Light and the Sufferer (2004)

I confess, the only reason I watched this (and I actually had to rent the real DVD...not instant netflixing) because Michael Esper (of American Idiot on Broadway) was one of the stars. That being said, I didn't hate it as much as I thought I might. I had seen some bad reviews, and saw some odd pictures....but it really wasn't terrible. Now I don't recommend that everyone go out and rent this, I don't think its for everybody. However, if you do like Michael Esper...totally worth it. He is completely adorable and does a great job. This is a bizarre little movie, based on a short story by Jonathan Lethem. Sort of a coming of age story, but with strange alien cats....There is no good way to explain it. Its the story of two brothers, trying to get out of a bad situation, leaving New York for California. They are followed around by the quiet and creepy Sufferer which is this giant alien cat like creature. The interesting thing to me was that it appears in the movie as if these Sufferers are a common occurance. Nobody really questions their presence. I would like to read this story and see how it compares to the film. The problems the brothers are going through get worse and worse and of course there is a tragic end. (no specific spoilers just in case you want to check this out) It's not an uplifting movie by any means, but I liked it anyway. Paul Dano does a good job as the brother that had already been in trouble when his brother Paul (Michael Esper) comes looking for him. I have liked Paul Dano since Little Miss Sunshine, I think he chooses interesting roles and I always look forward to what he is going to do next. I find it hard to just say I generally recommend this because its not for everyone. I will say if you want something a little different, and you want to see how adorable Michael Esper is....feel free to watch this one.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362822/