Orange County residents Surprisingly, the fact is that the melodrama with only elements of the comedy “Country of the Odds” in the trailers was presented as a youth comedy like “American Pie”. Such a cunning, albeit deceptive commercial move clearly allowed the creators of the tape to earn more than expected. With 18 million dollars invested (which is a rather hefty amount for independent cinema in 2001), the film’s box office amounted to more than 40 at the world box office, but in fairness it should be noted that the lion’s share of this money was collected in the United States, outside its borders, the fees were very meager, so “Coolland” was distributed either on DVDs or was shown on television. And so that the viewer at the picture was at least at the TV screens, the creators of commercials and went to dexterity with the trailer.
But, I think that it would be possible to do otherwise, not deceiving so brazenly in the genre of the presented picture of the viewer, saying that the main role in the “Country of oddballs” plays the son of Tom Hanks himself. Indeed, the 24-year-old at the time of filming Colin Hanks is the son of the star actor, starring in Steven Spielberg himself, from his first marriage to Samantha Lewis. Colin began acting at the age of 19, but before the “Country of the Odds” he was certainly on the second roles, and this picture could give impetus to his professional career as an actor of the main plan. And MTV at its own ceremony entered Colin Hanks for playing in “Coolland” in the nomination “Breakthrough of the year”. In principle, we can agree with this - the level of the film was not so high, but it was an important, catching the audience interest interpretation of the character of Colin, who was almost the only one among all looked like a normal guy who found his path in life and going ahead through all the obstacles on the way to the cherished dream.
Thus, Hanks Jr. vividly expressed the collective image of the average representative of youth who chooses a creative path, consciously believing that it is in this status that he will be able to bring the greatest benefit to society. Indeed, Hanks’s hero was on his way to fulfilling the dreams of many, many, when the hobby coincides completely with the work – is it not happiness? The impetuous character of Hanks' character was hampered by his upbringing and ability not to bring delicate situations to scandal and fight. If you watch the film “Country of cranks”, then, putting yourself in the place of the main character, you inevitably want to throw a scandal or in the end someone good punch, thereby releasing the spirit, especially since you will be absolutely right. But it was not for nothing that it was said that among all the characters, Hanks was almost the only normal character (emphasis on the word “practically”). And if Colin Hanks was so noted, then Skyler Fisk, who played his on-screen girlfriend, deserved it. In life, she is just that creative person, she sings, plays musical instruments and sometimes acts in films.
Skyler Fisk has no special achievements in cinema, but she can be proud of her role in “Coolland” – the image of her, of course, succeeded, and because of the support she carried everywhere to Hanks’ hero, probably any guy would like to find such a girl. But this is enough about normal people in the “Country of Odds”, it’s time to talk about those who were responsible for the nickname “weirds”. First, it's the brother of Hanks' hero, played by Jack Black. But this would be a brother few would want to have, because he is a high-aged slob with drug addiction. And in large part because of his stupid actions, the younger brother suffered while walking to achieve his goal. As actor Black played a role well, but who needs a man like that? The screen mother was played by Catherine O’Hara, famous for her role as Kevin’s mother from Home Alone. In the “Country of cranks” she is a fan of drinking, after which she hardly holds herself in her hands, and in general she looks at the world selfishly. And here in this family has to live Hanks Jr., how did he manage to stay with his head on his shoulders? And there will be John Lithgow, Leslie Mann, small roles will play Chevy Chase, Gary Marshall, Dan Ivy, Harold Ramis and as fireman Ben Stiller.
"Country of eccentrics" can hardly be called a deep film, but on the surface it has a serious topic - the theme of growing up and finding yourself in adulthood, finding your vocation. The hero of Hanks Jr. was unlucky: he is always something or someone interferes, but he stubbornly fights to achieve his goal. And against the background of the rest, he and his girlfriend are the only ones who look at the world with a normal look, but perhaps if not for the rest of the “crackers”, then Hanks’ hero would not achieve his dreams? If you want to know and answer this question - then watch this movie.
6 out of 10