Movie Review: Live Free or Die
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this indie crime comedy seems
aimed at teenage boys (R rating and all). It focuses on a
shiftless guy who can't even commit petty crimes successfully
but still ends up with a notorious reputation and a large
following in his small town. The language is extremely
gratuitous given the comparatively tame subject matter. In the
last 20 minutes there are two surprisingly violent (although
not graphic) scenes. A few sexual comments are made, including
an extended conversation about an extramarital affair and a
character's illicit porn collection.
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What is it saying about reputations? Should you believe everything you hear about people -- whether in real life or in the media? What makes someone "infamous" to begin with? Families can also discuss who this movie is aimed at -- or who they think it's aimed at, based on the content. Do things like strong language and an R rating make a movie more or less appealing for teen audiences? Why?
Common Sense Media Review
Gregg Kavet and Andy Robin both wrote for
Seinfeld
, so it's particularly baffling that their joint feature
debut (is underwhelming and only occasionally funny.
An indie production that won a competition award at last year's SXSW Film festival, LIVE FREE OR DIE starts off slow and doesn't gain momentum for a full 40 minutes. The title -- taken from the New Hampshire state motto -- is an explanation of sorts for what happens to the story's antihero, "Rugged" ( Aaron Stanford, best known as X2 's Pyro).
A petty criminal with the undeserved rep of a hardened convict, Rugged chokes during jobs and basically meanders around looking for easy money. After teaming up with Lagrand (Paul Schneider), who runs the local storage lot, Rugged tries to prove he's worth hiring as head of security by picking fights with muscular galoots at the local bar.
This being the chronicle of a town legend, Rugged is connected to three deaths, a robbery, and an ongoing scam. Due to a series of coincidences, Rugged -- who could easily set the record straight -- chooses to play the criminal up to the predictable end.
The one bright spot in an otherwise forgettable flick is Zooey Deschanel, who has been a charming and mostly underutilized talent since Almost Famous . Here she stands out as Lagrand's put-upon sister, Cheryl, who can't figure out why her brother is such a dolt. When she rolls her eyes in frustration at the idiocy surrounding her, viewers know exactly how she feels.
For a far better film about small-town criminals, check out Fargo , or lighter fare like fellow Coen brothers classic Raising Arizona and Woody Allen's caper Small Time Crooks .
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
