Urbania (2000)

Thanks for the memories!

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

I stumbled across this flick on late night TV while it was well into the movie and got intrigued by its tone and flavor. I later had to seek it out so I could see the entire thing. I found it a REALLY good watch. Some people will really hate it though. It isn't a movie for everyone. It is rather dark and brooding, and maybe even a little depressing. The humor is black and it deals with unclear emotions and psychology. Dan Futterman does a great job with his character and it was a pleasant surprise to learn that he had some real acting talent under his boyish looks. His character, Charlie, is suffering a kind of breakdown from grief, guilt and rage. The movie basically deals with how he functions daily and about the strangeness of the others and events of the city around him. Watching his personal journey and his transformation is certainly worth the time and money you will spend on the rental.

I've watched this film a number of times over the past 3 or 4 years. Last night, I put it on for my godson (24 yrs.) and his buddy after we watched "Open Your Eyes". Not a bad double bill, by the way. They were appropriately stunned by the filmcraft and, of course, the slow reveal in the third act.My question this morning, though, is what has Jon Shear done lately? I came to "imdb" to search his more recent work. There's nothing listed! Is it possible that Shear hasn't been able to launch another project? His work on "Urbania" is great and completely promising.When will we be treated to another film from you, Mr. Shear?

This 2000 dark film was directed very well by Jon Shear, whom I'm told was in the original play, URBAN FOLK TALES, produced in NYC and California. It is written by Daniel Reitz, who also wrote the original play. He does a superb job bringing this sordid tale to the screen.Filmed almost entirely in New York, Shear manages to set the mood from the very beginning with dark shots in dark streets, making the mood mysterious. You're not quite sure what is happening at first, but it begins to unravel along the way and builds to an exciting and brilliant ending, which I won't divulge. See the movie.Dan Futterman is totally committed to this role and film. You can tell by his amazing and realistic performance, as a young gay man who is searching for answers. This is a far better suited role for him than the wimpish son in THE BIRDCAGE. I liked his choices as an actor and his freedom in working the nude scenes with other guys. You believed him. Along with Futterman, look for excellent performances by Lothaire Bluteau as a homeless man, Josh Hamilton as the bartender in a gay bar, Matt Keesler, as a young gay man living with AIDS, Samuel Ball, as the guy being sought (it's an unsympathetic role, and this guy manages to bring some depth to it) and Alan Cumming as Futterman's lover. They light up the screen with their love scenes. Not only will gay men love this, but straight guys will become aware of more than they thought.Rent this DVD. It's well worth it. I give this a 10.

U will cry and ull love this by the end of the movie. Futterman is excellent in this odyssey and misleads u quite often as to what the real plot is.As I was watching the film, I must admit I was tempted to stop it as I couldn't see where it was going. U will not understand until the very end what did really happen. Its like a present wrapped in too much paper and taken different shape than what it really was. A very different approach of homophobia in NYC that will make you think....Again. Well done Dan Futterman! keep up the good work.