Okay.. So i stumbled upon this movie title accidentally.. since i had watched Jesse Eisenberg in the social network i thought to give it a try.. the concept is surprisingly fresh which other movies have not explored earlier. Even if the subject was explored, it was not shown in this fashion, which the director of this movie has chosen. Though some people find the content of this plot morally disturbing.. if viewed from a neutral view point with out any judgments, you will love it.The only -ve point of the movie is the camera work, it is shaky all through the movie and can be disturbing at times..Jesse Eisenberg as a teenager done his job excellently. same goes to Mr.Campbell Scott. The scene in the park with Elizabeth Berkley and Jennifer Beals comes close to many youngsters heart.. So, grab a popcorn and a bottle of coke, lay back and enjoy folks. You would enjoy even more if u watch it alone or with male friends.. happy viewing..

Critics adore independent films. Made usually on shoestring budgets and starring either no-bodies, wannabees or actors trying to make a statement, independent films are usually made by people who love movies for people who love movies. Enter Dylan Kidd's writing and directing debut, the 2002 terrifically funny and memorable film Roger Dodger.Campbell Scott (The Spanish Prisoner) plays Roger Swanson, a fast talking, chain-smoking, ever drinking 30-something that believes he is truly God's gift to earthly women. We are first introduced to Roger as he engages in conversation with fellow co-workers at a public restaurant and Roger dominates the conversation offering his views on man's ability over women to read maps, the workings and history of the female genatalia and why science and evolution will have men being reduced to servitude in 10 to 15 generations. Roger dominates the dialogue and with rapid fire crass and the occasional sneer at those that joke at his revelations, we are introduced to a man who is on a conceited high that will eventually lead to his emotional crisis.Enter Roger's nephew, Nick (played by Jesse Eisenberg) who shows up from out of town and looks to Roger for help in the disposing of his virginity. Roger, acting more like someone who wants to show off his masculine powers than act that of a big brother, takes Nick under his wing for a night of adventure. The self-professed 'FN lightening rod' for sex sneaks Nick into bars, takes him to a house party and eventually to an underground brothel in an attempt to shed the youngster of his innocence. But with each new venue, we are exposed to Roger's vulnerability and we experience a man who is on a kamikaze mission to destruction.In a touching scene between Nick and two women picked up at a local bar (played understatedly by Jennifer Beals and Elizabeth Berkley), it is Nick's innocence and honestly that has the women swoon over Roger's frank and demeaning manner. The scene is wonderfully lit with just street lights and the camera angles which sometimes don't focus on the talking character, suck you in so that you believe you are on that cold park bench with them.This is the genius that is usually associated with the independent films. People talk over each other, and sets are usually actual locations that lend to the aura and feel of the film. Dylan Kidd uses what light is available to him and sometimes that means that characters are talking in the dark corners of an alley or are blocked out by the backs of other actors. However, one is never lost or feels betrayed by the filmmakers because the dialogue remains so crisp and real.Campbell Scott won a best actor award from the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures for his role in Roger Dodger and in my opinion, he was overlooked for an Academy Award nomination for the same role. He delivers the Tarantino-ish dialogue with precision and makes this disgusting character of a man someone that we can relate to or at least understand.My final note about independent films is that they don't have the pressure to produce the 'Hollywood' ending. Roger Dodger ends not with Roger realizing the err of his way, but with a poignant adult talk with some school boys who show us the same immaturity as Roger, just at a younger understanding. Kudos to all those involved with this marvelous film that was indeed one of the best of 2002.

I'm sure most people won't find my comment to be of much value, but to those of you with any tendency toward motion sickness, please read on...I cannot comment on the bulk of the content of this film, as I only saw a very few minutes of it. I'm afraid the shaking camera was almost enough to induce seizures, and was simply more than I was willing to bear. (Does anyone still think this type of camera-work adds to the cinematic value of a film?) I suppose some people still consider a shaking camera to be artistic in some way, but as for me, this poor camera work constantly reminds of two things:1) that I'm watching a poorly filmed movie, with no chance of really getting into the story, and...2) that I need to add Dramamine to my shopping listLuckily, I borrowed this movie from the library, so I'm only out my gas money. Oddly, I still feel somewhat ripped off. (Must be those high gas prices...)

This is a worthwhile film, but when it started out I didn't like it. I didn't like Roger, the main character, and was irritated by his friends and environment, so I thought it was going to be a pointless exercise to watch the rest of it. However, nothing good was on TV, so I hung in there and about 20 minutes in I got into the rhythm of the piece.Roger's 16-year-old nephew Nick shows up and he takes him on the town to try and get him laid. The plot is not that fresh but it's really handled in a nice way. Nick is appealingly played and the dialogue is realistic and original. Despite the potential for a by-the-numbers plot, Roger's own sexual baggage colouring his relationship with his nephew create good internal conflict. This is handled in a subtle, understated way which is a tribute to the writer/director. He always pulls back from the cheap sentimental shot, while still managing to realise his objectives by the back door. Don't be put off by the rather stilted start to the film - I don't think it's the triumph other viewers seem to make out, but it's a cool little movie with an air of honesty about it.