User Reviews

Paul (Christopher Gorham) is a doctoral student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Naturally, this is admirable as the school's reputation is very fine. Unfortunately, Paul has big shoes to fill, for his father is one of the most beloved professors on campus. But, Paul is having great difficulty finishing his dissertation, probably because of his need to "measure up". To blow off steam, Paul makes the rounds of trivia contests held at local bars with his friend, James (Nelson Franklin), a college test adviser. Since this activity is far more than a passing interest, it pushes his academic goals even farther away. Then, another complication arrives. Paul's world is shaken when a beautiful freshman student, Naomi (Arielle Kebbel) is a pupil in Paul's study lab. Bright and unconventional, she opens up a world that Paul hasn't experienced, one beyond the outskirts of Ann Arbor. But, as pressure mounts for Paul to finish his degree, be a local trivia champion, and win Naomi's heart, something's gotta give. What? This is a fine film, with an unusual story of academia most viewers won't know. It has many solid discussion points, from religion to family ties to cloistered environments. Gorham, Franklin, and Kebbel are wonderful in their respective roles, as are the lesser cast members. Then, too, Ann Arbor is tailor-made for a nice setting while the challenging script and direction are quite fine as well. Will it play beyond Ann Arbor? I hope so, for it has many genuine assets in the art of film-making.

This movie is impossibly clichéd and stupid. Ridiculous storyline involves an English literature graduate student who is, the audience is repeatedly, ham-handedly bludgeoned into understanding, repressed and constrained by the life-long influence of his father, who is also, impossibly, an English literature professor in the same department. Add water to the standard elements of a wanna-be movie narrative: Young romantic interest helps protagonist break out of his rut and find his own identity; developing sense of self helps protagonist relate more genuinely to the students he teaches (the protagonist's "break-out" teaching assistant class toward the end of the movie being one of the most unwatchable segments of film I've seen in my life); evil rival European comparative literature student nemesis (seriously). The "mad-cap," "zany" trivia contest happening in the background providing painfully predictable comic relief. This movie does more than waste your time; it makes you long for your own death.

The movie was good, not great, but good. Arielle was a definite standout, as was Evan Jones as Ice. I would have liked to have seen more of Parnell and Ralph Williams. Gorham's performance was good as always, but I still had a hard time liking Paul all that much. It didn't help that this 30-year-old T.A. was playing footsie with his 18-year-old student. That said, the love scene was the best I've seen in a movie in years, the juxtaposition of romance and biblical text was very effective. But any sort of enjoyment you have of their relationship is pretty much killed during the library scene when even I wanted to smack him (Which I'm sure was the desired effect). When he gets his comeuppance from her, it's pretty well-deserved.

I've heard varying reports as to whether what they showed was a rough cut or the final product. Considering they have more screenings and won't be hitting the festival circuit till next year I would bet there will be more edits to come.

The film is definitely a visual love letter to the town of Ann Arbor, and seeing it in its home was a special treat. I love when a town becomes not just a backdrop but a character in the movie, as the Farahs have done with it here.

This movie is definitely a must see. The script is phenomenal! While it has its goofy run-of-the-mill college movie moments, the underlying plot of "greatness is trivial" is beautifully played out. Christopher Gorham was the perfect choice for this film. He is such a strong actor and he really owns this role. You can't help but love him. The movie also has its moments of romance but it isn't what you would expect. This is not a happily ever after type of movie. It's real. It's what real people experience and what real people want to see. You don't leave this movie blissfully happy and loving life. You leave this movie contemplating. Answer This! is a movie that makes you think. It makes you question. I believe there is no better movie than one that inspires you. This is one of those movies. It's hilarious, romantic, thoughtful, and emotional. The comedic relief is well done and the supporting characters provide someone for everyone to relate to. I love this movie and will definitely be recommending it to others.