User reviews

I was so unfortunate to have a friend that got hold of one of the copies at the festival. He was so proud that he made me watch it which i really count as intellectual assault! The acting is really poor, the plot is weird and just because you arbitrarily mix up genres doesn't mean you create a new one.

Don't believe the reviews on this one, the film crew seems to be pretty desperate and busy on writing them to make a few people watch it.

Nice effort guys, but everything you create is Disappointment. Solicit this film for what it is, a senseless, stupid, no-point-making, B-Ninja-Zombie-Trash-Film.

There are people out there who could like stuff like that, THESE are your customers, not the people you make expect Oscar-worthy performances with your crap!

2/10 for 2 to 3 benevolent laughs

What nonsense is The Art of Pain? An art movie which no one is supposed to understand or what? The plot was stupid, the acting plastic and dialogue clichéd. Come to think of it, there wasn't a plot at all. I paused every now and then to wonder whether I was watching a comedy, a thriller, an action movie or something written by an 8 year old to cheer his mum for her birthday party. This movie is not only not worth the film it took to record it, it's not even worth the paper used for the draft. There's only one way to go for the people involved after making a movie like this and that's down. All the way down to movie nowhereland.

Easy. The people who produce, direct, and act in the garbage review the movie themselves. Since very few people want to waste their time reviewing garbage, they don't bother to refute the stupid, obviously skewed reviews. Its pretty easy to spot these turd movies. If you haven't ever heard of it before, and it has any ten star reviews, some unethical sh1th3@d wrote a fake review for it to sucker you into watching it. This movie was so bad I couldn't get through the first twenty minutes of it. I didn't pay a dime to see it, but I felt as if the producers owed me my $14 back. If this movie made it to the theater and it sold one ticket, it would probably have made a profit. I'm betting everyone in the movie probably worked for free just so they could say "I was in a movie!". I think the production company trolled the soup kitchens for the acting and filming staff, paid them in garbage and cardboard, and they still didn't get their money's worth. I give this production 28 thumbs down, which means I had to hack off 26 human hands just to show you, the reader of this review, how strongly I disliked this movie. Avoid this steaming pile at all costs.

As a fan of independent film, I have screened the work of plenty of hopeful young artists, looking for some attention and a chance to make a living at something they love. Just by sheer odds, there are going to be a good number of stinkers in the bunch, but also some genuine surprises. "The Art of Pain" happened to be one of the latter.

Jack is an aspiring illustrator and painter who bides his time in a minimum wage movie theater job with his friend Nick and girlfriend Sharon. The arrival of a new employee, Marcus, creates chaos for everyone, particularly Jack, who Marcus adopts in a twisted attempt at creating his own legacy.

"The Art of Pain" takes its inspiration straight from the world of B-movies. A lot of movies like to ape martial arts and zombie film conventions, but most of them forget to build some character and story in to keep your interest beyond cheap thrills. The story of the slacker artist is also overdone by young filmmakers, but this version brings a new thematic twist with Marcus, an antagonist who is actually seeking to leave his creative mark on the world just like the hero, Jack. The result is a movie that delivers some fun through in its winking nods to genre, but not at the expense of the characters and a building plot.

Not to say "The Art of Pain" is a perfect film. It might benefit from slight trimming and some newbie mistakes stick out for those who watch movies relentlessly. The performances are above average for this kind of low budget film, but some are broad and others are more subtle.

The film is incredibly ambitious in terms of visual design. The opening sequence is a tribute to kung-fu films made to look vintage (a la "Grindhouse"). Marcus seems to ride in out of a 50s biker film, complete with a rear-projection backdrop. There is at least one elaborate visual effects-driven montage, and also a fun little sequence featuring creature illustrations that move among people. Some might be distracted by the variety, and the work isn't always perfect, but it's encouraging to see a first feature that understands the language of film visuals.

But in the world of independent film-making, I believe it all comes back to character and story, and the makers of "The Art of Pain" already have a good understanding of how these things affect audiences. I am eagerly anticipating the follow-up to this one.

"The Art of Pain" was selected as a winner from an international field for its imaginative plot, as well as the exciting pace of the action. Not only is it funny and well-written, but the acting, directing, special effects and technical aspects rival anything Hollywood has done lately--and you can learn something too. That's what I like about the Brookens brothers' films. They are not just a lot of silly action and mindless babble; they have a lot of thought behind them. Those who know Chicago will recognize many of the local landmarks. Greg Brookens is a master of timing and one of the best comic actors I've seen in any film, independent or studio. The rest of the cast was also very good. This film proves that you don't need to go to Hollywood to find talented actors and filmmakers.

Art of Pain is an excellent example of all that is good in Independent film-making. A fun, amusing, well made feature that gives the viewer 90 minutes (or so) of solid entertainment. A mashup of styles and genres that does what films like this are supposed to do, entertain.

With quirky writing and cleaver dialogue the film pulls you along and keeps you chuckling all the way through. It's a film for people who get IT whatever IT is. And IT can be different for different people, that's why it's so good.

Definitely catch a screening if you can and hopefully you'll be able to grab it on DVD sooner rather than later.

Inspiration is a coy mistress. Many an artist has grappled with her elusive nature through the ages to achieve greatness. And while muses and narcotics have come to the aid of some struggling for the creative impulse, "The Art of Pain" reveals a more reliable method: absolute devastation, courtesy of a rampant ninja.

Hot off of winning the Audience Award last spring at the Sunscreen Film Festival, Chicagoan writer/director Matt Brookens's "The Art of Pain" follows the mission of Marcus (John LaFlamboy), a greaser ninja desperate to win the approval of his demanding sensei (Arvin Jalandoon) and, consequently, his black belt. Marcus is told he lacks creativity and distinction, which he decides to remedy by exploiting the same qualities in someone else.

After gaining employment at a multiplex, Marcus recognizes his new coworker Jack (Anders Erickson) from high school. Back then, Jack was an avid painter, but Marcus can see that the complacency born of his job and his pretty girlfriend Sharon (Lauren Bishop) are stifling his potential. The combination of an informative run-in with George Romano (actually played by Lloyd Kaufman of the "Toxic Avenger" series), and a drug-fueled trip that brings the zombie metaphor to life, lead Marcus to hatch a pain-inflicting plan.

By systematically destroying Jack's sparse but content existence, Marcus hopes to wrench emotive paintings from him that will land him a contract to produce a mural for a new high rise. Jack's masterpieces would thus make Marcus a winner, apparently in accordance with the distributive property. His first step in releasing Jack's untapped talent is to start tapping his girlfriend, which leads to a hilarious public falling out between the lovers as well as an artistic awakening. And Marcus's tactics only get more brutal from there.

Centering as it does on artistic impulses and the creative brain, "The Art of Pain" intuitively manifests this world in the relationship between Jack and his geeky best friend Nick (Greg Brookens). As the pair brainstorm about a comic they're making together featuring the mythological Skunk Ape, animated characters spill across the screen. Additionally, their shared visualization of the great beyond and even their commonplace conversations teem with the originality that Marcus covets.

Meanwhile, Marcus inhabits a completely different universe from his coworkers. Ample showdowns with his sensei and fellow students take place in Chicago, but they achieve the imperial kung fu vibe. This is mainly thanks to the actors' expert handling of the fight choreography, which often includes authentic weaponry. Marcus's appearance at the mundane movie theatre is thereby initially hard to fathom, but later on, his guerilla attacks profit from his eccentric image.

"The Art of Pain" is built on a sadistic premise, but it's great fun watching it unfold. Characters like Peppito the perverted projectionist (Marshall Bean) and Charlie the effete manager (Jake Hames) pepper the theatre scenes, threatening to steal several of them. Also riotous to behold is the sheer number of ways someone can get his ass kicked; new weapons are literally invented for the cause.

With an alchemized mixture of gore and jest, "The Art of Pain" has the ability to gag, slay, and -- above all -- entertain.

It is obvious some folks do not understand campy and fun - not sure why some critics have been so harsh - delightful is deserved - maybe silly would be accurate. But overall a fun experience - keep up the work folks - I for one enjoyed watching a new genre being born. While not all actors were as accomplished as you would hope for the overall cast was more than adequate and I am guessing that the budget of the production did not allow for extensive casting or re-shooting. When you are watching the film you have to sit back and take in the concept and enjoy the idea that is being presented. With most movies - even the big budget extravaganzas you can find holes or weaknesses if you look at it hard enough but it is a movie - sit back relax and be entertained - and I found this movie entertaining.

THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER Posted Sep 25, 2008 @ 12:00 AM Artistic endeavor: "The Art of Pain" â€" an independent, feature-length dark-comedy film (with ninjas, zombies and starving artists).

Where you might have seen me or my work (or will soon): Our film is rocking the festival circuit right now. It recently won Best Feature Comedy at the Route 66 Film Festival in Springfield. In October, it'll play the Eerie Horror Film Festival in Erie, Penn., as well as the Thriller! Chiller! Film Fest in Grand Rapids, Mich. Can't make it? You can always get the limited edition DVD at www.artofpainmovie.com.

Day job: Graphic designer â€" a handy skill set that gets me work in any city and definitely helps with the movie posters and ad campaigns.

Twenty-word description of myself: Male bipedal omnivore, age 32, 6-feet 1-inch, green eyes, brown hair, 190 lbs., known for odd film-making behavior and kicking (butt).

Behind-the-scenes interests: Songwriting, drawing crazy cartoons, tortoise husbandry, unicorns and my hot GF.

Family: My younger brother, Greg, stars in "The Art of Pain" and lives in Chicago. Our mom, Connie, and our dad, Ralph, do the Springfield thang.

Time spent in Springfield: You mean time served in Springfield? That's how I felt about the place growing up. When I was 20, I moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College for film. This summer, having completed "The Art of Pain," an opportunity arose to make the move to Los Angeles â€" since I heard rumors they do a lot of movie-making out there, I took the plunge. So far, what I love most about Hollywood is the feeling that anything can happen. As the rest of the country enters fall, I realize that I have come to deeply appreciate Springfield. Where else can you get a horseshoe or Vic's Pizza? Springfield is like the Shire from "Lord of the Rings." Take care of it! First film-making moment: In Springfield, Greg and I were filming a scene in front of that Pink Elephant statue (the one with the glasses and martini glass). The scene involved an insane, rage-filled golfer slaughtering a confused hobo. It was the first of many, many film moments I've had where I stop and think, "My life is freakin' weird!" Proudest film-making moment: When "The Art of Pain" premiered at the Sunscreen Film Festival in Florida this year, we won the Audience Award. The cast and crew (who have become some of my best friends) and my family were there with me. We couldn't have asked for a better kick-off for the film. What a great reward for our hard work! Most embarrassing film-making moment: We shot "The Art of Pain" at a movie theater where I used to work. For a couple scenes, we needed the popcorn machine running. Well, I forgot to turn it off and we burned the whole batch to a crisp. Then, at 6 a.m., after all the cast and crew had left, my old manager made me stay behind to scrub the popper and restock the corn. "Ya missed a spot, Mr. Big Shot Director!" Something my colleagues don't know about me: I just got a phoenix tattoo on The Learning Channel's show "L.A. Ink," to commemorate "The Art of Pain." If I made the cut, it should air late November or early December. Corey Miller free-handed it on my shoulder and it looks freakin' sweet. Please don't tell my dad â€" he hates tattoos.

Something artistic I'd love to try: Web-isodes! Also, I want to make a 3-D movie with dinosaurs.

Something artistic I'd never try: Remaking a classic film that I love. Oh wait, that's not artistic! Filmmakers I look up to the most: Joe Swanberg. That guy can make an entertaining, creative film with no money.

Favorite filmmakers: My brother, Greg Brookens, the Coen brothers, David Lynch, Judd Apatow and, yeah, Steven Spielberg (though he's so "uncool" now).

Influences: The Internet, Apple computers, high definition, industry trends, cheap beer, my friends, pop culture and science.

Dream project: When I'm more seasoned, I am dying to do an epic fantasy/sci-fi trilogy in the vein of "Lord of the Rings." If Peter Jackson can start with "Bad Taste," I have hope.

Most important lesson learned: Swallow your pride, set the ego aside and remember, "It's who ya know!" Advice for those who'd like to do what I do: Be like the phoenix and rise from the ashes. CAW CAAAWW!!! Also, think marathon, not sprint.

Why I do it: Watch my film, "The Art of Pain" â€" it's all there!

I've been following these guys' careers for awhile now. Their Troma film 'Skunkape!?' was one of my all time favorite films for a long time with it's original comedy and a good take on an old legend.

So when I heard that they were making a full length feature, I knew I had to see it.

The movie is great as a comedy, but what really makes it stand out for me as that you feel with the characters. What happens to them matters to you, you want to see all of them succeed in what they are doing.

The humor was top notch and original. The ninja school segments were defiantly my favorite parts of the film. Matt Brookens knows what he's doing and what he's doing is pure art.

Lloyd Kaufman's cameo was really good. When he's guest starring in films, his cameos sometimes feel forced, as he's just there to be there (like Stan Lee with some of the Marvel films), but here, he's actually an important character. And you feel just as sorry for him in the film as the rest of the cast.

What can I say, except that I can't wait for the next movie by Brookens and his friends.

Plus, the special features was really entertaining. They have a couple of short films here (like the Son of Roni) that are so hilarious, you are going to love every minute of it!