Reality Bites (10th Anniversary Edition)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Generation X rules!
  • "Reality" does not "Bite"
  • An honest look at a drifting generation
  • Ah, youth!
  • BIG GULP, GO TO 7-ELEVEN AND GET YOURSELF A BIG GULP!
Reality Bites (10th Anniversary Edition)
Starring: Joe Don Baker , Bill Bolender , Helen Childress , Barry Del Sherman , and Janeane Garofalo
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video
ShowbizShowbiz | By Theme | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video
Baker, Joe DonBaker, Joe Don | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Bolender, BillBolender, Bill | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Childress, HelenChildress, Helen | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Garofalo, JaneaneGarofalo, Janeane | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Greene, MartiGreene, Marti | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hawke, EthanHawke, Ethan | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Kurtz, SwoosieKurtz, Swoosie | ( K ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Lagos, ChelseaLagos, Chelsea | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Mahoney, JohnMahoney, John | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Norfleet, SusanNorfleet, Susan | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
O'Reilly, HarryO'Reilly, Harry | ( O ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Palmer, JubalPalmer, Jubal | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Rothenberg, JamesRothenberg, James | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Ryder, WinonaRyder, Winona | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Sherman, Barry DelSherman, Barry Del | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Stuart, Eric MorganStuart, Eric Morgan | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Zahn, SteveZahn, Steve | ( Z ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Stiller, BenStiller, Ben | ( S ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
All Universal Studios TitlesAll Universal Studios Titles | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
ComedyComedy | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
DVDs Under $10DVDs Under $10 | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
4-for-3 Comedy4-for-3 Comedy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video
DVDs Under $7.49DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
( R )( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Singles Singles
  2. Heathers (THX Version) Heathers (THX Version)
  3. Empire Records (Remix! Special Fan Edition) Empire Records (Remix! Special Fan Edition)
  4. Reality Bites: 10th Anniversary Edition Reality Bites: 10th Anniversary Edition
  5. 200 Cigarettes 200 Cigarettes

ASIN: B0001O3YV2
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Amazon.com

Ben Stiller's directorial debut was this sporadically successful twentysomething comedy that tries too hard to codify the generational experience of its young adult characters. Winona Ryder plays a still-unformed woman struggling with career and relationship issues, Janeane Garofalo portrays her best friend, and Ethan Hawke and Stiller play the two lovers pursuing her. The story is as also about generation-X confusion over how to get by in a hand-me-down world with not much to get excited about, a world filled with a pop culture currency of bad music and poetry slams. The film's chief strength is its appealing cast, which is bolstered by appearances from David Spade, Renee Zellweger, Kevin Pollak, Jeanne Triplehorn, and Stiller's mother, Anne Meara. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Generation X rules!.......2007-09-16

Reality Bites is still one of the coolest movies from the '90s. This film was extremely accurate to the times and conditions of those heavy-handed days. Great performances by Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke. It is kinda weird that Ben Stiller not only stars in this but directed it as well. Stiller did a fine job directing even though his acting is another story. I like the unrequited love aspect of this film, boy loves his best friend but best friend is falling for egostical career dude. If there was one movie to watch about the impossible task of making a relationship work, I would pick Reality Bites as the one to answer all your heartsick questions. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars "Reality" does not "Bite".......2007-07-24

I LOVE this movie. Its definitely one of my favorite go-to movies, although I don't think it was/is a very popular one. Maybe I like it because I'm a girl, (my husband doesn't really like it, but loves Ben Stiller so I made him watch it) but I think both sexes would be entertained by it. A perfect, early 90's-era flick about the lives of young 20-somethings. I think it has a really good cast of characters and is very entertaining!

3 out of 5 stars An honest look at a drifting generation.......2007-06-16

The opening speech by Lelaina (Winona Ryder) at the beginning sets an accurate mood for the rest of the film: optimism tinged with confusion and a lack of direction. In reality, the young adults in this film depict only a small slice of their generation, those who "aren't interested in the counterculture that they [our parents] invented as if we did not see them disembowel their revolution for a pair of running shoes." I may be a few years behind the generation portrayed in the film, but I'm not entirely without empathy for the restless plight of this group of slackers. Even so, the speech is a horrible oversimplification of the generation gap of the time, and the film is more easily digested if the core group of characters is seen as only one slice of a very large generation.

There is a lot of similarity between Reality Bites and films like Garden State and Harold and Maude, sharing the same ennui and restlessness that seems insatiable and overwhelming. The striking difference, though, is Reality Bites' strong sense of friendship and community as a means of overcoming this ennui. I felt that if any of these characters were left entirely to himself, he would commit suicide, and the core group of friends is what saved them all.

Unfortunately, their friendships are not enough to keep them from slipping into a dangerous selfishness and narcissism: Lelaina refuses for a while to find a paying job, and only seems to be attracted to Troy (Ethan Hawke) because of the emotions he conjures up in her; Troy, even after saying that she is the only woman he could commit to, says, "You can't navigate me, I might do mean things, and I might hurt you and I might run away without your permission"; Vickie (Janeane Garofalo) is addicted to sex but hates the thought of a lasting relationship; and Sammy (Steve Zahn) is full of wounded pride. Michael (Ben Stiller) is intellectually shallow, but he seems to be the only person with any emotional maturity, and he easily sees through Troy's snobby attitude.

ENDING SPOILERS: The film ends with a romance between Lelaina and Troy that seems destined to end badly if Troy doesn't wise up and accept the criticism that's been levelled at him. There's a part of me that cheered for him, but a larger part that wanted to smack him in the face until he wised up and applied for grad school. The problem with these kids is that they are immature, and have no ideal of maturity to attain to. Their parents (of the rebellious 60s generation) rejected their own parents' ideas of maturity, and so their own children have very little left to work with. Reality Bites is more of a romantic tragedy than a romantic comedy, even though it seems to turn out well in the end. I really wanted the characters to find something better to build their lives on, but when the credits rolled I was afraid they would just keep repeating their mistakes for the rest of their lives.

For what it's worth, the acting and directing are quite good, though not great. I got a kick out of seeing so many big-name actors at a younger age. Ben Stiller's direction is good, and not as manic as what he later did in Zoolander. Unfortunately there aren't any special features except production notes and a forgettable trailer.

5 out of 5 stars Ah, youth!.......2007-03-31

As I would imagine is the case for many post-boomers like myself, this film brings back memories, including those wistful thoughts that there's nothing wrong with my generation that a savage beating wouldn't cure.

5 out of 5 stars BIG GULP, GO TO 7-ELEVEN AND GET YOURSELF A BIG GULP!.......2006-08-22

College Grads, Mininum Wage, The Gap, Slackers, Roommates, Disco,Friends with Benefits, Health Clinic, My Sharona (80's song), Spoofing "The Real World"and MTV, Chain Smoking,and Your Gas Card. Everything 90's, and Generation " Slacker" X, need a course this is your lesson, typical Hollywood ending of course, but nothing short of perfect of an unperfect time with low spectations of a generation. JEANNE GARAFALO HILARIOUS, "I am Hungry". (conversation assumes)Lets Order Pizza. I Dont Have Cash. I can write a check. Oh Wait. ( Ryder holds up a gas card) Garafolo replies, Gas we are going to eat gas.
Ben Stiller Collection (Meet the Parents - Special Edition/Mystery Men/Reality Bites/Along Came Polly)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Ben Stiller Collection (Meet the Parents - Special Edition/Mystery Men/Reality Bites/Along Came Polly)
    Starring: Ben Stiller
    Manufacturer: Universal Studios
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    GeneralGeneral | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video
    Ben StillerBen Stiller | Comedy Stars | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video
    ( B )( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
    Special EditionsSpecial Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
    ComedyComedy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video
    All Universal Studios TitlesAll Universal Studios Titles | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
    ComedyComedy | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
    Boxed SetsBoxed Sets | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
    Similar Items:
    1. Meet The Fockers (Widescreen Edition) Meet The Fockers (Widescreen Edition)
    2. The Farrelly Brothers Collection (There's Something About Mary / Shallow Hal / Me, Myself & Irene) The Farrelly Brothers Collection (There's Something About Mary / Shallow Hal / Me, Myself & Irene)
    3. Starsky & Hutch (Widescreen Edition) Starsky & Hutch (Widescreen Edition)
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    5. Billy Madison/Happy Gilmore Collection (Full Screen Edition) Billy Madison/Happy Gilmore Collection (Full Screen Edition)

    ASIN: B00049QLV4
    Release Date: 2004-12-14
    Reality Bites
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Generation X rules!
    • "Reality" does not "Bite"
    • An honest look at a drifting generation
    • Ah, youth!
    • BIG GULP, GO TO 7-ELEVEN AND GET YOURSELF A BIG GULP!
    Reality Bites
    Starring: Joe Don Baker , Bill Bolender , Helen Childress , Barry Del Sherman , and Janeane Garofalo
    Manufacturer: Universal Studios
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    GeneralGeneral | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video
    ShowbizShowbiz | By Theme | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video
    GeneralGeneral | Romantic Comedies | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video
    Baker, Joe DonBaker, Joe Don | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Bolender, BillBolender, Bill | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Childress, HelenChildress, Helen | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Garofalo, JaneaneGarofalo, Janeane | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Greene, MartiGreene, Marti | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hawke, EthanHawke, Ethan | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Kurtz, SwoosieKurtz, Swoosie | ( K ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Lagos, ChelseaLagos, Chelsea | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Mahoney, JohnMahoney, John | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Norfleet, SusanNorfleet, Susan | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    O'Reilly, HarryO'Reilly, Harry | ( O ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Palmer, JubalPalmer, Jubal | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Rothenberg, JamesRothenberg, James | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Ryder, WinonaRyder, Winona | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Sherman, Barry DelSherman, Barry Del | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Stuart, Eric MorganStuart, Eric Morgan | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Zahn, SteveZahn, Steve | ( Z ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Stiller, BenStiller, Ben | ( S ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
    All Universal Studios TitlesAll Universal Studios Titles | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
    ComedyComedy | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
    Romantic ComedyRomantic Comedy | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
    DVDs Under $10DVDs Under $10 | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
    DVDs Under $7.49DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
    ( R )( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
    Similar Items:
    1. Singles Singles
    2. Heathers (THX Version) Heathers (THX Version)
    3. Empire Records (Remix! Special Fan Edition) Empire Records (Remix! Special Fan Edition)
    4. Reality Bites: 10th Anniversary Edition Reality Bites: 10th Anniversary Edition
    5. 200 Cigarettes 200 Cigarettes

    ASIN: 0783227922
    Release Date: 1998-07-22

    Amazon.com

    Ben Stiller's directorial debut was this sporadically successful twentysomething comedy that tries too hard to codify the generational experience of its young adult characters. Winona Ryder plays a still-unformed woman struggling with career and relationship issues, Janeane Garofalo portrays her best friend, and Ethan Hawke and Stiller play the two lovers pursuing her. The story is as also about generation-X confusion over how to get by in a hand-me-down world with not much to get excited about, a world filled with a pop culture currency of bad music and poetry slams. The film's chief strength is its appealing cast, which is bolstered by appearances from David Spade, Renee Zellweger, Kevin Pollak, Jeanne Triplehorn, and Stiller's mother, Anne Meara. --Tom Keogh

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Generation X rules!.......2007-09-16

    Reality Bites is still one of the coolest movies from the '90s. This film was extremely accurate to the times and conditions of those heavy-handed days. Great performances by Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke. It is kinda weird that Ben Stiller not only stars in this but directed it as well. Stiller did a fine job directing even though his acting is another story. I like the unrequited love aspect of this film, boy loves his best friend but best friend is falling for egostical career dude. If there was one movie to watch about the impossible task of making a relationship work, I would pick Reality Bites as the one to answer all your heartsick questions. Enjoy!

    5 out of 5 stars "Reality" does not "Bite".......2007-07-24

    I LOVE this movie. Its definitely one of my favorite go-to movies, although I don't think it was/is a very popular one. Maybe I like it because I'm a girl, (my husband doesn't really like it, but loves Ben Stiller so I made him watch it) but I think both sexes would be entertained by it. A perfect, early 90's-era flick about the lives of young 20-somethings. I think it has a really good cast of characters and is very entertaining!

    3 out of 5 stars An honest look at a drifting generation.......2007-06-16

    The opening speech by Lelaina (Winona Ryder) at the beginning sets an accurate mood for the rest of the film: optimism tinged with confusion and a lack of direction. In reality, the young adults in this film depict only a small slice of their generation, those who "aren't interested in the counterculture that they [our parents] invented as if we did not see them disembowel their revolution for a pair of running shoes." I may be a few years behind the generation portrayed in the film, but I'm not entirely without empathy for the restless plight of this group of slackers. Even so, the speech is a horrible oversimplification of the generation gap of the time, and the film is more easily digested if the core group of characters is seen as only one slice of a very large generation.

    There is a lot of similarity between Reality Bites and films like Garden State and Harold and Maude, sharing the same ennui and restlessness that seems insatiable and overwhelming. The striking difference, though, is Reality Bites' strong sense of friendship and community as a means of overcoming this ennui. I felt that if any of these characters were left entirely to himself, he would commit suicide, and the core group of friends is what saved them all.

    Unfortunately, their friendships are not enough to keep them from slipping into a dangerous selfishness and narcissism: Lelaina refuses for a while to find a paying job, and only seems to be attracted to Troy (Ethan Hawke) because of the emotions he conjures up in her; Troy, even after saying that she is the only woman he could commit to, says, "You can't navigate me, I might do mean things, and I might hurt you and I might run away without your permission"; Vickie (Janeane Garofalo) is addicted to sex but hates the thought of a lasting relationship; and Sammy (Steve Zahn) is full of wounded pride. Michael (Ben Stiller) is intellectually shallow, but he seems to be the only person with any emotional maturity, and he easily sees through Troy's snobby attitude.

    ENDING SPOILERS: The film ends with a romance between Lelaina and Troy that seems destined to end badly if Troy doesn't wise up and accept the criticism that's been levelled at him. There's a part of me that cheered for him, but a larger part that wanted to smack him in the face until he wised up and applied for grad school. The problem with these kids is that they are immature, and have no ideal of maturity to attain to. Their parents (of the rebellious 60s generation) rejected their own parents' ideas of maturity, and so their own children have very little left to work with. Reality Bites is more of a romantic tragedy than a romantic comedy, even though it seems to turn out well in the end. I really wanted the characters to find something better to build their lives on, but when the credits rolled I was afraid they would just keep repeating their mistakes for the rest of their lives.

    For what it's worth, the acting and directing are quite good, though not great. I got a kick out of seeing so many big-name actors at a younger age. Ben Stiller's direction is good, and not as manic as what he later did in Zoolander. Unfortunately there aren't any special features except production notes and a forgettable trailer.

    5 out of 5 stars Ah, youth!.......2007-03-31

    As I would imagine is the case for many post-boomers like myself, this film brings back memories, including those wistful thoughts that there's nothing wrong with my generation that a savage beating wouldn't cure.

    5 out of 5 stars BIG GULP, GO TO 7-ELEVEN AND GET YOURSELF A BIG GULP!.......2006-08-22

    College Grads, Mininum Wage, The Gap, Slackers, Roommates, Disco,Friends with Benefits, Health Clinic, My Sharona (80's song), Spoofing "The Real World"and MTV, Chain Smoking,and Your Gas Card. Everything 90's, and Generation " Slacker" X, need a course this is your lesson, typical Hollywood ending of course, but nothing short of perfect of an unperfect time with low spectations of a generation. JEANNE GARAFALO HILARIOUS, "I am Hungry". (conversation assumes)Lets Order Pizza. I Dont Have Cash. I can write a check. Oh Wait. ( Ryder holds up a gas card) Garafolo replies, Gas we are going to eat gas.
    Along Came Polly/Reality Bites
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Along Came Polly/Reality Bites
      Starring: Joe Don Baker , Bill Bolender , Helen Childress , Barry Del Sherman , and Janeane Garofalo
      Manufacturer: Universal Studios
      ProductGroup: DVD
      Binding: DVD

      GeneralGeneral | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video
      Baker, Joe DonBaker, Joe Don | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Bolender, BillBolender, Bill | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Childress, HelenChildress, Helen | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Garofalo, JaneaneGarofalo, Janeane | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Greene, MartiGreene, Marti | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Hawke, EthanHawke, Ethan | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Kurtz, SwoosieKurtz, Swoosie | ( K ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Lagos, ChelseaLagos, Chelsea | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Mahoney, JohnMahoney, John | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Norfleet, SusanNorfleet, Susan | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      O'Reilly, HarryO'Reilly, Harry | ( O ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Palmer, JubalPalmer, Jubal | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Rothenberg, JamesRothenberg, James | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Ryder, WinonaRyder, Winona | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Sherman, Barry DelSherman, Barry Del | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Stuart, Eric MorganStuart, Eric Morgan | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Zahn, SteveZahn, Steve | ( Z ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Stiller, BenStiller, Ben | ( S ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
      All Universal Studios TitlesAll Universal Studios Titles | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
      ComedyComedy | Universal Studios Home Entertainment | Studio Specials | Stores | DVD | Video
      ( A )( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
      ASIN: B0002S645K
      Release Date: 2004-10-05
      Along Came Polly/Reality Bites
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Along Came Polly/Reality Bites
        Starring: Ben Stiller
        Manufacturer: Universal Home Video
        ProductGroup: DVD
        Binding: DVD

        Ben StillerBen Stiller | Comedy Stars | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video
        ASIN: B000VG7LMS
        Release Date: 2004-10-05
        Reality Bites [Region 2]
        Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
        • Generation X rules!
        • "Reality" does not "Bite"
        • An honest look at a drifting generation
        • Ah, youth!
        • BIG GULP, GO TO 7-ELEVEN AND GET YOURSELF A BIG GULP!
        Reality Bites [Region 2]

        ProductGroup: DVD
        Binding: DVD

        GeneralGeneral | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video
        DVDs Under $14.99DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
        ( R )( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
        Similar Items:
        1. Singles Singles
        2. Heathers (THX Version) Heathers (THX Version)
        3. Empire Records (Remix! Special Fan Edition) Empire Records (Remix! Special Fan Edition)
        4. Reality Bites: 10th Anniversary Edition Reality Bites: 10th Anniversary Edition
        5. 200 Cigarettes 200 Cigarettes

        ASIN: B0000A33QX

        Amazon.com

        Ben Stiller's directorial debut was this sporadically successful twentysomething comedy that tries too hard to codify the generational experience of its young adult characters. Winona Ryder plays a still-unformed woman struggling with career and relationship issues, Janeane Garofalo portrays her best friend, and Ethan Hawke and Stiller play the two lovers pursuing her. The story is as also about generation-X confusion over how to get by in a hand-me-down world with not much to get excited about, a world filled with a pop culture currency of bad music and poetry slams. The film's chief strength is its appealing cast, which is bolstered by appearances from David Spade, Renee Zellweger, Kevin Pollak, Jeanne Triplehorn, and Stiller's mother, Anne Meara. --Tom Keogh

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Generation X rules!.......2007-09-16

        Reality Bites is still one of the coolest movies from the '90s. This film was extremely accurate to the times and conditions of those heavy-handed days. Great performances by Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke. It is kinda weird that Ben Stiller not only stars in this but directed it as well. Stiller did a fine job directing even though his acting is another story. I like the unrequited love aspect of this film, boy loves his best friend but best friend is falling for egostical career dude. If there was one movie to watch about the impossible task of making a relationship work, I would pick Reality Bites as the one to answer all your heartsick questions. Enjoy!

        5 out of 5 stars "Reality" does not "Bite".......2007-07-24

        I LOVE this movie. Its definitely one of my favorite go-to movies, although I don't think it was/is a very popular one. Maybe I like it because I'm a girl, (my husband doesn't really like it, but loves Ben Stiller so I made him watch it) but I think both sexes would be entertained by it. A perfect, early 90's-era flick about the lives of young 20-somethings. I think it has a really good cast of characters and is very entertaining!

        3 out of 5 stars An honest look at a drifting generation.......2007-06-16

        The opening speech by Lelaina (Winona Ryder) at the beginning sets an accurate mood for the rest of the film: optimism tinged with confusion and a lack of direction. In reality, the young adults in this film depict only a small slice of their generation, those who "aren't interested in the counterculture that they [our parents] invented as if we did not see them disembowel their revolution for a pair of running shoes." I may be a few years behind the generation portrayed in the film, but I'm not entirely without empathy for the restless plight of this group of slackers. Even so, the speech is a horrible oversimplification of the generation gap of the time, and the film is more easily digested if the core group of characters is seen as only one slice of a very large generation.

        There is a lot of similarity between Reality Bites and films like Garden State and Harold and Maude, sharing the same ennui and restlessness that seems insatiable and overwhelming. The striking difference, though, is Reality Bites' strong sense of friendship and community as a means of overcoming this ennui. I felt that if any of these characters were left entirely to himself, he would commit suicide, and the core group of friends is what saved them all.

        Unfortunately, their friendships are not enough to keep them from slipping into a dangerous selfishness and narcissism: Lelaina refuses for a while to find a paying job, and only seems to be attracted to Troy (Ethan Hawke) because of the emotions he conjures up in her; Troy, even after saying that she is the only woman he could commit to, says, "You can't navigate me, I might do mean things, and I might hurt you and I might run away without your permission"; Vickie (Janeane Garofalo) is addicted to sex but hates the thought of a lasting relationship; and Sammy (Steve Zahn) is full of wounded pride. Michael (Ben Stiller) is intellectually shallow, but he seems to be the only person with any emotional maturity, and he easily sees through Troy's snobby attitude.

        ENDING SPOILERS: The film ends with a romance between Lelaina and Troy that seems destined to end badly if Troy doesn't wise up and accept the criticism that's been levelled at him. There's a part of me that cheered for him, but a larger part that wanted to smack him in the face until he wised up and applied for grad school. The problem with these kids is that they are immature, and have no ideal of maturity to attain to. Their parents (of the rebellious 60s generation) rejected their own parents' ideas of maturity, and so their own children have very little left to work with. Reality Bites is more of a romantic tragedy than a romantic comedy, even though it seems to turn out well in the end. I really wanted the characters to find something better to build their lives on, but when the credits rolled I was afraid they would just keep repeating their mistakes for the rest of their lives.

        For what it's worth, the acting and directing are quite good, though not great. I got a kick out of seeing so many big-name actors at a younger age. Ben Stiller's direction is good, and not as manic as what he later did in Zoolander. Unfortunately there aren't any special features except production notes and a forgettable trailer.

        5 out of 5 stars Ah, youth!.......2007-03-31

        As I would imagine is the case for many post-boomers like myself, this film brings back memories, including those wistful thoughts that there's nothing wrong with my generation that a savage beating wouldn't cure.

        5 out of 5 stars BIG GULP, GO TO 7-ELEVEN AND GET YOURSELF A BIG GULP!.......2006-08-22

        College Grads, Mininum Wage, The Gap, Slackers, Roommates, Disco,Friends with Benefits, Health Clinic, My Sharona (80's song), Spoofing "The Real World"and MTV, Chain Smoking,and Your Gas Card. Everything 90's, and Generation " Slacker" X, need a course this is your lesson, typical Hollywood ending of course, but nothing short of perfect of an unperfect time with low spectations of a generation. JEANNE GARAFALO HILARIOUS, "I am Hungry". (conversation assumes)Lets Order Pizza. I Dont Have Cash. I can write a check. Oh Wait. ( Ryder holds up a gas card) Garafolo replies, Gas we are going to eat gas.

        DVD:

        1. Roadie
        2. Say Anything
        3. See No Evil, Hear No Evil/Stir Crazy
        4. Sex in the Seventies: The Times Square Store Front Collection
        5. Shooting Fish
        6. Shriek if You Know What I Did Last Friday the 13th
        7. Soup to Nuts with the Three Stooges
        8. Spy Game (Widescreen Edition)
        9. Stranger Than Paradise - Criterion Collection
        10. Summer Catch

        DVD

        DVD