I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Don't listen to the negative reviews

Crappy film

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

I really liked this movie.On a technical level it's not often I see a movie where characters this flawed, messed up and unlikeable are played so well. Bravo! This is not just another lame "two misfits meet, discover twoo wuv, and live happily ever after" type movie.Nor is it yet another "likable ordinary people triumph over adversity in a heartwarming tale about the profound goodness of the human spirit" movie.I liked the way it illustrated the truth that sometimes two people who are on quite different journeys will meet, and affect one another in some way, maybe one of them will learn something, and that's really about all you can hope for. But it's not a tale of two star-crossed lovers, and was never meant to be.I don't think we're supposed to like lying, manipulative, creepy stalker ex-druggie dude. I don't think we're meant to see his utterly selfish attempts to pick on a clearly vulnerable woman hoping to get laid (and at the same get a free roof over his head) sympathetically as though this behaviour is actually some OH SO ROMANTIC determination to do something special with this poor girl - although a surprising number of people seem to have viewed it that way? No, the guy is not very likable. Yes, he exhibits an ugly attitude of "You need me!" and "there must be something wrong with you if you won't have sex with me." Yes, the girl is traumatised and seriously damaged. No, there probably isn't much hope for them having a lovely life together. That's the point of this movie, I think. It's a glimpse into a horrible, bleak place. It succeeds in that.

I just watched this movie a 2nd time and once again I really liked it. My rant here is going to be for people who obviously didn't get the movie at all. I read one review where they say "characters are bleak and underdeveloped with no explanation for how or why they are the way they are". What? It is so abundantly transparent (SPOILER ALERT) that the main female character was sexually abused as a child. There are so many scenes to corroborate this HUGE element of the film. How did people not get this? I just have to stop and read the positive reviews because it really does get me vexed when people who clearly do not have a morsel of understanding review a film negatively due to their lack of comprehension. I say rent "Heroes" if you don't feel like delving slightly deeper than the surface. I apologize for the rant. Here is the positive: Well written, well acted with some really beautiful shots. As soon as you begin to follow the main female character's story, it does give you an uneasy feeling, which I believe is obviously intentional due to the harsh subject matter. However, that feeling quickly subsides with an innocence and a relentless devotion that the main male character embodies. Balanced with harsh themes juxtaposed with genuine, substantial love. Nice. That said, I didn't think that the film was a "10" necessarily, but I felt compelled to neutralize some of unfair negative reviews. Oh well, "sue me... Twice!"

Marianna Palka's Good Dick is a fascinating romantic drama with a take that on the genre that you probably haven't seen before (or at least done this well).A woman who goes to her local video store daily to rent soft core porn becomes the object of affection for the video clerk. It's a simple situational setup that masks the layers beneath. The woman is cold and distant and seemingly not interested in a relationship, of any kind, despite the constant attempts by the video clerk. In fact she treats him pretty bad. Not until the end when we meet her father do we really understand her. She's been sexually abused by him, the first man in her life, and that shapes how she interacts with other men. It now becomes interesting that her erotic interest lie in soft core porn (porn without penetration as the clerk tells her). The clerk too isn't without issues to be addressed. He's battled drug addiction which may explain his addictive personality and why he won't give up on her despite the vitriolic insults and humiliation she dishes.It's been said that hurt people hurt people, and that concept is exemplified well in this film. She treats him bad because that's what she knows. She maintains control of their relationship because she knows how awful it feels to be the one being controlled. Many times throughout the film she dominates him (even simulating rape) to humiliation, and it's painfully clear that she's been through hell.Through it all we are left with a hopeful ending. A confrontation with her father and reconciliation with her video clerk are small steps in her progression. In the end we're left with two damaged people moving forward together. Hopeful, indeed.(Be careful Googling this one - the title may lead you to the dark side of the web!

*** This review may contain spoilers *** This movie is not about a troubled young woman and a hopeless video guy. It is about any couple who meet and overcome their neuroses enough to be able to get along and open up to each other. Usually people abandon their partner too soon, before the rough edges have been knocked off, and smoothed out enough to become livable.Yes, it is a story of support, unfailing love, and belief that helped Mariana Palka's character deal with her past, and finally face the present.But who doesn't carry problems from the past with them? And who's spouse doesn't exhibit issues that arise from childhood challenges.That's why i love this movie: I can totally relate to it, and like Jason Ritter's character, i know that we can help our spouse as they help us. It takes time, patience, and love, lots of it.If you are perfect, and have had perfect partners, then you won't understand this movie. However, if you are human, with the usual foibles and have had relationships with other humans, you will find something rewarding about this unusual portrayal of a very usual human condition.