Venus on the Halfshell (2003) User Reviews

Good lighthearted movie that displays family values

[pmataras-1 · 8/10 · 8 January 2006]

Good script, some corny lines but overall well written, directed and produced. Good cinematography. The movie most of the time is filmed with beautiful scenery in the background.

The movie displays how adults tend to manipulate each other even after they fall in love. This movie shows how the background of each individual has an effect on their adult life. It shows how children from adverse backgrounds can make something of themselves but the attitude of their parents has a very serious impact on their adult life and their interaction with the ones they love. Good story. Good acting. The actors embed themselves into their roles.

The relationships in the O'Hara family are very interesting and they tend to get a little complex. The divorced mother demonstrates that lack of education allows her to use her body as oppose to her brains to obtain what she needs in life. Where the step mother embraces the husbands children as her own the mother walks away from the children so to spite her former husband.

Good movie that demonstrates the realities of today's life.

If major motion pictures were half as interesting as this one, most fans would be happy

[inkblot11 · 8/10 · 7 January 2010]

Jackie ( Monica Serene Garnich) works as a park ranger out west. One day, a handsome biker, Hendrix O'Hara (Jonathan Aube) drives up the winding highway in her territory and "falls" off the cliff. Naturally, Jackie saves his life and Hendrix promptly "falls" for Jackie. A marriage ceremony follows very quickly. But, oh, now the secrets come out! First, Hendrix was married, thricely, to the same woman, before he took the plunge this time. Then, he has a son, Brandon, who comes to live with the newlyweds. Also, Hendrix swears that he makes a good living, painting modern versions of classics, like his personal favorite, Botticelli's Venus on the Halfshell. However, when checks for painting sales fail to arrive, the couple begin moving to one poor residence after another as they income gets tight and the have legal bills to pay as well. Long story. Finally, when Jackie saves Brandon from his own "fall" down a mountain, she appears on television and HER never-do-well father comes to live with them, too. Can Jackie really take all these insane new changes in her life? This small, independent film was, nevertheless, a fine watch. First, the cast is quite good and Aube is one great-looking guy. Then, the script is very clever and funny, with sharp observations about life on the "poor" side of town. Finally, the western scenery is absolutely lovely and there is plenty of it. If you stumble upon this film in the discount bin, as I did, take a chance. You might be surprised at how engaging an unheralded movie can be, one made with, most likely, a half of one percent of those big blockbusters out there.

Mediocre but has a good female lead.

[MUBando · 6/10 · 13 February 2007]

While it is a cheaply made story about how a messed up guy gets a beautiful lonely woman to fall in love with him, the true find in this movie is the female lead, Monica Serene Garnich. While Monica has had several bit parts as well as being cast on MTV's two soaps, unfortunately she got out of acting after this movie. That is a shame because she carries this movie despite some rather weak writing and stereotypical characters. The male lead has the typical male character flaws of trying to show off for every woman he meets as well as constantly lying and leaving out vital information, such as his kids. Jennifer Gareis is perfectly cast as the overly sexy ex-wife and delivers a definitely over the top overacting performance that adds some much needed humor to this story. If you are looking for a little different love story and can actually find it, this is a decent movie if you can get past the flaws. The scenery of Big Bear, California and performance of Monica Garnich are definitely worth watching. Much of the music was written and performed by Monica as well.

Very interesting

[info-7160 · 10/10 · 10 January 2006]

I thought this movie was very interesting. I loved the story line and the twist at the end, did not expect that. It is not often we see a romantic comedy in the independent arena. While most independent films try to be edgy, this film tells a story that the whole family can enjoy. You will see the characters go through real life experiences that will make you think, laugh, cry… and eventually see what matters in life.

I recommend this one for any new lovers especially new ones. It is a MUST SEE before getting hitched.

The acting was good highlighted with amazing locations.

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