Review of Johns (1996) by Roxanne R — 28 Mar 2011

I must agree with one of the critics that called this an edgy and powerful motion picture that hits a nerve because it is so sad to see young people in Santa Monica Blvd selling themselves to the first guy that offers them money.

They are being used, exploited and such a promiscuous and fast paced life such as theirs has the potential to end very badly. Very good performances by David Arquette in the lead role as soon to be 21 year old John who wants to spend one night at Park Plaza Hotel but he lacks the money for the room.

Also good performances by Terrence Howard as Jimmy the Warlock (his pimp), Wilson Cruz as Mikey, and Lukas Haas as Donner the only one in the movie with common sense and a willl to leave that empty and ugly place of sex and drugs.

Will John listen to his friend Donner and leave Santa Monica CA for Camelot, a theme park in Branson MS where they can find decent employment as lifeguards or will he become another statistic, another victim of the male hustler scene? Its a thought provoking movie that will linger with you long after you watch it.

..Recommended!