'

S.F.W.

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S.F.W.

R

Released Jan 20, 1995

1h 32m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

6%

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16 Reviews

49%

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5,000+ Ratings

When young slacker Cliff Spab (Stephen Dorff) becomes one of several hostages in a convenience store held by publicity-seeking extremists, he endures being a prisoner for weeks. Eventually, Cliff grows indifferent to his survival, and his defiance is captured on camera, striking a chord with TV viewers. After the hostage crisis ends violently, Cliff bonds with fellow survivor Wendy Pfister (Reese Witherspoon). As they begin a relationship, both struggle with their newfound celebrity status.

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: F

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Brian Tallerico

UGO

Rated: 2/5

Mar 24, 2007

Full Review

Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: 1/5

Dec 5, 2002

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jul 24, 2005

Full Review

Scott Weinberg

eFilmCritic.com

Self-important, simplistic, and rather irritating.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 3, 2005

Full Review

Mike McGranaghan

Aisle Seat

Rated: 0/5

Jun 16, 2004

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K W

This is great indie find

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/25

Full Review

Brian L

The story is so original. The acting was alright but I loved the movie. Spab is so cool and plays a great role stuck between being a loser and the world being in love with him.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/10/23

Full Review

Brendon E

I really enjoyed this film, the acting was brilliant and the story compelling.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Had a hard time sitting through it.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I absolutely and thoroughly hated this movie. It was pointless and filled with one moronic scene after another. A complete disaster.. A half a star is too generous...

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Awesome if you got a lot out of "Clerks", "Alpha Dog" or "The Hunger Games". I think the version on Stan in Australia is a different cut from the version summarised on the Wikipedia page, and the version some of these reviewers saw. There was no alien in this version except as a rumour. This version cuts back and forth between past and present with dramatic flashbacks. I really enjoyed the cut I saw, couldn't look away. A lot of the film relies on the charisma of Stephen Dorff, but if you're here for Reese Witherspoon you won't be disappointed. It's a very particular blend of angry, apathy, 90s grunge culture, meaning, meaninglessness and black comedy. It's at once a scathing satire of the media and a truthful, poignant portrait of trauma. There's a lot to be learned from this film. In the end, the audiences prove to be just as captive as the hostages were. They adore who the media tells them to adore, no matter how flawed a role model they may be. Would definitely watch again in five years to see how my perspective has changed. For the clearly small budget, I think it's great.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

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Jefery Levy

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Cliff Spab

Reese Witherspoon

Wendy Pfister

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Synopsis

When young slacker Cliff Spab (Stephen Dorff) becomes one of several hostages in a convenience store held by publicity-seeking extremists, he endures being a prisoner for weeks. Eventually, Cliff grows indifferent to his survival, and his defiance is captured on camera, striking a chord with TV viewers. After the hostage crisis ends violently, Cliff bonds with fellow survivor Wendy Pfister (Reese Witherspoon). As they begin a relationship, both struggle with their newfound celebrity status.

Director: Jefery Levy
Producer: Dale Pollock
Screenwriter: Danny Rubin, Jefery Levy
Production Co: Propaganda Films, A&M Films, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 20, 1995, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $44.2K
Runtime: 1h 32m
Sound Mix: Stereo

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