Lightning Bug (2004)

38% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
66% of users liked it
(1,185 ratings)

Robert Hall's drama Lightning Bug concerns a young man trapped in a small southern town with an abusive stepfather. The young man has developed a remarkable facility at creating make-up effects for horror films, and he hopes these skills will get him out of the town were his work is unappreciated by… More Robert Hall's drama Lightning Bug concerns a young man trapped in a small southern town with an abusive stepfather. The young man has developed a remarkable facility at creating make-up effects for horror films, and he hopes these skills will get him out of the town were his work is unappreciated by the religious zealots in the town. However his relationship with a pretty girl who wants to stay right where she is may be the one thing to keep him from following his dream. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 38 min.
Directed By: Robert Hall
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Apr 9, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Aug 9, 2005
Studio: Starz

Critic Reviews

David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
Though Lightning Bug does feature a number of positive aspects - particularly Harrison's subtle, effective performance - the film never quite achieves lift-off.
David Thomas, Filmcritic.com
like a low-budget remake of 8 Mile
Eugene Novikov, Film Blather
Everything's painted in the broadest of strokes and the autobiographical story never takes on a modicum of authenticity.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Reminiscient of David Gordon Green's excellent All the Real Girls combined with a Fangoria fan's mentality and a touching sense of real nostalgia.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

This is a slow movie but still it will hold your interest. This movie is all Alabama. A young boy is dislikes his childhood, his town, and his mother's abusive boyfriend. He is a horror makeup Artist and lands a job at a local farmers attempt to set up a horror house for… More
This is a slow movie but still it will hold your interest. This movie is all Alabama. A young boy is dislikes his childhood, his town, and his mother's abusive boyfriend. He is a horror makeup Artist and lands a job at a local farmers attempt to set up a horror house for Halloween. The barn and pig scene is Hilarious. Worth the watch for that moment alone. After getting near complete someone destroys his work. There isn't much real horror in this movie but a number of laughable moments. 3 stars a good rental, pass the buy.