"I got to go tomorrow, or today, but I just keep thinking what if this is all we got, what if this is it?" Casper (Rosen) is a soldier home for a few days when he meets high school classmate Becky (Jones) at a bar. After getting in a fight Casper and Becky begin talking and wind up walking and talking for the rest of the night, revealing deep secrets to each other throughout the night. This review may sound confusing. I was trying very hard to like this movie for some reason. To me this movie alternated from really good to really boring over and over. The movie is pretty much just the two walking and talking for an hour and a half but it is still a decent movie that if you are in the mood for is worth a watch. The ending is very good and is worth making it all the way through for that. Overall, a movie with real high and lows that is worth watching. When you are in the mood for it. I give it a B.
11 Reviews
Great characters, OK story.
tomrizzuto4 August 2015
I watched this movie because I'm a huge fan of the song "Stuck Between Stations" by The Hold Steady, so full disclosure, I was a little disappointed by the fact that the song itself, nor any of the plot points from it never appear in the film.
Having that been said, I really enjoyed the characters and the dynamic between the actors. This movie was truly well acted, which is more than you can say for a lot of films, indie or otherwise.
As great as the performances were though, they couldn't make up for the fact that the story was just kind of bland. It's not that it was a bad story, it just wasn't enough to support a full length film. Maybe this is why the plot meandered into overdone independent film filler. I don't want to give away the scenes that I'm talking about, but trust me, you'll know them when you see them.
Still, I would see another movie by this director and writers. Especially since they have such good taste in music.
Having that been said, I really enjoyed the characters and the dynamic between the actors. This movie was truly well acted, which is more than you can say for a lot of films, indie or otherwise.
As great as the performances were though, they couldn't make up for the fact that the story was just kind of bland. It's not that it was a bad story, it just wasn't enough to support a full length film. Maybe this is why the plot meandered into overdone independent film filler. I don't want to give away the scenes that I'm talking about, but trust me, you'll know them when you see them.
Still, I would see another movie by this director and writers. Especially since they have such good taste in music.
One night in Minneapolis
SnoopyStyle30 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Becky Fine (Zoe Lister Jones) is struggling when her affair with her college professor is discovered by his wife. Casper Phillips (Sam Rosen) is back in town after his father's death. After a bar fight, Becky finds out that Casper is actually an old school mate.
This is one night in Minneapolis. It doesn't have the same energy as one night in New York or Paris or any of the big world city. The movie seems to be trying to manufacture a lot of wacky setups. It feels a bit fake especially with Josh Hartnett showing up as a slacker biker.
Then there is writer Sam Rosen who takes the lead role. He's not the most compelling actor. He stands out when compared to some pretty big actors in this movie. Zoe Lister Jones is more reserved in this role trying to project a troubled person. Michael Imperioli plays the cheating professor. I don't necessarily buy him as a professor.
Then there is a big surprise reveal of Becky's rape in South America in the last 15 minute. It comes out of nowhere and doesn't have any setup. It comes off as over written. That's what most of this movie feels like. His experiences in Afganistan is at least better foreshadowed. Compare it to another movie like 'Before Sunrise', this one lacks the poetry and the chemistry.
This is one night in Minneapolis. It doesn't have the same energy as one night in New York or Paris or any of the big world city. The movie seems to be trying to manufacture a lot of wacky setups. It feels a bit fake especially with Josh Hartnett showing up as a slacker biker.
Then there is writer Sam Rosen who takes the lead role. He's not the most compelling actor. He stands out when compared to some pretty big actors in this movie. Zoe Lister Jones is more reserved in this role trying to project a troubled person. Michael Imperioli plays the cheating professor. I don't necessarily buy him as a professor.
Then there is a big surprise reveal of Becky's rape in South America in the last 15 minute. It comes out of nowhere and doesn't have any setup. It comes off as over written. That's what most of this movie feels like. His experiences in Afganistan is at least better foreshadowed. Compare it to another movie like 'Before Sunrise', this one lacks the poetry and the chemistry.
Very slow paced but witty
snhoward2427 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I thought this would be a decent movie after reading the plot summary, but I was really wrong. Casper is home from Iraq/Afganistan because his father has passed away. He runs into Becky at a local bar and they spend the night talking and doing some random things together as well. They both have traumatic pasts and seem to bond over their horror stories. The movie ends very flat with no real ending. They just leave at the night with a promise to call in a year when he gets done with his tour. Not even a kiss between the two. I can see why though the main character played by Sam Rosten does not have much acting ability and this is his first writing credit as well. I see potential in him he is just not there yet. The veteran actors are bit players and have hardly any screen time. I'm not even sure why they were top billing characters for this movie. I wouldn't bother with this movie.
A relationship drama about the characters and what they have to say
napierslogs22 April 2012
It's not too often that small, indie, unknown films come along and engage you with dialogue. Only dialogue. And that's what makes "Stuck Between Stations" such a good movie. There isn't really a story as it just meanders along with two semi-directionless people on one night with parties and conversations. The trailer suggested there was a mysterious element, but none of that was to be found. But Rebecca and Casper connect and reconnect and we connect with them on a very meaningful and personal level.
Rebecca (Zoe Lister Jones) is smart, extremely beautiful, but most likely rotten at making decisions. She's a comparative literature doctoral student, having an affair with her married professor, and hanging out at bars with her low-life friends. Casper (Sam Rosen) is a soldier on leave from Afghanistan and dealing with the fact that he doesn't care that his father just died. They are obviously both lonely and at this crossroads in their life even though there is no physical or even metaphorical crossroads. They both have a life to go back to.
They realize that they went to elementary school and high school together, and she was his dream girl. Once that is revealed there is a romantic chemistry that helps pull the film along. It's also the smart, funny dialogue that keeps the film moving. I was completely captivated with what they were saying and couldn't wait to hear what they would say next. Each line would either be funny, silly, or dramatic, revealing or insightful. Or all of the above.
It's the type of movie where the characters were likely crafted first, then put into a story, which is then spelled out with dialogue. Except in this case, there really isn't much of a story. The discerning dialogue reveals the entire background of both main characters throughout the film. It's only funny in the sense that they say things that make you laugh; it's dramatic in how real, touching, and serious or depressing their situations could be. It is romantic but whether or not they kiss is completely irrelevant to their relationship and what we get out of their relationship.
Rebecca (Zoe Lister Jones) is smart, extremely beautiful, but most likely rotten at making decisions. She's a comparative literature doctoral student, having an affair with her married professor, and hanging out at bars with her low-life friends. Casper (Sam Rosen) is a soldier on leave from Afghanistan and dealing with the fact that he doesn't care that his father just died. They are obviously both lonely and at this crossroads in their life even though there is no physical or even metaphorical crossroads. They both have a life to go back to.
They realize that they went to elementary school and high school together, and she was his dream girl. Once that is revealed there is a romantic chemistry that helps pull the film along. It's also the smart, funny dialogue that keeps the film moving. I was completely captivated with what they were saying and couldn't wait to hear what they would say next. Each line would either be funny, silly, or dramatic, revealing or insightful. Or all of the above.
It's the type of movie where the characters were likely crafted first, then put into a story, which is then spelled out with dialogue. Except in this case, there really isn't much of a story. The discerning dialogue reveals the entire background of both main characters throughout the film. It's only funny in the sense that they say things that make you laugh; it's dramatic in how real, touching, and serious or depressing their situations could be. It is romantic but whether or not they kiss is completely irrelevant to their relationship and what we get out of their relationship.
Most boring movie ever
yourfaithfulknight24 September 2013
I was forced to watch this snore fest by my girlfriend who wanted to see it because Josh Hartnet is in it. He appears a third of the way through for a total of 3 minutes. He is utterly boring, in keeping with the boring direction, dialog, and lack of action the producer and director of this "movie" seem to be hell bent on subjecting us to. My girlfriend was so bored she quit watching after Hartnet's useless character disappeared. (Josh was probably too bored to continue). If you want to see boring people saying and doing boring things (at least for the half of the movie I saw), or, if you have misplaced your sleeping pills and need to become comatose quickly, this movie is for you. Seriously, we are forced to watch people saying and doing things that would be boring to us if we did them ourselves in real life. We get to watch people go to 3 or 4 bars and play video games! We get to see people ride bikes! A half hour of my life I'll never get back. Now I'm off to watch the Japanese film Hausu, a really GREAT movie!
One Night in Minneapolis a Delightful Surprise
shangrilala-205-5867915 November 2011
I almost passed on this film based on the movie trailer which was interesting, but didn't really grab me. Luckily, this is one of those films where the movie is actually far better than the trailer. The writing was realistic, the banter is entertaining without being precious or too-clever, and the characters were engaging. Altogether, this movie was charming and surprising. It managed to avoid the pitfalls of the genre (one night shot at romance)through solid writing and great casting. The Minneapolis setting is also unique because I had not seen that side of the city before. I saw this in the DUMBO area of Brooklyn at ReRun Gastropub Theatre which I credit as a wonderful venue, but No matter how you view it, check out this lovely film. You are unlikely to be disappointed.
Yep, nice one
davidgduncan8 April 2012
I'm not one for romantic movies, and i've only written a couple of IMDb reviews, but I have seen a ton of low budget movies over the last few years, and frankly this is one of the best - certainly of the US variety. In fact I'd say it's as good as Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, I can't quite remember those movies names.
This is a very cool movie. It just flows. The main protagonist starts off as a complete dooch. He's in his early 30s and rides a BMX. I almost quit the movie then, but somehow the movie trickles on and before you know it he's striking up a relationship with his high school dream girl.
I won't spoil the movie, but it's a very nice trip, that despite it's obvious basicness doesn't seem like a low budget movie at all. I personally think that this movie was completely engrossing, engaging, thought provoking, interesting, if not inspiring, engaging, no I said that already, and enchanting right from the almost beginning to the end.
Well played to all participants.
This is a very cool movie. It just flows. The main protagonist starts off as a complete dooch. He's in his early 30s and rides a BMX. I almost quit the movie then, but somehow the movie trickles on and before you know it he's striking up a relationship with his high school dream girl.
I won't spoil the movie, but it's a very nice trip, that despite it's obvious basicness doesn't seem like a low budget movie at all. I personally think that this movie was completely engrossing, engaging, thought provoking, interesting, if not inspiring, engaging, no I said that already, and enchanting right from the almost beginning to the end.
Well played to all participants.
Poignant and Moving
ediblegoo26 September 2012
Movies like 'Stuck between Stations' epitomize the principle that you don't need a great storyline, a great cast, a great set designer etc. etc. in order to please the average audience. Partly owing to the theme of the movie, and partly owing to my own pre-conceived notions about unidimensional romantic movies, I had started off with fairly low expectations on this one - but over the course of the next 80 minutes it hooked me to such an extent that I'm willing to stretch my neck out and say that it is as good as similar movies like 'Once', 'In Search of A Midnight Kiss' etc. etc. In fact, writing this, I'm only acutely aware that I may not be the best judge of future movies of the same genre as this one, as I will undeniably be favourably inclined towards them!
If you want to watch a movie that will make you want to look at your old, dusty high-school photographs - to reminisce and compare, what you were then and what you are now, and how everyone you knew back then has changed so much or not one tiny bit at all - then this movie will definitely bring back those bittersweet memories.
This review will also be incomplete without a cursory mention of the great score accompanying the movie. To be honest, the music is so ethereal it deserves more, much more than a cursory mention, and a great debt is owed to Grant Cutler for providing a breathtaking score to an equally breathtaking movie.
My Vote: 8 out of 10 The Goo
If you want to watch a movie that will make you want to look at your old, dusty high-school photographs - to reminisce and compare, what you were then and what you are now, and how everyone you knew back then has changed so much or not one tiny bit at all - then this movie will definitely bring back those bittersweet memories.
This review will also be incomplete without a cursory mention of the great score accompanying the movie. To be honest, the music is so ethereal it deserves more, much more than a cursory mention, and a great debt is owed to Grant Cutler for providing a breathtaking score to an equally breathtaking movie.
My Vote: 8 out of 10 The Goo
Reuniting with your peer "Before Sunrise" style in conversation
jordondave-2808520 April 2023
(2011) Stuck Between Stations
DRAMA
Opens with a very blatant beginning, but as soon as the two main characters meet the rest is all smooth sailing. It's like watching a Richard Linklater's "Before Sunrise" movie, but better since the two main characters never go anywhere extravagant nor do they have as much opinions about important issues. Meaning, no one don't need to go to another place they had never go anywhere such as Paris or Greece in order to have a good time. Actually, it's like the most authentic variation about a little reunion. It stars Sam Rosen who also co-wrote the movie along with Nat Bennett. He plays Casper, who's just come back to Minneapolis for something viewers don't quite know what until much later. At the same time, Rebecca (Zoe Lister Jones) but is called "Becky" for short is scrounging around looking for something at an office. By chance both characters eventually see each other at a bar, which what could've been a misunderstood bar fight. We then see Casper leaving the bar, sitting by himself outside. Rebecca then decides to return the baseball cap Casper left behind assuming that he'd still be around and is able to catch up with him. As soon as the two meet, and at first she doesn't seem to recognize him, he finally reminds her who he was and who she used to be. And we come to learn that both of them used to be classmates except that she as well as him had both changed from the last time they had saw each other since they're ten or more years older. This 'authentic' and natural exchange should be something everybody no matter who you are should be able to identify with, without the use of social media as well as relate to as we grow older. I have to say, this has to be one of the best 'reunion' films I had ever encountered and it's intentions are not the same as let's say "The Big Chill" or any other class reunion films, as both of them converse with one another how the other one had changed -it seems very natural and harmless. Each of them also went to spots the other one would not have gone to which is like an example of getting out of your comfort zone moment(s) since Casper has just come back temporarily just so he can go to a funeral, while Becky is trying to retrieve her computer, and both of them are helping the other one out. Actors, Josh Hartnett and "The Sopranos" star Michael Imperioli also star with minor roles.
Opens with a very blatant beginning, but as soon as the two main characters meet the rest is all smooth sailing. It's like watching a Richard Linklater's "Before Sunrise" movie, but better since the two main characters never go anywhere extravagant nor do they have as much opinions about important issues. Meaning, no one don't need to go to another place they had never go anywhere such as Paris or Greece in order to have a good time. Actually, it's like the most authentic variation about a little reunion. It stars Sam Rosen who also co-wrote the movie along with Nat Bennett. He plays Casper, who's just come back to Minneapolis for something viewers don't quite know what until much later. At the same time, Rebecca (Zoe Lister Jones) but is called "Becky" for short is scrounging around looking for something at an office. By chance both characters eventually see each other at a bar, which what could've been a misunderstood bar fight. We then see Casper leaving the bar, sitting by himself outside. Rebecca then decides to return the baseball cap Casper left behind assuming that he'd still be around and is able to catch up with him. As soon as the two meet, and at first she doesn't seem to recognize him, he finally reminds her who he was and who she used to be. And we come to learn that both of them used to be classmates except that she as well as him had both changed from the last time they had saw each other since they're ten or more years older. This 'authentic' and natural exchange should be something everybody no matter who you are should be able to identify with, without the use of social media as well as relate to as we grow older. I have to say, this has to be one of the best 'reunion' films I had ever encountered and it's intentions are not the same as let's say "The Big Chill" or any other class reunion films, as both of them converse with one another how the other one had changed -it seems very natural and harmless. Each of them also went to spots the other one would not have gone to which is like an example of getting out of your comfort zone moment(s) since Casper has just come back temporarily just so he can go to a funeral, while Becky is trying to retrieve her computer, and both of them are helping the other one out. Actors, Josh Hartnett and "The Sopranos" star Michael Imperioli also star with minor roles.
Simple Yet Effective
iSkyWalKing26 June 2020
Stuck Between Stations is a simple yet effective film that is definitely a mood. It takes place over the span of one night where we follow a soldier who is at home but getting ready to be deployed again. He runs into a high school acquaintance at a bar who he used to be attracted to and a little bit obsessed with, and the rest of the film is us following them through their night. The film moves at a steady pace and has a soothing quality about it. It's an extremely easy watch. During the night they encounter old friends of theirs. The soldiers friends bring up issues with his life decisions and the morality of being a tool for the military industrial complex and corporations while committing atrocities abroad, yet everyone is cordial and things are friendly during these discussions. It eventually becomes evident that the soldier is suffering from early signs of PTSD and begins to question his life decisions by the end of the film. He does everything he can to avoid the topic in detail, until he eventually opens up about his feelings. All that being said, this is just the backdrop to an otherwise light-hearted movie. Conversations are had over past traumas and just life in general. It invokes some sense of nostalgia in that it gets you to think about your own life choices and goals and what not, but not in a heavy handed way at all. It is a very sweet film and has a feel good quality about it that is reminiscent to films such as 'The Sunrise-Sunset-Midnight' trilogy. If you are easily "bored" and not a fan of methodically paced and simple films, then this won't be for you. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this and would recommend it.
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