Mark H
"Ask Me Anything" -- Hollywood Kryptonite
[This is a hopefully "curative" review for those who have seen the film, and were angered -- perhaps even intensely angered -- by the ending. So make no mistake, "spoiler alert" for those who have not seen it yet.]
As a fairly bright guy who enjoys films (USC grad in computer science, who also took Cinema 101 there...and Aced it), and like I'm sure many others who are into films, I first ran -- did not walk -- to Rotten Tomatoes after watching the film "Ask Me Anything" for one reason only: Was I the only person who absolutely *hated* that ending to what had been up to then a great movie experience, or was this a common experience? The collective answer of course was, "oh, yeah...we hated that, too." And I have zero doubt that's why the film is as badly rated by the audience as it is here; the "false-truth" ending destroys this otherwise superb film's credibility & desirability in one fell swoop. Yes!, I thought...look at all those detailed reviews that trash this film for its ending. A great relief at the time -- thank goodness it wasn't just me. Nonetheless...I couldn't stop thinking about it, and in particular the "for heaven's sake, *why*?" feeling about the writer/director's choice to end the film so self-destructively. And then it hit me.
But immediately before the reveal that I can offer to those who -- like me -- felt all but wounded by seeing such a great film so messed up by its own ending, here's a question that may answer your own "why"...and in a fashion tailored to how one solves one's own dreams: "As it was unfolding, how did the ending make you *feel*...and I mean in the moment, not afterwards when you focused instead on how the "reality" wasn't real...?"
I'm not ashamed to admit that it made me feel more than a little bit ashamed...if not revulsed...at my own unbridled desire and prurience for the amazingly attractive, and perfect choice for the lead role of, Britt Robertson. It hit me that nearly all I was thinking about was her intensely optimum sexuality, and every-man-whoever-lived appeal and availability. Real-world consequences of her actions? Furthest thing from my mind...until it was thrown in my face. Awfully. And maybe that's just me, repentance-wise in that "reveal" moment. But I doubt that.
Here's the thing: Hollywood, at its core, is all about glamour and desire. The glamour appeal of near-perfect people, and the in-kind desire that massively surrounds that, and draws everyone's basic instincts in with its black-hole gravity. But guess what? "It" *doesn't work* in real life...and that's a massive understatement. Follow your desires without engaging your higher self's values, and see how that works out for you in real life (if you haven't already).
Remember 'the list' that the lead character was given? One item stands out in this regard: "Seven, all sex has consequences, most of them dire." And as a now much older man than my college days, I'm here to tell you as well that this is True.
I don't generally seek out deep philosophy from any Hollywood actor, but Bruce Willis once said something along these lines: "We're all walking around with these great big sexual egos, but try acting on that and the whole world blows up." Word.
Misused & abused sexual desire *does not _work_ in real life*...and that's what I believe the ending -- and more to the point, the film -- is all about: The TRUTH of that.
Example 'matter': "Pretty Woman" (1990, which glorified the harsh realities of prostitution). Example 'anti-matter': "Whore" (1991).
"Ask Me Anything" is both of those films rolled into one. It is a parable. A truthful parable. And like any good, truthful parable it doesn't *tell* you the Truth, it opens a door for you to *see and feel* your way toward the Truth...for real.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
04/11/21
Full Review
Audience Member
Ask me anything is a decent little character study. The story could be more engaging and more to the script with the performances are OK and it’s a decent character study. It’s a nice little Indi film that really doesn’t break a whole lot of new ground but it’s worth watching for the characters and performances.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/17/21
Full Review
nilufer e
I liked this movie I thought I would. I had it's shallowness and dysfunctional life of a teenager but also it had a depth of a human soul. It was touchy and disturbing at the same time.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
What a wonderful surprise this movie was. Unique, Real, and brutally honest. Beautiful.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/19/23
Full Review
Audience Member
I really have a hard time rating this. It's a coming of age story about a girl WHO DISAPPEARS. Something that I've yet to see anyone reference. Considering, in the U.S., about 1000 children/teens come up missing EVERY DAY...it's rather a relevant story.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/01/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Wow I think I watched a different movie than most the reviewers. Let me start by saying this movie was really well done! Conversation is the start for change. I think this movie is about the lack of sexual understanding and meaning this society is facing. Several of the reviews suggest the girl is the irresponsible one... this is not true. The two older men she is romantic with have issues to work on as well. It would be nice if non emotional dialogue could be discussed so we can move forward with the education of sexual health in the world today. This movie show's in such fashion these issues.
SHORT HAND (emotional)
You two are grown butt men! She is a young lady still learning. You both have girlfriends wtf... Stop abusing her. Dude who sexually assaulted someone is the only one who actually understands and cares.... Why dont we teach Sex ED the easy way? Only way to stop abuse is to teach people more informative Sex ED like with feelings and shit. Also how have I not seen this movie yet :) Its a good one.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
01/21/23
Full Review
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