Crazy/Beautiful (2001)

"Strong performances...Dunst exhibits impressive dramatic depth.  James Berardinelli's ReelViews
"Dunst and Hernandez sizzle!  US Weekly
"Two thumbs up!  Ebert & Roeper And The Movies
"...an unusually observant film about adolescence.  Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Editor's Note CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL is not your typical teen romance. The film offers a grittier, more realistic take on the subject than most. It manages to be sweetly romantic without pandering to, or insulting, the intelligence of its intended audience. Director John Stockwell uses an unobtrusive, verité style to bring a strong script from debut screenwriters Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi to the screen. Stockwell began his film career as an actor (perhaps best known for playing the main character's best friend and protector in John Carpenter's CHRISTINE), and that experience is evident in his handling of the cast. The multifaceted Kirsten Dunst (BRING IT ON) plays the troubled Nicole, a rich girl whose self-destructive behavior stems from a traumatic experience in her past. Newcomer Jay Hernandez makes a strong impression as Carlos, a talented, intelligent, straight-laced Latino boy determined to succeed despite the obstacles life has thrown at him. When the two hook up, cultures clash. CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL has a rare freshness and authenticity, providing a different perspective on the family lives of these teens, and allowing the chemistry between the attractive and engaging lead actors to guide the film.

	Richard Steinmetz
	Bruce Davison
	Heroan Osorio
	Jay Hernandez
	Kirsten Dunst
	Lucinda Jenney
	Soledad St. Hillaire
	Taryn Manning
	John Stockwell - Director
	Shane Hurlbut - Director of Photography
	Paul Haslinger - Musical Score
	Rachel Pfeffer, et al. - Producer
	Phil Hay - Writer
	Matt Manfredi - Writer

Rolling Stone
"...Kirsten Dunst deserves an untarnished gold star for her touching performance..." 07/19/2001 p.55

USA Today
"...The two stars express the feverish intensity of their passion as well as the infectious joy of young love....[Dunst] graduates to the next level of performing..." 06/29/2001 p.6E

New York Times
"...Ms. Dunst and Mr. Hernandez are both smart actors....[The characters] are conceived and acted with refreshing nuance....A lively and varied soundtrack....Moments of easy, lyrical sensuality..." 06/29/2001 p.E14

Entertainment Weekly
"....Genuinely touching....Dunst, in her finest performance, has now transcended her fellow teen stars..." 07/13/2001 p.55

Box Office
"...[A] well-cast and acted romance....In his bigscreen debut, Hernandez is a major find....The actor is enormously appealing..." 07/09/2001 p.23

Total Film
"...[Dunst is] like some pint-sized emotional steamroller, with a jittery intelligence that makes you care..." 09/01/2001 p.99

Los Angeles Times
"...Dunst has an impressive list of credits....She brings skill and a surprising amount of conviction to the uncharacteristic role....CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL is at heart an earnest, sweet-natured film..." 06/29/2001 p.15

Uncut
"Dunst is totally convincing..." 09/01/2001 p.126

BBC Online 8 of 10
...shines with solid performances from Davison (imbibing sensitivity and pain into what could have been your standard heavy-handed father role) and newcomer Jay Hernandez whose smile alone lights up the screen. But it is Dunst, bravely looking her worst, who drives the film. ...her intelligent, complex performance makes Nicole a charming, frustrating, pathetic, and ballsy protagonist worthy of screen time. - Jane Crowther