"Slums" is a film of decent acting performances in an exceedingly cliche' coming of age film. The story takes place during the 1970's in Los Angeles. A mother-less family of near-destitute nomads lead by the father manage to exist by skipping on rent, then finding a new apartment every month or so. Most of the characters are tedious stereotypes.
The main character is Vivian (Natasha Lyonne); a teenage girl who is curious and insecure about her developing sexuality. She is a decent actress, but Lyonne gets nothing interesting to work with. We see Vivian go through all the coming of age experiences we've come to expect: Smoking dope, loss of virginity, etc. Her brother is a typical drug dealer/user. Rita (Marisa Tomei), a flaky emigrant from the east coast enters the picture somewhat later.
Though these characters are played by generally fine actors, they are given nothing interesting to do. Most of story revolves around Vivian, and the film tries to find humor in her sexual development. This could have worked, but most of what happens has been used so many times before that it's no longer funny, if it ever was to begin with. A typical example is a scene with Rita and Vivian that involves Rita's vibrator. It concludes with both of them lip-synching into it. What is supposed to be funny comes off as silly and pointless. Setting the film in the 1970's might have nostalgic appeal for some, but it doesn't help the plot of the film at all.
The only interesting element of the film is the father Murray (Alan Arkin). It's a refreshing switch to see a single father struggling with parenthood. Arkin plays Murray well, conveying strength and vulnerability in a relatively unique role. Murray is really the only character we feel anything for. We might have felt something for Vivian if she didn't appear in such familiar scenes.
"Slums" is one of the few films that I think was more accurately evaluated by the general public than critics. When it was released, Slums received moderately positive reviews, but completely bombed at the box office. It isn't one of the worst comedies I've seen, but that's not saying much considering how awful most comedies are. The only people who might enjoy this are those obsessed with 1970's nostalgia.
The main character is Vivian (Natasha Lyonne); a teenage girl who is curious and insecure about her developing sexuality. She is a decent actress, but Lyonne gets nothing interesting to work with. We see Vivian go through all the coming of age experiences we've come to expect: Smoking dope, loss of virginity, etc. Her brother is a typical drug dealer/user. Rita (Marisa Tomei), a flaky emigrant from the east coast enters the picture somewhat later.
Though these characters are played by generally fine actors, they are given nothing interesting to do. Most of story revolves around Vivian, and the film tries to find humor in her sexual development. This could have worked, but most of what happens has been used so many times before that it's no longer funny, if it ever was to begin with. A typical example is a scene with Rita and Vivian that involves Rita's vibrator. It concludes with both of them lip-synching into it. What is supposed to be funny comes off as silly and pointless. Setting the film in the 1970's might have nostalgic appeal for some, but it doesn't help the plot of the film at all.
The only interesting element of the film is the father Murray (Alan Arkin). It's a refreshing switch to see a single father struggling with parenthood. Arkin plays Murray well, conveying strength and vulnerability in a relatively unique role. Murray is really the only character we feel anything for. We might have felt something for Vivian if she didn't appear in such familiar scenes.
"Slums" is one of the few films that I think was more accurately evaluated by the general public than critics. When it was released, Slums received moderately positive reviews, but completely bombed at the box office. It isn't one of the worst comedies I've seen, but that's not saying much considering how awful most comedies are. The only people who might enjoy this are those obsessed with 1970's nostalgia.