Around the Fire, Deluxe Edition

Customer Reviews:

Simon had no choices.......2007-01-14

Or so he thought. I really liked this story of a child being raised with making no choices of his own and what the "damage of rebellion" really caused to him. Then when he was able to make choices, they were bad ones. This is very true to life of children being raised in this kind of environment. I think that the only bad choice that Simon made was to involve himself in the drug scene of the hippies. All of the other choices that he was making was "freeing" him of his own bondage and the bondage of his family. Being freed of this bondage gave him the ability to "remember" the truth of what really happened to his mother. I do recommend this movie to anyone that has an open mind to see what choices were really being made.

Far-out man........2005-09-27

It's a story we've all heard 100 times: good boy goes to bording school, boy meets stoner, stoner takes him to hippie concert, boy makes new friends, does numerous drugs, then sells drugs, hates his father and step-mother, spirals out of control, and ends up in rehab. I couldn't decide if this film was for drugs, or against. Maybe the pros/cons of the whole scene. Overall the films story was half jam-band parking lot life, and half the ups and downs of the boy Simon. Even though I could relate to some things, overall I felt the movie was kind of a buzz-kill. No bands were actually in "Around The Fire" either. And no great acting to be found. The only "star" here was really Tara Reid (pre-implants). Overall decent for those who attend shows, but it basically just reminded me of countless losers I've known (meaning those who didn't know when to say when). Peace.

Unintentionally Hilarious - a must see.......2004-12-08

If you've ever been a fan of the jam-band scene, and still maintain some intelligence or vestige of sanity, you will vastly enjoy watching this film, again and again. Not for the soundtrack (which includes such classics as Marley, Dire Straits, Phish and Winwood), not for the actors (although there are some good ones), not for the 'authentic' lot-scene ambience. You'll love this movie because it is so unbelievably lame, you will not be able to stop laughing.

From the early scene where Andrew asks Simon what music he listens to, Simon replies "what kind of question is that?" and Andrew declares, "That's only the most important question I could ever ask you," this movie is fully loaded with some of the cheesiest and most hilariously lame moments I have ever seen. Kate Matthews, the world's most unprofessional rehab counselor, flies off the handle with no more provocation than a little junkie 'tude, then laughs at Simon for ending up in rehab. Andrew comes out with lines like "ALWAYS check the hippie pouch," and introduces Simon to guys who blow into conch shells to determine the future. A lot of guys in the movie dance with their arms above their heads, looking like complete idiots. Jennifer and Trace laugh uproariously every time Simon says something naive or stupid, leading me to wonder, was nobody else willing to be their friend before he came along? In this movie, hanging out with someone for two hours makes you a friend for life.

The best character in the movie is Kevin, Simon's "demented friend" who is in a wheelchair and at death's door for reasons that are never explained (outside of Kevin saying "I had WAY too much fun"). He asks Simon about his experience at a concert, Simon replies, "I can't put it into words," and Kevin counters sagely: "You just did." When Kevin starts strumming his guitar, entire drum circles fall silent so he can play original compositions like "I Don't Mind Failing In This World"; creative works that make the Dude of Life seem like Mozart. He abruptly dies when the plot finds it convenient, leaving Simon - who has apparently hung out with him a handful of times - to bear the responsibility of scattering his ashes. Huh?!?

Add to this inexplicable flashbacks-within-flashbacks, the spectre of Simon's mother's death (also never explained; the movie suggests she had WAY too much fun as well), and a series of festivals and concerts during which you NEVER see a band or any musicians at all (except Kevin) and you have a film that will leave you scratching your head in puzzlement and laughing out loud at the ridiculousness of it all.

It's time to open the package!

over the edge for the 21 centurey great film.......2004-08-03

this film is a great this cast wonderful and the story is good to. If you want to show your kid's the way drugs can hurt you then show them this movie. It takes time but there is a great message at the end of this film. if you like this movie then watch over the edge.

So bad that it's actually entertaining.......2004-05-04

WORST MOVIE EVER. It was an insult to one's intelligence, and it is sure to offend anyone who identifies with any or all of the groups portrayed in the film. Clearly, this movie is a sterilized Evangelical Christian movie, portraying the "evils" of homosexuality, Jews, hippies, drug use, divorce, adultery, etc. While it doesn't specifically state that the solution to all of these problems and more is faith in Jesus Christ, it might as well. The movie looks as if those parts have been removed and reserved for the version that undoubtedly is played in youth ministries across the country. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it was funded by the department of faith-based initiatives!
However, I have to admit that this film was wildly entertaining, bringing me to tears of laughter on many occassions. (Be sure to watch for the confused wookie checking things out during the first "lot scene".) Watch this movie with a group of friends who know what shows are really like and you'll all be laughing hysterically at the incessent stupidity and obvious flaws that persist throughout this "film". The DVD version is a must in order to get the commentary and other bonus features, and to freeze frame some of the crowd scenes. Many of our criticisms were actually validated by the film makers. Think the crowds look a little sparse?...a little dirty? Think the directors might need more film school? You'll find out all about it. (Why on earth they would admit to some of the things they do?) Then you can watch as the actors suffer through painful interviews about their pathetic characters. No one has the courtesy to ask, "Are you sorry you made this film?"

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