Floundering (1994)

100% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
53% of users liked it
(994 ratings)

Noted independent film producer Peter McCarthy made his writing and directing debut (Angie Brown served as co-director) with this surreal comedy. John Boyz (James LeGros) is an aimless sad sack who is wandering Los Angeles in the wake of the 1992 riots. John is in an unclear state of mind; he can't… More Noted independent film producer Peter McCarthy made his writing and directing debut (Angie Brown served as co-director) with this surreal comedy. John Boyz (James LeGros) is an aimless sad sack who is wandering Los Angeles in the wake of the 1992 riots. John is in an unclear state of mind; he can't find a job (and doesn't really want one), the IRS has confiscated his money, his girlfriend Jessica (Lisa Zane) is sleeping around, he can't figure out what the beautiful but mysterious Elle (Marzita Rivera) wants from him, his drug-addicted brother Jimmy (Ethan Hawke) needs 3,000 dollars for a detox program, and police chief Merryl Fence (Nelson Lyon) is encouraging the citizens of L.A. to kill themselves. A stellar roster of actors and musicians appear in cameo roles, including John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, Billy Bob Thornton, Viggo Mortensen, Jeremy Piven, Dave Navarro, Dave Alvin, and Exene Cervenka. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Peter McCarthy
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1994 Wide
Studio: A-Pix

Critic Reviews

Leonard Klady, Variety
While the disjointed tale of contemporary alienation doesn't always connect the dots, it has a raw energy and sense of fun that's infectious.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
One of those "chatty slacker" flicks that actually delivers some interesting characters and worthwhile conversations.
Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle
It's an engaging, occasionally hilarious story that occasionally seems as though someone had finally gotten hold of all that twentysomething malaise without intent to exploit.

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Cast

            James LeGros as John Boyz

            John Cusack as JC

            Ethan Hawke as Jimmy

            Maritza Rivera as Elle

            Lisa Zane as Jessica

            Steve Buscemi as Ned

            Kim Wayans as Unemployment Clerk

            Ebbe Roe Smith as Dougie

            Sy Richardson as Commander K

            Billy Bob Thornton as Gun Clerk

            Nelson Lyon as Chief Merryl Fence

            Nina Siemaszko as Gal

            Jeremy Piven as Guy

            Alex Cox as Photographer

            Brian Wimmer as Hunk

            Bill Yaeger
            
            Jo Harvey Allen as Mom

            Viggo Mortensen as Homeless Man

            Exene Cervenka as Homeless Woman

            Olivia Barash as Ruthie

            Ned Bellamy as Phonebook

            Gary Gershaw as Loan Officer

            John Marshall Jones as Bodyguard

            Rick Najera as Good Samaritan

            Ed Pansullo as Flower Vendor

            Mary Portser as Suzie

            Theodore Raimi as Sale Salesman

            Doug Williams as Freddie

            Biff Yeager as Dad

            Del Zamora as 2nd Crack Smoker

            Dave Alvin as Chauffeur

            Tom Cortese as Drug Dealer

            Bill Fishman as Insurance Salesman

            Zander Schloss as Catatonic Man

            Kelly Coffield Park as Christi

            David H. Goodman as Businessman

            Shaka
            
            James Le Gros
            
See full cast

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