27 reviews
The previews for this film make it look like a formulaic Square-among-Freaks stoner comedy about an uptight medical student who falls in with a bunch of potheads and discovers What Really Matters in the process. Up to a point that is exactly how "Humboldt County" plays out. However, that is not the whole story either.
To briefly summarize the plot: a repressed, emotionally muted young man- with the people skills of a lawnmower- fails one of his med school finals (BTW his father is the examiner-Ouch!) and is suddenly adrift in his life for what is apparently the first time ever. He has an unlikely hookup with an attractive, free spirit named Bogart (Fairuza Balk) and accompanies her to her home in the title county up in the far north of California. Bogart then disappears and Peter, completely stranded, is slowly but surely absorbed by her eccentric, stoner family and their equally baked friends and neighbors. Exposed to their initially alien values, lifestyle, and worldview- and away from his overbearing father- Peter finds the freedom and safety to actually start being himself. However, the dark side of the drug world (in the form of violent thieves and the DEA) is never far away and it threatens to destroy Peter's refuge...
Even though there is a lot of pot smoked by nearly all of the characters, this is not really a stoner movie. Much of the humor is low-key but there are some absolutely hilarious moments along the way.The film's view of marijuana is actually rather realistic, it's pleasurable effects are shown but so are the downsides- particularly with regard to the violence and legal problems that accompany cultivation. Additionally, it is made clear that being born into the rustic stoner life, for all of it's freedoms, can be as much of a prison as the middle-class existence that was suffocating Peter at the film's beginning.
"Humboldt County" is really all about how somebody discovers the things that are truly going to touch their heart and give their life meaning. The various characters represent the different paths that people choose in order to find a sense of connection to others and a purpose to their existence. The characters are very human, and all the more lovable for that.The ensemble cast are excellent and their interactions with other seem touchingly real. However special mention should go to Brad Dourif as the stoner clan's patriarch.
The film preaches the values of simplicity, humility, how materialism is meaningless, the importance of caring for others, and recognizing how small individuals are in the bigger scheme of things. It is also very honest about the reality that, for adults, there are fewer and fewer easy answers to any of life's questions. An added bonus is the setting, Humboldt county looks absolutely gorgeous and is filmed with deep love. In conclusion, this is a funny, serenely paced slice of cinema that has a big, beautiful heart.
To briefly summarize the plot: a repressed, emotionally muted young man- with the people skills of a lawnmower- fails one of his med school finals (BTW his father is the examiner-Ouch!) and is suddenly adrift in his life for what is apparently the first time ever. He has an unlikely hookup with an attractive, free spirit named Bogart (Fairuza Balk) and accompanies her to her home in the title county up in the far north of California. Bogart then disappears and Peter, completely stranded, is slowly but surely absorbed by her eccentric, stoner family and their equally baked friends and neighbors. Exposed to their initially alien values, lifestyle, and worldview- and away from his overbearing father- Peter finds the freedom and safety to actually start being himself. However, the dark side of the drug world (in the form of violent thieves and the DEA) is never far away and it threatens to destroy Peter's refuge...
Even though there is a lot of pot smoked by nearly all of the characters, this is not really a stoner movie. Much of the humor is low-key but there are some absolutely hilarious moments along the way.The film's view of marijuana is actually rather realistic, it's pleasurable effects are shown but so are the downsides- particularly with regard to the violence and legal problems that accompany cultivation. Additionally, it is made clear that being born into the rustic stoner life, for all of it's freedoms, can be as much of a prison as the middle-class existence that was suffocating Peter at the film's beginning.
"Humboldt County" is really all about how somebody discovers the things that are truly going to touch their heart and give their life meaning. The various characters represent the different paths that people choose in order to find a sense of connection to others and a purpose to their existence. The characters are very human, and all the more lovable for that.The ensemble cast are excellent and their interactions with other seem touchingly real. However special mention should go to Brad Dourif as the stoner clan's patriarch.
The film preaches the values of simplicity, humility, how materialism is meaningless, the importance of caring for others, and recognizing how small individuals are in the bigger scheme of things. It is also very honest about the reality that, for adults, there are fewer and fewer easy answers to any of life's questions. An added bonus is the setting, Humboldt county looks absolutely gorgeous and is filmed with deep love. In conclusion, this is a funny, serenely paced slice of cinema that has a big, beautiful heart.
- cpbadgeman
- Apr 12, 2009
- Permalink
Is it any good? Yeah, but in an average way. It is all about finding yourself when caught between the pressures of "you have to be something" and "you don't have to be anything". Frankly, I wanted to see Fairuza Balk again when I got the film, but she only plays a marginal role and then she is gone.
Is it a pot movie? No. The marijuana farming is just a side story, one that I thought was a bit unfortunate for the film. I am not against it, I just don't think it had much to do with the subject of the movie.
Bottom line: it has a nice idea, but it was a poorly constructed film. I couldn't relate with any of the characters and the emotional conflicts depicted were totally unconvincing. Since it was clearly a low budget film, I expected more in terms of plot cohesion and character depth.
Is it a pot movie? No. The marijuana farming is just a side story, one that I thought was a bit unfortunate for the film. I am not against it, I just don't think it had much to do with the subject of the movie.
Bottom line: it has a nice idea, but it was a poorly constructed film. I couldn't relate with any of the characters and the emotional conflicts depicted were totally unconvincing. Since it was clearly a low budget film, I expected more in terms of plot cohesion and character depth.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY is a taste f the 60s and 70s drug culture when many disillusioned people, young and old, picked up and moved to the scenic wonder - and pot farms - of Humboldt County, California. Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs co-wrote and co-directed this little throw back in history and the result is a bit of nostalgia and some fine characterizations by a solid cast.
Jerry Hadley (Jeremy Strong) is a medical student trumped by his medical school professor father (Peter Bogdanovich) into failing medical school, and the only apparent way for the fairly clueless and disillusioned Jerry is to try the world outside. He begins with a strange relationship with Bogart (Fairuza Balk) and ends up headed to Humboldt County where he encounters folks living off the profits (both mentally and economically) of growing marijuana. He becomes friends with the free spirits Max (Chris Messina), Rosie (Frances Conroy), Jack (Brad Dourif) and in the midst of the atmosphere, Jerry 'inhales' and begins to figure out where his life should actually be headed.
The movie seems to be a bit of fluff, but written into the lines is a lot of wise philosophy - if you choose to take it that way. Good performances and a clever script make the movie a nice diversion.
Grady Harp
Jerry Hadley (Jeremy Strong) is a medical student trumped by his medical school professor father (Peter Bogdanovich) into failing medical school, and the only apparent way for the fairly clueless and disillusioned Jerry is to try the world outside. He begins with a strange relationship with Bogart (Fairuza Balk) and ends up headed to Humboldt County where he encounters folks living off the profits (both mentally and economically) of growing marijuana. He becomes friends with the free spirits Max (Chris Messina), Rosie (Frances Conroy), Jack (Brad Dourif) and in the midst of the atmosphere, Jerry 'inhales' and begins to figure out where his life should actually be headed.
The movie seems to be a bit of fluff, but written into the lines is a lot of wise philosophy - if you choose to take it that way. Good performances and a clever script make the movie a nice diversion.
Grady Harp
This well-written and well-directed study of the pot growers culture of western Humboldt County, California is informed by a sympathetic and knowledgeable viewpoint. Marijuana use is not demonized, nor is it particularly glamorized. To me, the high points of the film are the performances of the seasoned character-acting pros, Frances Conroy and Brad Dourif. They perfectly capture both the charm and the near insanity of intelligent people who've dropped out of a mass culture driven by greed and selfishness, while yet retaining their own egoistic needs. The film could have been excellent, but it's marred by a couple of casting mistakes. Chris Messina is an excellent and appealing actor, but he is so New York that it's simply impossible for me to see him as a native-born resident of Humboldt County. Still, his skill is such that he almost pulls it off. Jeremy Strong is another matter. I'm sure he can be quite good when properly cast, but in this part he is so utterly affect-less and unappealing that I just can't evoke any empathy for or interest in him. That's not a usually good quality in the protagonist of a film, to say the least. He would certainly be great playing someone on the autism spectrum, though.
- bobbymeizer
- Nov 29, 2014
- Permalink
- slfisher-2
- Sep 28, 2008
- Permalink
My daughter is her 20's loved this film and wanted us to see it which we did a few days ago. The plot was not bad, but maybe a little unrealistic unless people in Humboldt county are really as unrealistic as the protagonist who ran off with that girl without asking more thorough questions. What I found disturbing is the idealism of this little community portrayed in the film which may not be so unrealistic in the real world. Although living in corporate America may turn many people off, living in la la land may not such a productive life style either. The movie did make me feel that legalizing marijuana would probably be a good move for this country. I didn't know how I felt about this until I saw this movie. I understand billions of our tax dollars are spent fighting the illicit behavior on account this plant. I think if it were a legally controlled substance such as alcohol is there might be less of a black market, less crime and maybe less loss of life. So if any good came out of this movie for me, it was to help make up my mind on this issue. How the young child in this story (as well as the other children) being reared in Humbolt county, I found rather distressing. She was exposed to much more than a child ought to be exposed at her age and more isolated. How productive were their lives really? If everyone lived like that (as hinted by one of the characters) would we have the medicines and the inventions we have that make our lives better or more meaningful. Also these characters are typical of those who live on the edge taking risks that would make a parent cringe and not something you'd not want them to share with their own children. Maybe it is just a phase that will pass with age and maturity.
- chucknorrisfacts
- Jul 18, 2010
- Permalink
A few friends and I caught the premiere of Humboldt County at the South by Southwest film festival in Austin last night. Quick summary: If you get a chance, go see this movie.
Prior to seeing it, there was some debate about whether this was a "drug" movie, especially since a few other premieres at SxSW ("Harold and Kumar II" and "Super High Me") are drug related--it's not. Although there are certainly joints in many (most) of the scenes, they are background and no more the focus of the movie than the gorgeous redwood trees and sweeping coastline that are also omni-present. Humboldt County is all about character development, some fantastic acting, and scenery that takes your breath away. When we were talking about the film after, we all agreed that that most similar movie we had all seen was "Garden State" except tone down the love story and shoot it in one of the most beautiful places on earth instead of Jersey (sorry NJ).
The co-directors and script writers (friends since they were 6) took questions after the show which is always interesting. Two of my favorite tid-bits from that: 1) One of the directors has an Uncle and Aunt in Humboldt and much of the script is based on real characters from his summers there as a child. 2) When the directors went to Humboldt to get away and work on a script, they were actually working on a totally different script which they scrapped so they could write this Humboldt-inspired one.
One other interesting point came out of the Q&A in which someone pointed out that for a directing debut, Humboldt was pretty ambitious--REAL actors, shot on location in 35mm, full length, etc. etc. It's a good point, and makes the movie all the more impressive...
Prior to seeing it, there was some debate about whether this was a "drug" movie, especially since a few other premieres at SxSW ("Harold and Kumar II" and "Super High Me") are drug related--it's not. Although there are certainly joints in many (most) of the scenes, they are background and no more the focus of the movie than the gorgeous redwood trees and sweeping coastline that are also omni-present. Humboldt County is all about character development, some fantastic acting, and scenery that takes your breath away. When we were talking about the film after, we all agreed that that most similar movie we had all seen was "Garden State" except tone down the love story and shoot it in one of the most beautiful places on earth instead of Jersey (sorry NJ).
The co-directors and script writers (friends since they were 6) took questions after the show which is always interesting. Two of my favorite tid-bits from that: 1) One of the directors has an Uncle and Aunt in Humboldt and much of the script is based on real characters from his summers there as a child. 2) When the directors went to Humboldt to get away and work on a script, they were actually working on a totally different script which they scrapped so they could write this Humboldt-inspired one.
One other interesting point came out of the Q&A in which someone pointed out that for a directing debut, Humboldt was pretty ambitious--REAL actors, shot on location in 35mm, full length, etc. etc. It's a good point, and makes the movie all the more impressive...
I had the privilege of seeing this movie at SXSW in Austin. The theater couldn't have expected the incredible turnout. They had to open a second theater and still turn away many more people. We were there an hour early and the place was already packed and buzzing with anticipation.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but I viewed with an open mind and was blown away. I also had some insider information about the various characters portrayed. Most of which are based on actual people known by the writers/directors which somehow made the movie more personal, but took something away from the anticipation of character development throughout the film. The incredibly divergent paths of each character, which ultimately seems to unite them all at various points, is the heart of the story.
I heard a ton of laughter and saw many (including myself) trying to conceal tears at several times throughout this story you hate to see conclude. We left the theater with much to discuss regarding some great lines and some powerful scenes. Great film....Great Soundtrack....Great Story!!!
I will see this one again when it comes to a local screen and I can't wait to see the next project.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but I viewed with an open mind and was blown away. I also had some insider information about the various characters portrayed. Most of which are based on actual people known by the writers/directors which somehow made the movie more personal, but took something away from the anticipation of character development throughout the film. The incredibly divergent paths of each character, which ultimately seems to unite them all at various points, is the heart of the story.
I heard a ton of laughter and saw many (including myself) trying to conceal tears at several times throughout this story you hate to see conclude. We left the theater with much to discuss regarding some great lines and some powerful scenes. Great film....Great Soundtrack....Great Story!!!
I will see this one again when it comes to a local screen and I can't wait to see the next project.
- dandjhenry
- Mar 15, 2008
- Permalink
A very square medical student find himself (in both senses of the expression) in the forest with a bunch of hippies. Unpredictable plot, gorgeous setting and music. Wonderful characters and acting; Brad Dourif and Frances Conroy particularly great, and of course Bogdanovich. I could have hung out with these people for hours. It was a little bit like Garden State, but maybe more like the Graduate. And had more of a 70s vibe (in a good way) in its complexity and willingness to not explain and simplify all plot points... Best film I've seen in a while--and I see a lot of movies. My pick of the South by Southwest film festival.
This was a surprisingly good movie - You should see it on a big screen. The filmmakers revealed as many shades of people as the landscape revealed shades of green. It is a slow- form character development movie about the transition of a man who is initially stuck in his own head. Not moralistic, not a stoner film, not what I expected. It carefully uses a unique place to interrupt your expectations about how characters should develop. This is one of those independent films which the power-house actors signed onto for the story and experience. Although it relies on a few caricatures of humboldt, it is carefully constructed and respectful. There are some amazing illustrations of the balance between wasting time and doing nothing vs connectedness and community. It is respectful of values that matter, while not cleaning up the messy parts. The cinematography is well done - a large part of living on the north coast is the incredible darkness. The houses with windows that are dark at night. It is definitely an element of the landscape which helps tell the story. I wasn't expecting to write a review, but it would be a good use of your time to watch this movie. It is very much about waking up. Well done.
- spammatt-1
- Sep 27, 2008
- Permalink
Humboldt County is fantastic. It's sensitive, complex and is one of the best films I've seen in many years. It doesn't chose sides, instead it allows the audience to draw their own conclusions and it trusts its audience is savvy enough to follow. The performances are really surprising, especially if you're used to seeing Brad Dourif as Wormtongue. I really enjoy the ambiguous ending as well, since you're not really sure where the main character is headed. It feels very 70's and at the same time manages to be fresh and unexpected. Also, I was struck by the natural surroundings of the place and the score really supports this quiet beauty. For newcomer filmmakers, it looks like these guys have been doing this for quite a while. If you want something beautiful and paradoxical, go see this film!
- rennywriter
- Sep 28, 2008
- Permalink
I saw Humboldt County at South By Southwest, and I love it! It was well written, beautifully shot, and had an outstanding cast. I've never been to northern California, but after seeing this film, I really want to visit. This is the filmmakers' first film and I am blown away by the complexity of the characters and the film's surprising emotional depth. The characters are all interesting and honest, but flawed, just like the rest of us. There is a warmth among this cannabis farming family that is engaging and intriguing.(And it doesn't hurt that both Jeremy Strong and Chris Messina are deliciously handsome men.) Madison Davenport's performance as young Charity is also outstanding. I can't wait to see it again!
- amykatpat-1
- Mar 10, 2008
- Permalink
This film offered some fascinating character studies. The movie was beautifully shot. I thought the movie held up well for the first three quarters, but some plot turns in the last quarter struck me as being cheats. Nonetheless, the movie delicately handles the complexities of people who have chosen to leave behind their everyday existences in the "straight" world and exile themselves into the "wilderness" of Northern California. The film does a great job of examining the costs of reclusiveness with poignancy and dignity. While regret is a theme that is a constant in this film, self-examination and re-invention are also championed. Despite some sensitive subject matter, I think this movie could get some mainstream traction.
- creativepro
- Mar 12, 2008
- Permalink
This film is worth seeing whether you've ever been to Humboldt or not. In fact, its greatest transcendence is that of a move that features pot culture without exploiting it, over-stating it, supporting it or protesting it. The acting is all pitch-perfect, seriously admirable performances especially by the couple who own the ranch that the star finds himself at.
See and support this film for Humboldt & Arcata, CA;St. Louis, MO; off-the-grid living, and taking the path that moves you.
Awesome film, look for this director duo to release a screen adaptation of the Cardinals vs. Cubs novel "Three Night in August."
Who will play the corrupt-yet-lovable Tony LaRussa?
See and support this film for Humboldt & Arcata, CA;St. Louis, MO; off-the-grid living, and taking the path that moves you.
Awesome film, look for this director duo to release a screen adaptation of the Cardinals vs. Cubs novel "Three Night in August."
Who will play the corrupt-yet-lovable Tony LaRussa?
- info-18270
- Dec 21, 2008
- Permalink
- mikescrazyfreakshow
- Aug 25, 2009
- Permalink
- Range-roofing
- Mar 12, 2012
- Permalink
Humboldt County utterly surprised me. The depth of emotion is palpable. The story authentic. I had the privilege of living in Humboldt County and practiced in a small rural medical clinic for several years. I came to the tiny community on a wing and prayer and in watching the protagonist struggle to find relevance I saw true shades of authenticity. i found myself reminded so often of the daily surprises that greeted me not only in medical practice but in the journey to speak a new language. Peter's experiences rang true, and how can I say that do you ask? Because I lived it. And I don't mean smoking marijuana, I never tried it but like Peter was embraced and accepted nevertheless. As the characters were introduced I kept saying to myself, 'I've known you'. As for the reviewer giving a single star: it as if you never did 'live' in the community that you claim to have grown up in. You should not disparage what you do not understand. ... Anyway, the film makers got it right and if you've every wondered if a film was true to life in its portrayal look no further than Humboldt County.
- jazzjet-462-516205
- Aug 27, 2012
- Permalink
What a gem, and a surprise. I found this delightful. The story was original and fascinating, the acting was excellent from just about everybody. Frances Conroy was terrific; what range and depth and power. The lead was completely convincing.
Madison Davenport as the little girl stole the show in her scenes.
I was sorry not to see more of Fairuza Balk, but as the story progressed, it made complete sense.
I have never heard of the musicians behind the sound track, but they created beautiful haunting music.
There were times when the story was stretched a little thin, but the movie was consistently engaging and convincing. I have met enough people from this background to believe in these characters completely.
I took a chance to watch this and I was really surprised how good this movie was. It deserves more exposure. Keep up the good work!
Madison Davenport as the little girl stole the show in her scenes.
I was sorry not to see more of Fairuza Balk, but as the story progressed, it made complete sense.
I have never heard of the musicians behind the sound track, but they created beautiful haunting music.
There were times when the story was stretched a little thin, but the movie was consistently engaging and convincing. I have met enough people from this background to believe in these characters completely.
I took a chance to watch this and I was really surprised how good this movie was. It deserves more exposure. Keep up the good work!
i remember lookin for this movie without really knowing what it was i was looking for, all i knew was that something was missing, tired of watching all too many pot head movies that had no real appreciation for the meanin of the herb itself, always makin people look like stupid stoners, and was looking for a movie that showed the other side of a plant that has really changed my own life in many ways. this movie surpassed all my expectation in that it has reinspired me to seek my path and be alive again, not some cut out that society has planned for me as per its etiquettes, the actors in this film really made a genuinely warm attempt to represent the warmth that a magical place like humbolt county can imbibe, having been there my self to the lost coast several years ago i was taken back down memorylane amongst the pacific sunsets and evergreen redwoods, and had the pleasures of being instilled by a magnificent story that touched the very depths of my being, seeing the protagonist in his transformation from the life that he was brought up in to the life that he was always seeking not knowin it (this is the first time i have reviewed on IMDb.com despite having an acc for years as this movie truly deserves to be upheld beyond its 7* rating)
- silverace08
- Mar 12, 2017
- Permalink