tonymurphylee *** out of ****Aaron Stanford plays a guy named John Ruddgate. He's a wannabe gangster who just can't seem to pull it off no matter how hard he tries. Enter Lagrand(Paul Schneider), a mentally handicapped man who really enjoys John's company. In reality though, John needs Lagrand a lot more than Lagrand needs him. John tries to impress Lagrand, but somehow, everything goes wrong in all the right ways. Both of them are completely oblivious of their situation, and all they want is to put an end to it. Meanwhile, two cops investigate a situation that seems to involve John, but Officer Putney(Michael Rapaport) has more going on in his personal life than it appears, and it looks like it might cause some distress. The film takes place in New Hampshire, but it appears to be filmed in Rutland, Vermont. Since both places look similar, I guess it doesn't matter.The film is great. What makes it great is it's originality, it's ever twisting plot, and the fact that the characters refuse to be stereotypes. I love it when a refreshing movie like this comes out that is just enjoyable and uncomplicated. This is basically just the kind of film that I can easily get into because of how much it draws you in. It's just a breath of fresh air. It's an even bigger breath of fresh air than TRANSAMERICA or A MIDNIGHT CLEAR. There is just so much to enjoy about it.Aaron Stanford has proved in the past that he can be very dopey(TADPOLE)and very rugged(HILLS HAVE EYES remake), and now he shows a side of himself that manages to be realistic but true to life at the same time. He has a really believable performance as a guy who just wants to be remembered for something bad and has absolutely nothing to lose, but gets very irritated when things are ruined for him. And Paul Schneider... WOW. He somehow pulls off a very low key performance that has exactly the same effect as if it were over the top He is just fascinating to watch. He has such a unique screen presence in this film. I swear, you could pause the movie and he would still look awkward no matter how he's standing or what he's doing. Even when he holds still, he pulls off being a person who has a mental disability. It's just really subtle, and yet so hypnotic. I was impressed.So overall, if you're looking for something light and easy to get into, I'd highly recommend LIVE FREE OR DIE. It may not be life changing, but damn. It is damn fine independent cinema. It's really wonderful. Check it out.Rated R for pervasive language including sex references.

tweetypez-1 Small town quirky characters and absurd situations. Aaron Stanford's performance, "Rugged", reminds me somewhat of Steve Buscemi, sort of nervous, hot-tempered, puny, and swaggering.I agree with a previous comment that Paul Schneider's character does remind me of Will Ferrell.Not a lot happens in parts of this little movie, but that seems to reflect several independent films.I loved seeing the setting of New Hampshire, since I lived there for a year. The only thing that was missing was the authentic New Hampshire accents.

Gordon-11 This film is about a dumb criminal trying to get a job done with another even dumber criminal partner.I watched this film because of the number of big name actors in the film. I regretted making this decision though. The initial 1 hour of the movie was a pain to watch. I know the film could have been funny, as there were many mischiefs that were momentarily funny. However, the highly annoying characters were so dumb that they are almost unbelievable! Of course, this also signified that the two criminals were portrayed so successfully and realistically that makes me hate them. Anyway, the film picked up a lot more humour in the last 15 minutes, and became a lot more funny.

Geoff This movie was totally unique and I agree with the guy who said Paul Schneider is awesome. He played some kind of autistic dumb dude in this totally believable and hilarious way. I wish I got to see it again and will definitely keep my eyes out for it. Also really dug Juda Friedlander who has this obscene scene that I really want to watch again. He plays this guy who has to talk about all the people who might want to get back at him for nasty stuff he did. Always nice to see Michael Rapoport, who was playing a part different from stuff I've seen him in. There was a new face I liked too. don't remember his name but he was the bad-ss on the riding mower. This is a funny movie and if you are sick of the same old puke from ferrell and sandler you will dig it. Oh, and Zooey Deschanel is a fox.