film: rent it

> SUGAR TOWN (1999)
Rock on with the celebrity-studded nouveau classic

Directed by: Allison Anders, Kurt Voss

Written by: Allison Anders, Kurt Voss

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Rosanna Arquette, Beverly D'Angelo, Michael Des Barres, John Doe, Ally Sheedy, John Taylor

'Sugar Town' by Allison Anders and Kurt Voss is a delightful romp through the Hollywood scene. Somewhat predictable and positively dripping with rock stars and beautiful people, 'Sugar Town' still manages to provide a cohesive story that is both hip and entertaining.

The plot consists of several intertwining storylines. The primary one involves Gwen (Jade Gordon) who, of course, wants to be a star and who currently works for production designer Liz. We would've cast someone other than Ally Sheedy whose whiny portrayal of the wretched, cloying Liz is annoying and cumbersome. One hopes Liz is not based on one of Anders' pals, like so many of her other characters.

We like the storyline centering on former Duran Duran bassist John Taylor as Clive, a washed up rock star who bands together with other former teen idols, including the devilishly suave Michael Des Barres as Nick, for a comeback. Taylor, in his first major acting role, carries his own remarkably well especially in the scenes when the son he never knew he had, a raffish lad called Nerve, shows up on his doorstep. Clive's wife Eva, played by Rosanna Arquette, is a former movie vixen offered a part playing Christina Ricci's mother.

Sure, there are other meandering twists, but we won't spoil them for you. Plus, there are enough inside jokes to keep us entertained again and again. This is the camp classic for those who came of age in the 80s.

(Allison Counasse)