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All Flixster 3.5 Stars (1925) Want To See 575 Not Interested 4017
Female 3.0 Stars (1128) Want To See 337 Not Interested 2353
Male 3.0 Stars (797) Want To See 238 Not Interested 1664

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Plot: One of the freshest, most enjoyable independent films of 1998, Slums of Beverly Hills finds both comedy and compassion in the post-puberty woes of a soon-to-be high school freshman named Vivian...( read more read more... ) Abramowitz (Natasha Lyonne), who has been either blessed or cursed (depending on who you ask) by breasts that have generously blossomed along with her sexual curiosity. It's not an easy time, especially since Vivian and her two brothers live a nomadic, close-knit existence with their unemployed father (Alan Arkin), who keeps moving them from one ratty apartment to another on the fringes of Beverly Hills. Joining them in their latest one-bedroom home is their flaky cousin Rita (Marisa Tomei), whose latest stint in rehab has been replaced by the half-baked goal of a nursing career.

Writer-director Tamara Jenkins clearly loves these characters, and her film has the feel of good-natured autobiography, set in 1976 (without indulging phony nostalgia) and using rich, character-related comedy to express the understanding that all families are dysfunctional in their own functional way. Whether Vivian is allowing a new neighbor (indie-film regular Kevin Corrigan) to touch her breasts or taking cousin Rita's favorite vibrator for a euphoric test-drive, Jenkins and the wonderfully sardonic Lyonne maintain a fine balance of hilarity and sexual awkwardness while giving equal time to Vivian's taunting siblings and well-meaning father. Consisting of loosely connected episodes that add up to a vivid family portrait, this remarkably well-cast film will be a treat for anyone who remembers (or is still going through) the emotional minefield of adolescence. --Jeff Shannon


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Recent Reviews

  • 3.5 Stars
    MCT:
    July 17, 2008
    Total independent.But don't let that throw you.Funny story and award worthy.In just about every way.When that blockbuster your looking for is out'ask for this'sit back and be ready to laugh.
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    April 19, 2008
    This was very enjoyable!

    If you like Little Miss Sunshine, i'd definitely recommend it. It's got the same "dysfunctional family thats... well oddly functional" premise, although here we do settle on more of a "coming of age" film.

    Although a lot of the scenarios and struggles of the characters is written by a woman and would appeal to mostly women, as a man I found that I was still able to emotionally relate to a lot of what the film had to offer. It's far from a "chick flick" - it's well written, hilarious, and has a wonderful supporting cast that'll appeal to anyone.

    Tomei, Arkin, and Krumholtz are all great as always - but Natasha Lyonne definitely had such a strong performance that she carried the film. Her sarcastic and witty humor never failed to make me laugh out loud, and i'd imagine that her general attitude would serve as a sort of hero to teenage women everywhere. Yes, as an actress she is way too old for the part, but you'll forgive the film for that once it gets going.

    I'm suprised that this film isn't more iconic for it's particular genre. All the characters are very memorable, and there's quite a few scenes that I know i'll laugh just thinking about for years to come. Arkin walking in on Tomei and Lyonne dancing with a vibrator was so hilarious that I had to pause. Great stuff!

    Great character driven story with a wonderful script and great performances all around. I highly recommend it!
  • 4.5 Stars
    MCT:
    October 16, 2007
    this film has some very funny moments, definitely has independent film written all over it. Marisa Tomei and Alan Arkin are very good in their respective roles. highly recommended.
  • 4.5 Stars
    MCT:
    October 14, 2007
    I truly think this film never got the credit it deserved.
    It is a deep examination of human emotion, and the confusing minefield that is the love one has for one's family.
    The performances by Alan Arkin, Natasha Lyonne and Marisa Tomei, were elegantly understated and right on the mark.
    The desperation just oozed out of Tomei's character, and Arkin's character's self hatred and shame are palpable.
    Lyonne however, is the star here, she is one hundred percent believable and she carries this picture and brilliantly holds her own with Arkin and Tomei.
    This is a must see for anyone who has ever wished they were born to another family even for a second, anyone who has longed for a life, any life, other than the one they got, only to realize that as much as they aggravate you, for reasons beyond your control and out of reach of your comprehension, you love them desperately anyway.
    That in itself, is the true beauty of this film.
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    October 12, 2007
    Instant classic. Everyone can releate to this wack job family and then some. Growing up is always akward no matter where you live.
  • 5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    September 26, 2007
    you may not pick your family but you do ultimately love them. perhaps if my cousin was marissa tomei i'd enjoy seeing her big tits and playing with her vibrator too lol
  • 3.0 Stars
    MCT:
    August 19, 2007
    "One of the freshest, most enjoyable independent films of 98" That's exactly right. That Lyonne makes me laugh, she's so kooky.
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    August 15, 2007
    One of the more underrated films of the 1990s. It seems to rub some people the wrong way for unclear reasons, but I found it to be touching and hilarious from start to finish. `Slums of Beverly Hills' is a viable exploration of the human condition; a film that helps us understand who we are, and why.
  • 3.5 Stars
    MCT:
    May 23, 2007
    I liked it. A crisp and original story idea. Why Natasha Lyonne didn't become a bigger star is beyond me.
  • No rating.
    MCT:
    March 26, 2007
    Hai,

    I have the feeling that this piece of mail will reach you in a perfect state of mind and in a better healthy codition. While searching through the I came accross your profile and decided to contact you. I believe and also have the feeling that in todays world, neither race, nationality nor religion will any longer posse a barrier to male/female relationships.And i also believe that age has nothing to do with true and real love relationship.

    What i believe is love and honest, Although, we do not know each other well but I will really like to have you as a friend or pen pal if that is better for you.I am a single lady of 25years old, currently studing international relations at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), a citizen of the United States of America residing in Los Angeles with my parents, brothers and sisters. Presently, I am doing my final year in the University and so anncious to graduagate from the University into the free world.

    While I hope to hear from you soon,I also look forward to receiving some information concerning you, your family, country and even your personal life experiences.
    This will give us the opportunity of knowing each other better and be able to understand ourselves more.

    Please write me back with my private email: juditclayton1@yahoo.com May God bless you as I wait to hear from you soon. Thanks.
    Yours Judite.
  • 1.5 Stars
    MCT:
    November 29, 2006
    I don't exactly agree with this girl's reasoning, but this flim as it's own charm of reality tempered by a resilient young girl.
  • 5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    September 26, 2006
    This movie was funny. It was funny how the girls dad made her put a bra on when she wore a halter top. Total redneck family.
  • 3.0 Stars
    MCT:
    August 10, 2006
    yeah it's kind of a cult classic but it's really not that great... i didn't find it funny... and Natasha Lyonne bugs me most of the time with her lack luster performances
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    March 23, 2006
    A great study of and living definiton of the dysfunctional family. Arkin is great, and Lyonne was getting strong. What's happened to her?

My Friends Said...

Comments

  • ambercatgoddess
    I cant believe noone else has posted a comment. This lady is a class A actress.She brings her parts to life and i cant wait to see what she will do next.
    posted 543 days ago

Details

  • Rated: (R)
  • Directed by: Tamara Jenkins
  • Genres: Art House & International, Comedy
  • Released: August 14, 1998
  • DVD Released: September 5, 2000

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