Review of Spread (2009) by Mike D — 14 Aug 2009

Sometimes, it is better to go in to a film with low expectations. Although I had an inkling that I would be entertained by this movie, the reviews did not inspire confidence. But the initial buzz from Sundance was positive and I have enjoyed the director's body of work, so I took a chance.

Needless to say, I don't regret spending 2 hours enveloped in the LA hustler scene. I don't mean to imply that Ashton Kutcher will establish his creditability with this role. Ultimately, I warmed to his aloof acting style after I realized it was appropriate for a sexual Lothario.

But his odd monotone line delivery does take some getting used to. There's no shortage of his naked body on display here. Taken at face value, you might be lead to beleive that you are watching a late night feature on Skinemax.

But don't be fooled by the high-gloss marketing campaign, this is no trashy big-screen Melrose Place. Rather, this film is a character driven scene study of sexual grifters that reveals a brutal reality behind the glamorous facade.

I was mesmerized by the parting shot of a frog swallowing a live mouse as a metaphor for the rough world the swingers inhabit. I don't want to spoil the plot, but suffice to say that the plot has twists that are unexpected, but still feel genuine.

If the measure of a movie is predicated on whether you would sit through it again, Spread scores. While not terribly deep, it does linger in your mind.