I'm Still Here

Is Joaquin Phoenix putting us on? After watching the terrifying, near-brilliant exposé I'm Still Here, in which the Oscar nominee's public and private unraveling becomes a sick joke, the question doesn't matter.

There's a thrilling madness to Phoenix's Method.

My guess is that after years of being the trick pony, he wanted to see what it was like to be the ringmaster.

Parts of it are close to genius; most of it is actively torturous to watch.

It's all tiresome, muddied and artlessly made.

When I'm Still Here reached its climactic moment -- Joaquin Phoenix puking into a toilet -- I had never before felt quite so much like a toilet.

Rarely has the question of a documentary's artifice mattered less. I genuinely hated this picture, almost as much as I've admired Phoenix's work in everything from "Gladiator" to "Walk the Line" and even the hackneyed but affecting "Two Lovers."

Bottom Line: I haven't laughed so much since Borat. Yes, it's that good. If you loved Peter Sellers in 'The Party' then you'll love the heck out of 'I'm Still Here'. And for all you haters out there. Why you gotta hate the player? If you can still hate this movie while you're hating the game instead... well, I for one feel sorry for you. And no. I haven't the foggiest what that means. Quit looking for meaning where there is none. @Tony -- Pure B.S. my man! Affleck Jr. directed the *.-ish out of this film. I'll start with the end... gorgeous... evocative of Terrence Malick. Also enjoyed the Dylan references... 'I'm Not There' (also a great film). And if you're studied enough and pay attention throughought the film and can manage to keep your eyes on the film despite laughing so hard your head hurts, homie's dropping references as if his name were Tarantino. Casey Affleck for 'Pres 2012!!! @Shira -- you wrote too much brother. But a 6? really? Na-unh. Turn that frown upside down! 9... MINIMUM! @MarcDoyle -- You thought his tracks were catchy? Stop the presses... hold the phone... blow the whistle... foul!... automatic disqualification! Look, if you're reading this and trying to decide whether to see the movie... are you really going to take the advice **** who's favorite part of a mockumentary about hip-hop is the mock hip-hop? I think not. M'Doyle obviously thinks that mock-u-mentary hip-hop specifically crafted (or lack there of) for the prupose of eliciting a quality belly laugh is the second coming of M&M. White-boy is obviously white-boy. And if I may take a moment to echo those famous words... M' Doyle DOESN'T RULE!!! My only qualm, a pecadillo really, is where towards the end JP is drinking Imperials with the old man in what is supposed to be Guatemala. The patajos drink Gallo gringos!!! If you want to drink the IMP, go back to C.R.!!! The 51st state! And if you do, be sure to check out Sta. Theresa!!! The waves are tops and the Ticos y Ticas make it all worth while! IN SUM: All in all... the best movie I've seen this year (granted, I don't get out much so I don't see a whole lot of movies but...) & best comedy since Borat. Nuff' said. And yes, it's better than 'The Hangover'!

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[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]