasantly surprised with Gordon's new picture. "Stuck" is certainly an underrated movie and it's certainly worth seeing... once it arrives on DVD and on Blu-ray. Well Written Screenplay by John Strysik. From a Story by the director. (****/*****).

Lovers of the horror genre who like their movies to be full of blood and action, like the two people who commented on this and gave it a low rating, should perhaps stay clear of this one. Yes, there are some bloody moments but I think this movie being primarily in the horror genre here on IMDb is a big mistake. To me, this was funny as hell and those who criticise it for being too full of 'that wouldn't happen' moments have completely missed the point.

The film is ludicrous but intentionally so, and it is the preposterous nature of the situations where the comedy lies. There are many cringe-worthy moments throughout but again these add to the laughs. Sure, one can look deeper at this tale and argue it is an exploration of morality, but that is down to an excellent and believable script which allows the watcher to interpret the movie on different levels.

If your humour is quite sick then you will get a lot of enjoyment out of this film. It is slick, well acted and directed and highly original. One of the best films I've seen in a long time.

Stuck fmovies. I thought I would give it ten minutes, no expectations whatsoever, but I found myself completely captivated after five minutes and I had an absolutely pure, simple movie experience, like movies are supposed to be. Simple plot, excellent acting, interesting yet plausible characters. Like a "Fargo" light.

I read in a chat room that Mena Suvari's character was not believable, but I strongly disagree. One of the strengths of the movie was, that despite the lead character's horrid actions, she felt very real; a young, unintelligent woman, who completely lacked any understanding of true values, but who still was convincingly portrayed as a person with a warm heart and an appreciated colleague. I do not know how she pulls it off... just brilliant. Also Stephen Rea was great in every scene, but did not have a very challenging part to play. Not a single scene was too long or too short or unnecessary. Just an exquisite little piece! Truly enjoyable and disturbing!

Watching "Stuck" is not a comfortable experience. Beyond the obvious gut-wrenching events of the film, it will make you wonder, "What would I do in a similar situation?" Stuart Gordon's direction is excellent, as is John Strysik's screenplay. Together they set the stage perfectly for what could easily be an unbelievable series of events. Such is their skill in their respective arenas that you never once feel that the story is contrived.

Mena Suvari and Stephen Rea both deserve kudos as well. It would be easy to lose interest or feel trapped (in a bad way) given the unavoidably claustrophobic nature of the story. Both Rea and Suvari's performances, however, are so fantastic that my interest never waned.

Russell Hornsby, Rukiya Bernard, and Carorlyn Purdy-Gordon add the details to this world that bring it all together. Russell and Rukiya, as Suvari's boyfriend and friend respectively, are fantastic. Purdy-Gordon's turn as Mena Suvari's boss gives us just the right amount of evil-employer without delving into satire.

All in all, a fantastic movie.

STUCK is one of those films that creeps up on you, teases you into thinking a comedy is in the making, then slowly reveals itself as what seems to be an exposé of our current manner of getting through life, of competing in the workplace, and of self absorption to the point of endangering those around us. The fact that the film is based on a true story as adapted by director Stuart Gordon and transformed into a bitingly satirical screenplay by John Strysik increases the impact of this well-crafted little low budget film. Watch it once for the gritty content of the story, then watch it again to appreciate all of the very dark (and very pointed!) humor in what at first appears to be a grisly tale.

Brandi Boski (Mena Suvari) works as a Nurse's Aid in a nursing home of senile elderly patients, giving some of the finest care for those entrusted to her talents. Brandi's compassionate work is noted by the supervisor Peterson (Carolyn Purdy-Gordon) who manages to trick Brandi into an even heavier work schedule by suggesting a raise in position. Excited about her possible promotion Brandi and her working partner Tanya (Rukiya Bernard) celebrate that evening with Brandi's boyfriend/drug supplier Rashid (Russell Hornsby) who gives Brandi a pill of Ecstasy and the mixture of the drug with the alcohol creates a mess of Brandi's mind.

The parallel story involves one jobless Thomas Bardo (Stephen Rea) who lives in a tenement, is evicted because of past due rent, and becomes a street person, treated with cold (but satirical) mechanical responses at the Department of Unemployment. Left to sleep in the park he is befriended by another homeless person, given a shopping cart, and makes his way toward a midnight mission.

Brandi cum altered thought processes drives home, hits Thomas who comes sailing through her windshield badly injured, and out of fear and distress Brandi merely takes the 'stuck' Thomas home to park him in her garage, knowing that her boyfriend Rashid will help her. Thomas is conscious, unable to climb out of the glass of the crushed windshield and begs for help. How the stranded and injured Thomas is treated by the desperate but self-centered Brandi, by the frightened but macho Rashid, and by neighbors who fear intervention because of reporting an incident that would encourage police intervention and threaten their deportation as illegal immigrants results in an ending that shows how 'justice' can prevail!

The cast is first rate - especially Rea, Suvari, Hornsby and Bernard. The direction is tight and maintains credible characters in incredible situations and holds the audience attention every moment. This is a fine example of how a low budget film, in the hands of pros, can be more successful that the big budget, less thoughtful movies that crowd our marquis. Grady Harp