Stevecorp Don't listen to the negative reviews

Gurlyndrobb While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Asad Almond A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Raymond Sierra The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

nvanvalleygirl This neo-realistic movie aggravated more that entertained. Some interesting parts, some pretentious, and some unfortunately irritating. For me, it could have been condensed into 30mins. The acting, was varied, though sometimes beyond atrocious, and if voice overs that sound like they are being read for the first time off a script is actually a new interpretation of neo-realism, I hope it is a passing trend. The cinematography at times exceptional and at other times, baffling. I actually forgot that Christopher Doyle was the cinematographer of this movie, and his signature slow motion though lovely in Wong Kar Wai films, did not maximize their effect and at times were even overused, if not entirely inappropriate. Perhaps more annoying, however, were the dolly shots of Alex walking down the corridor at school. These shots were in and out of focus, and whilst obviously an effect, failed to realize as it appeared as simply primes without measurement, lack of compensation for lighting and movement. I guess with many Gus Van Sant films, it is love or hate - well I did not love this one this time around.

Patryk Czekaj I remember driving to the cinema on my skateboard. I was then in the middle of a stage called 'growing up' and I was incredibly joyful that I will be able to watch a movie that is, at some point, connected to my passion. And even though skateboarding isn't obviously the main topic of the film I recall that I really enjoyed it, despite the fact that I maybe wasn't fully able to feel what Alex, the protagonist, felt throughout his uneasy adventure. Some years have passed. The passion is now gone, but the fascination with this film is still somewhere in my head. Mostly because it's the same Gus van Sant, who brought us the amazing My Own Private Idaho.Paranoid Park is a true coming of age story, which intersects with an investigation of a horrible crime that occurred somewhere on the way. We embark on a journey along with Alex, as he tries to cope with problems at home (divorce of his parents) and also with his sexuality (strong sexual tension coming from his girlfriend, Jennifer). At the same time he is being eaten alive by the guilt of what had happened on that one terrible night near the railroad tracks. The reminiscence of the accident and brutal, yet highly accidental, murder won't let him sleep. He wanders around town at night. In order to let go of the past, he starts to write about this terrible experience.Gabe Nevins gave a very decent performance in his first career role. The viewer is able to feel the pain and great fear coming out right of his eyes. This troubled teenager has already a very large bargain on his shoulders, considering his young age. The way, in which he attempts to deal with all the problems, may not be the smartest (like lying about the whole situation to the police investigator), but at least he is trying to fight with the world crashing over his head.The use of various camera effects gives the movie a fantastic vintage feel. Various slow motions sequences and recurring nostalgic and dream-like scenes create a very emotional atmosphere overall. The movie has some slightly boring parts, but because of the soundtrack, which beautifully interacts with the main storyline - at one moment builds the harmony, just to destroy it a few minutes later – all of them seem actually vital.In the end, I should mention the scenes, which caused the most joy at the time I watched it for the first time – teens skating around town, like nothing else matters. That's what I wanted to do then. And even though I know that the movie bears a very serious message to all of us, I also feel that it has this special thing that once caught this boy's attention and made him foolishly assume that being a passionate skater meant being free from all the world's problems.

tom van de Bospoort Brilliant again from van Sant, the shot making of a true genius, the out of focus depth of field pushed to its limits forcing the eye to roll round the image. Also one scene in the corridor going from over exposed to under exposed is mesmerising, not something the ordinary director would think of doing, normally the whole scene is correctly exposed. As for the story,its brilliant and deep, and makes you think of what would go on if such a ordeal happened to you.Overall a brilliant 8/10 and both story and shot making is brilliant, one for all film students and film buffs to watch if just to be mesmerised by the visuals.

wes-connors Skateboarding Portland, Oregon teenager Gabe Nevins (as Alex) is troubled after a sleep-over invitation from hunky pal Jake Miller (as Jared), who has offered to take him to a place called "Paranoid Park." Mr. Miller advises, "Getting laid is always better than not getting laid." On the night in question, a security guard is killed in the park. Mr. Nevins is questioned, at his high school, by detective Dan Liu (as Richard Lu). We learn Nevins' hot-to-trot virgin girlfriend Taylor Momsen (as Jennifer) wanted to see Nevins that evening, but he feared intercourse was likely. Nevins isn't interested in returning romantic signals from friendly Lauren McKinney (as Macy), either. And, his parents are divorcing. Director Gus Van Sant has young Nevins explain this film is told "a little out of order." And, so it goes. The something referred to as "outside of normal life" seems to be homosexuality, given the general tone of the picture - not to mention the sexy come hither smile Nevins receives from Scott Patrick Green (as Scratch). We do eventually see what happened on the night in question. It's grisly. The film very effectively captures the dangerous allure of restless youthful adventure, and certainly shows how it can sometimes result in tragedy - a real downer, in this particular case, unfortunately. Still, "Paranoid Park" artistically and stylistically very satisfying. Christopher Doyle and the crew help make it hum.******** Paranoid Park (5/21/07) Gus Van Sant ~ Gabe Nevins, Taylor Momsen, Jake Miller, Dan Liu