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Tape

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Tape (2001)

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Reviews Counted:89

Fresh:68

Rotten:21

Average Rating:6.7/10

Consensus: Taking place in a hotel room, Tape has the feel of a play, but its engrossing psychodrama allows its stars to shine.

Runtime: 89 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: Richard Linklater, known for directing films that take place over a one-day period (SLACKER, DAZED AND CONFUSED, BEFORE SUNRISE), magnifies that concept even further with TAPE. Adapted from the... Richard Linklater, known for directing films that take place over a one-day period (SLACKER, DAZED AND CONFUSED, BEFORE SUNRISE), magnifies that concept even further with TAPE. Adapted from the Stephen Belber play, TAPE takes place in a Lansing, Michigan hotel room, where two old friends reunite ten years after graduation. Vince (Ethan Hawke), a lackadaisical fire fighter who pays the rent by selling pot, and John (Robert Sean Leonard), a self-assured filmmaker whose debut feature is set to screen at the Lansing Film Festival, greet each other with smiles and hugs. But as their conversation becomes more personal, Vince brings up an old grudge from the past, which confounds John. Vince is convinced that on the night before graduation, John date-raped his ex-girlfriend, Amy (Uma Thurman), and he won't rest until John tells him what really happened. Eventually, John admits the truth, evoking a shocking response from Vince. John must finally confront the demons from his past. When Amy arrives at the hotel room and joins the old friends, she detonates the explosive situation, accusing both Vince and John of being selfish, heartless cowards, which they actually are. Shot on digital video all in one location, TAPE is a character study that features strong performances by all three leads. [More]

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Robert Sean Leonard

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Robert Sean Leonard

Director: Richard Linklater

Director: Richard Linklater
Producer: Anne Walker-McBay, John Sloss, Gary Winick, Alexis Alexanian
Studio: Lions Gate Films

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Reviews for Tape

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1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating; UK critics are listed first)
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Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
12/30/06
Empire Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The screenplay features nothing but talk, but this is one of the most tightly wound films of the year.

Full Review Source: UK Critic | comment Comment
07/24/02
Ian Waldron-Mantgani
Ian Waldron-Mantgani
UK Critic

Engrossing and dynamic viewing thanks to convincing dialogue and lively acting, most notably from Hawke.

Full Review Source: BBC | comment Comment
07/09/02
Laura Bushell
Laura Bushell
BBC
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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Full Review Source: ViewLondon | comment Comment
10/30/02
Matthew Turner
Matthew Turner
ViewLondon

'It turns out that Ethan Hawke can act after all. Who knew?'

Full Review Source: Teletext | comment Comment
07/15/02
Paul Arendt
Paul Arendt
Teletext
N/R

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Full Review Source: Guardian [UK] | comment Comment
07/19/02
Guardian [UK]
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N/R

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Full Review Source: FilmFour.com | comment Comment
07/14/02
FilmFour.com
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N/R

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Full Review Source: This is London | comment Comment
12/15/03
Alexander Walker
Alexander Walker
This is London
N/R

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Full Review Source: Daily Mail [UK] | comment Comment
12/15/03
Christopher Tookey
Christopher Tookey
Daily Mail [UK]
N/R

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Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
06/24/06
Geoff Andrew
Geoff Andrew
Time Out
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
N/R

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Full Review Source: Shadows on the Wall | comment Comment
12/10/01
Rich Cline
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall

The cast ... uses this room with a view to get the best out of the spontaneous epiphanies and strangely affecting and witty dialogue.

Full Review Source: E! Online | comment Comment
11/02/01
E! Online
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/06/05
Film Threat
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A quick-paced, visceral and smartly acted psychodrama.

Full Review Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | comment Comment
12/07/01
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Has Grade A moments stuck within a B- movie.

Full Review Source: Trades | comment Comment
10/29/01
Alex Keen
Alex Keen
Trades

A refreshing acting exercise for both the actors and the audience that works because of the freedom digital video extends.

Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
10/24/01
Annlee Ellingson
Annlee Ellingson
Boxoffice Magazine

As the film progresses and voices are raised the audience is dealt a very interesting and compelling film.

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/08/02
Anthony Miele
Anthony Miele
Film Threat

It's for anyone who appreciates the bitter erosion of friendship and the one-upmanship and mind games bred by festering antagonism.

Full Review Source: Dallas Morning News | comment Comment
11/16/01
Chris Vognar
Chris Vognar
Dallas Morning News

Tape look simpler than it is. Linklater is well-known for making pictures where characters talk a lot, and this one's claustrophobic setting and small cast provide a tighter narrative and formal focus than usual.

Full Review Source: PopMatters | comment Comment
11/21/01
Cynthia Fuchs
Cynthia Fuchs
PopMatters

"Tape" may take place entirely in a small motel room, but it packs an emotional wallop the size of an entire city.

Full Review Source: Lawrence Journal-World | comment Comment
12/05/01
Dan Lybarger
Dan Lybarger
Lawrence Journal-World
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating; UK critics are listed first)
Text View | 1 2 3 4 5 6 >> >|
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More...

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