Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9697 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-04-08
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 95 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Coming-of-age themes are an obvious choice for movie-makers but All Over Me is far from being run of the mill. It follows the friendship and codependence of two 15-year-old New York girls, one (Claude) gradually coming to terms with the fact that she's gay, the other (Ellen), getting sucked into a world of boys, violence and drugs. It brilliantly and sympathetically realised by film-maker sisters Alex and Sylvia Sichel, with superb performances by the two leads, Alison Folland and Tara Subkoff.

When the violent, homophobic murder of the girls' new-found friend, Jesse (Wilson Cruz) threatens to rip them apart, Ellen embarks on a trail of self-destruction while Claude finally seems able to come to terms with her own destiny, ultimately getting together with the pretty, magenta-haired punk musician, Lucy (a superbly empathetic performance from Leisha Hailey). It's a film that's saved from introspective self-indulgence by the brutal interruption of the outside world, and it's not just a thought-provoking hour-and-a-half, it's a compelling narrative experience. The only weakness is the two-dimensional characterization of Ellen's psychotic boyfriend, well enough played by Cole Hauser, but intrinsically limited in scope. Ann Dowd is superb as Claude's man-chasing mother and the film is topped off by a funky soundtrack.

On the DVD: All over Me doesn't just offer the "usual theatrical trailer" for the film in question but instead offers trailers for two related films, Better than Chocolate and Trick, both of which deal truthfully with gay issues offering a light and often humorous touch. However, that's it as far as additional goodies are concerned, which is a shame, but the vibrant soundtrack is presented in a great Dolby Digital sound. --Harriet Smith

DVD Description
DVD Special Features:

Chapter indexes
Trailers for other Millivres Multimedia Presentations

Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Main Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital

Synopsis
ALL OVER ME is an intense, naturalistic portrait of a changing friendship between two teenage girls, set in New York's gritty Hell's Kitchen. The symbiotic, loving relationship between riot-grrrl teens Ellen (Tara Subkoff) and Claude (Alison Folland) degrades after Ellen begins dating a rough-hewn, mean-spirited older boy, and Claude tries on a lesbian identity with the help of a new gay male friend. The film is suffused with alternative music-scene bit parts and cameos, including Leisha Hailey (of the Murmurs) and Mary Timony (of Helium).

Customer Reviews

Star Appearance From Leisha Hailey
I don't think that I would have many positive things to say about this film if it wasn't for Leisha Hailey's outstanding performance (Despite her being made to suffer with a terrible, undeserving script). I did question why such an extraordinary actress was thrown into this melodrama, perhaps to promote her band "The Murmurs" and star in bigger projects such as "The L Word"? Either way, the film seriously does not flatter Hailey's brilliance as an actress.
As for most of the rest of the film, I found utterly pointless. There is absolutely no doubt that director Alex Sichel is forcing the "drugs and drink are bad" message onto the audience, unlike more balanced films such as "Thirteen" or "Sweet Sixteen". Perhaps the most accurate portrayal in the film however, is the portrayal of the boyfriend and his friends, all of which are typical of that stereotype.
In summary: Not great, but an O.K (ish) drama, with a star appearance from Leisha Hailey (Well, all of about 10 minutes..)

Pointlessy Unhollywood
True, this film manages to escape from every Hollywood cliche. This is, however, at the expense of the viewer being able to listen to coherent dialogue (the characters mumble alot, and are reminiscent of a lesbian/smacked out Kevin and Perry) and being able to watch something which does not lurch from achingly depressive to uterly pointless. To call the ending an anti climax would be wrong, as that would assume there is a climax - which there in't.

Teenage urban angst at it's best
Brilliant film, excellent soundtrack! Beautiful insight into teenage discovery, approachs delicate subjects with a realist approach rather than Hollywood, totally refreshing. Plus Leisha Hailey sparkles.