james_crompton-1 This movie out Lebowski's The Big Lebowski. It's that kind of oddball comedy drama. Originally drawn to it because I'm a fan of Per Gessle who does the soundtrack, after watching it I was pleasantly surprised at what a little gem of a movie it is. And what a stellar cast who all shine in their respective parts. Thankyou Netflix for giving me the ability to watch it. Its quirky, dark, humorous, wry, self aware and very random in the kind of way that life is. Not for the prudish or fainthearted though. I can only think that the people who have ranked this so low have not experienced enough of the ups and downs of life to get it. Innocence prevails!

Don treado I have to say Knoxville does a swell job in this part, as does Crystal. Some of the most humorous lines come from him. Yes, this movie can make you uncomfortable, since watching mealy, weak people get beaten up is never too much fun, but I could sense something good was going to happen to Matt Lucas. The story isn't bad either. Though I would not go to a theater to see this, I would rent the DVD. James Caan does well with his smallish part too. I think some people really do live like this and are just as critical of their neighbors without really knowing them. I think it really is possible in some places in the world to walk around in your underwear and not really have anyone notice.

ncbronte-120-891032 I read the novel this film was based upon, back when it was a gift from the author, a family friend. I found myself mentally casting actors to play the amazingly quirky but identifiable characters. A great amount of time passed before "Small Apartments" found its way into the hands of a director who "got it".I have to say that it is difficult, for me, not to compare this work to that of Tarantino, if only for the raw emotional concept, quirky behaviors and "street view" filming process. However, the combination of Millis (who wrote both the novel and the screenplay) and Akerlund (the director) bring the dark side of everyday humanity into perfect view without glorifying the gore and violence so many filmmakers succumb to. The violence is acceptable, even necessary, as are the few sexual scenes that lend credence to the story and personalities that make up this labor of love. Tarantino's got absolutely nothing on these guys!The cast is, well... correct! I can't imagine anyone other than the "heavyweights" who breathe life into characters like Franklin Franklin (Matt Lucas), Burt Walnut (Billy Crystal) and Tommy Balls (Johnny Knoxville) but it doesn't stop there. You've got the talent of James Caan, Amanda Plummer, Juno Temple, Dolph Lundgren and veritable unknown, Scott Sheldon, who makes his few moments as Officer Smith a lasting impression. The casting list is mighty and recognizable, but these folks were drawn to the characters created by Millis and the vision of Akerlund, rather than a paycheck. There is a story, one that compels us to realize how little we understand one another in this all too short existence on the planet and lays bare our preconceptions and misconceptions of who we see and how we react and assign personal judgement. You don't need to be a "deep thinker" to get this film and that's the beauty of it.The old saying that "money can't buy happiness" is true and untrue... both are addressed in Small Apartments, however, it brings home the very real point that true happiness lives in our mind, however small or large!I was both eager and apprehensive about finally watching this film, especially knowing the author, screenplay writer and executive producer (Chris Millis) on a personal level... I'm so glad I gave in to eager! Bravo! This is a must see!

jmcbrennan3 I don't use the word "film" often. I use it when something has moved into the art category and out of the commercial movie world. Now, with that out of the way, I originally thought to rate this movie a 7. "So why the bump to 9?" I hear you ask yourself... The reason is quite simple. Small Apartments has stayed with me since watching it. The film is unnerving and will make most squirm while they watch it. However, like a bad relationship, you'll remember the experience long after you finished with it. The best part is that Small Apartments is FUNNY. You don't need to be looking for a deeper meaning while watching it... it delivers that intravenously while you're laughing. Only later will you realize it's found its way into your system.I would recommend this for anyone 18 or older that's looking for an entertaining work of art.