allengaryk-2 Punk-worshipping writer/director does pretentious remake of "Clockwork Orange". After trundling along for several hours, film ends. Sadists gain loads of new whack material. Tarantino's shelf remains undusted.

TelevisionJunkie As many others who have written reviews of this film, I had never heard of it, but stumbled upon it on a video shelf. Though I've found some of the greatest films I've ever seen that way, more often than not if you haven't heard of it, avoid it. This doesn't fall into the greatest category, but I didn't dislike it enough to trash it. The comparisons to "A Clockwork Orange" on the box are dead-on, though this film doesn't come close to being the masterpiece of the Malcolm McDowall film.The acting in "Animal Room" is very solid and the characters are interesting, but the story is confusing and uneven at times. It feels like there's probably a bunch of other scenes that are sitting on the cutting-room floor. The cinematography is very stylish and mesmorizing for such a low-budget film -- particularly in the hallucination sequences. At points the dialogue is so witty that you have to laugh, though other times it seems like they're trying to cram far too much into it. Which is why it's sad that as the film progresses it really starts to lose steam, leaving the ending somewhat confusing, disturbing, and contrived. Neil Patrick Harris proves that he can play something other than "Doogie Howser" (though I learned that when I got hooked on the short-lived "Stark Raving Mad). His performance in this film is enduring and disturbing all at once -- at times you can wholeheartedly agree with his character, but you still have pity on him. Matthew Lillard also gives a strong performance, but they've gone out of their way to make him an evil scumbag -- so even during the scenes where you should pity his character you just can't. But I always say if someone is convincing enough in a role that you hate them, that person really can act. One other thing that I noticed -- both from the back of the box and other reviewers on IMDb, I was expecting one of the most graphically violent films in history. Far from it. While the violence is excessive and sometimes uncalled for, Rambo and any film with Van Damme is far more graphic than this film ever thought about being.Bottom line: While not everyone's taste, this film deserves a chance by anyone that likes films of this genre. Too bad that none of those people have ever heard of it.

Creedz23 I loved Animal Room...not everyones cup of tea but I thought it was fantastic. Incredible visuals and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. Performances were compelling and everytime I thought I knew where the story was going...it took a turn I both enjoyed and never expected. The filmmaker has a lot to say and does a beautiful job without seeming "preachy" or heavy handed. Honest and raw...this film touches nerves most films don't dare go near. It's a bit darker than most but I've never been rocked by a film in such a way and it really stayed with me. Totally original....might freak out older or more mainstream folks..I saw this film with a group of friends and they were equally impressed. Matt Lillard was never better. Check this one out!

Movie Freak-2 I really enjoyed Animal Room. It has my favorite actor in it, Matthew Lillard. His performance in this movie is great. I saw this movie back in the middle of April when it first came out to video. This movie made me think a lot about people and those who get picked on and knowing who your true friends are. It's really sad when you look deep into the movie. The main basis of the film starts with Arnold Mosk(Harris) who has been placed in a program for drug users. Every student has their bully. Arnold's is Doug Van Housen(Lillard) who is constantly torturing him. Arnold's old friend Gary Trancer(Olds) is trying to reach out to him and rekindle that old friendship they once had because he knows what a tough time Arnold is going through. The rest of the movie is just a look at their lives and how they cope with one another and their own problems. I really can't stress enough how great of a movie this is. I know many people will not like it. You really have to be a certain kind of person to like it. Someone with a twisted mind, someone who really enjoys art and what life is really about in a film, someone who really enjoys the actors in the film. I fall under all three, as may many more people. It's just so great, the camera angles are good, the acting is great, everything just fits into place. The movie was well put together. If you enjoy any of the three things I listed, go see this movie. It's really great.-A+