AMERICAN SPLENDOR (Sundance Film Festival Park City, Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden, Utah USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

American Splendor—bio-flick about underground comic writer Harvey Pekar—turns into a wonderful exploration of life through one man’s attempt to break out of a hum-drum life. Harvey Pekar finally discovers that the story of his life, written in comic strip style, is the perfect break-out. Authentic, perfectly acted, and exceptionally well-cast, the movie uses a refreshingly different film narrative that blends Harvey Pekar interviews with Paul Giamatti acting as Harvey Pekar. This combination keeps the film interestingly 'on track' and moves it into the 'definitely worth a watch' category, The movie leaves an unforgettable impression.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Harvey Pekar lives in despair and finds his moment in the limelight.

Additional Thanks

Best work for Directors and Writers Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. Thank you to Producer Ted Hope for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Joyce (Hope Davis), Real Joyce (Joyce Brabner), Robert Crumb (James Urbaniak), Old Jewish Lady (Sylvia Kauders), Superman (Chris Ambrose), Batman (Joey Krajcar), Robin (Josh Hutcherson), and Green Lantern (Cameron Carter).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie completely defines offbeat and original.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers