Star Leaf

Audience Reviews

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04/05/2017 Worst and most boring movie I have seen in the last 2 years See more 12/04/2016 If you're going to write a movie about weed at least have some clue about how it works... turn up and smoke loads of wet weed straight off the plant? how did they cure the weed? That aside, it's a stupid movie with no redeeming qualities. If it was "highly personal" to the director, as a prior reviewer said, then he was a nooby smoker with no idea who smoked weed in the forest for the first time, got all paranoid and decided that it must have been the strongest alien weed ever to justify the fact that he can't handle his shit? That's kind of how it feels... the whole "weed is all magical" reverence of buds bullshit is lame. All the "risking our lives for our country" shit can fuck off too. The only things this piece of shit has going for it is the low production value and the quite lovely forest scenery. The lead actors were all fine too. People who have never smoked pot might enjoy it... See more 12/15/2015 Why did I watch this? See more 12/03/2015 I enjoyed the movie mostly because I did not let the micro-budget process take away from the story being told. Richard Cranor did an amazing job in telling a story that was obviously very personal to him. Here is a copy of my review on IMDB: When first introduced to the title I immediately thought of Cheech and Chong's Next Movie. Space weed and "trippin'" is what I had a feeling this movie was going to be about, and while that was part of it, it certainly wasn't anything like Cheech and Chong. Star Leaf tells the story of 3 friends on a road "trip" to find a special strain of extra terrestrial marijuana, the Star Leaf. This drug, they hope, will help their friend cope with the effects of PTSD. Unfortunately for the group, there are rules to be followed when partaking of this cure and needless to say, some one always breaks the rules. The story actually has multiple morals intertwined into decisions we may all face day-to-day one way or the other. Primarily, if you use marijuana or not, it is difficult not to sympathize with a set of friends trying to help their buddy suffering from PTSD. The tolls of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq have left us with soldiers much like our veteran in this movie. Our veteran struggles with the idea of using a possible illicit substance, being an upstanding person, however, he is probably in the greatest need of the relief the Star Leaf will bring to his affliction. Beyond the overt medicinal and or recreational uses of marijuana the story reminds us "There are rules". With great relief and or "high" comes great responsibility. And if you break the rules, there will be consequences. This is much like our politicians like to remind us, that if marijuana is legal, there are still regulations around it. The consequences for breaking the rules are exactly when things go to hell in a hand-basket for our friends. While it is not quite a "horror" element, it definitely gets the point across. I would categorize this movie more as a Sci-Fi Drug Thriller. Richard Cranor, who directed and wrote this film, filmed most of it right in the forests of Olympia Washington near where he resides. Ironically, Richard plays "Ranger Dave" a kind of law enforcement man watching over the "rules". Yet another not so subtle reminder, you can partake, but the law is watching. What made this movie compelling for me was Richard Cranor's personal story. He has a brother who struggled with PTSD and Richard himself was stricken with cancer. Knowing this going into watching the film made me appreciate the personal connection he made with this movie. I don't want to add too many spoilers, but I will write: Star Leaf is a movie with a message that resonates in my opinion. As indie movies go, I really enjoyed it. You do not have to be high or on something to get enjoyment out of the story, although I am sure the story might seem different if you were. I particularly like movies when things go to hell due to the characters bringing it down on themselves, and this movie delivers. One can never go into watching a micro-budget movie expecting a full-fledged Hollywood flick. There is not unlimited cash to make everything picture perfect, so be forgiving. Take the story for what it's worth and enjoy the filmmaker's vision. I look forward to more of Richard Cranor's work as I think he has lots of story to tell. See more 10/21/2015 Not your typical stoner movie. It has its stoner moments with some excitement and a dab of reality about marijuana thrown in. Not a high budget blockbuster, but I prefer movies made with care on a conservative budget than many huge productions that miss their mark. See more 10/21/2015 Surprisingly fun and dramatic sci-fi adventure for yesterday's and today's marijuana culture. Quirky new age law "enforcement" character, Ranger Dave, is a kick! Honest conversation about vets, PTSD, and cannabis adds substance (ha ha). Worth the watch :) See more Read all reviews

Star Leaf

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