This Movie is Rated R – For Strong Sexuality, Drug Content, Violence and Language
Jack (Jared Leto) and Pilot (Jake Gyllenhaal) have been best friends since they were young kids; both still wear matching rings they stole together back then. Neither had a very good childhood, growing up next door to each other in mobile homes located in the desert on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada. Pilot’s mother never even knew his father’s name and seems to spend all of her time drinking. Jack’s dad’s idea of a good father/son bonding experience was to take him to a brothel when he was twelve.
Jack cleans pools for a living. Which leads to some interesting encounters with bored housewives, hence his nickname “The God of F*ck”. Pilot has a job at the local pool as a lifeguard, however, that’s just a cover for his drug dealing (apparently the pool is a great place to deal from). He also enjoys pretending to be a valet at one of the local hotels so he can take some very expensive cars on joyrides.
As screwed up as their lives are, they know they can always count on each other. So when Jack gets caught in bed with the wife of a mob guy, they decide it’s time for both of them to leave Vegas. Pilot thinks Seattle, Washington is the place for them to head. After a bit of convincing Jack finally agrees.
Thus begins their road trip. One of the first people they meet along the way is Cassie (Selma Blair). She is having trouble with a guy that bought her a cheeseburger and now thinks he is entitled to sex. They rescue her and Jack invites her to come along with them, much to Pilot’s dismay.
Their trip takes them through Northern California, Oregon and finally into Washington. Along the way they meet a lot of unique individuals. They also come across a lot of flannel wearing individuals, on a pilgrimage to Seattle, to hold a vigil for Kurt Cobain (who had just killed himself). Jack and Pilot find their friendship put to the test and they both discover new things about themselves.
I really enjoy this movie. Jared and Jake are absolutely fabulous together. You definitely get a best friends since childhood vibe from them. Jake does a wonderful/realistic job of portraying someone that is constantly wasted. Jared is equally as good in his role and I have to add, totally drool worthy in the pool scene at the beginning of the movie.
Note: Keep a look out for Jared’s brother, Shannon, who had a brief role at the Rave. He is the one Johnny the Fox referred to as Juicy Boy. Shannon is also the drummer in his and Jared’s band “30 Seconds to Mars” (Jared is the singer/songwriter and one of the guitarists).
Some of my favorite quotes:
Pilot – “Cause no girl is worthy of The God of F*ck.”
Mrs. Kelson – “Pilot, ain’t in. He’s at school.”
Jack – “He graduated two years ago Mrs. Kelson.”
Jack – “Bro, it’ll be like Luke Duke and the other guy.”
Jack – “How does everybody on Planet Fricking Earth know this sh*t already?”
Pilot – “You don’t think I have sexual confusion, do you?”
Pilot – “There were two enormous cockroaches f*cking in the parking lot.”
Cassie – “Oh, you always take me to the nicest joints, Jack.”
Pilot – “What are you doing?”
Jack – “Chill, relax. I’m making a f*cking convertible.”
Jack – “His full name is Alligator Boy.”
Pilot – “That’d be a cry laden with pain and sorrow.”
Jack – “We found the shoes.”
Johnny the Fox – “Even a freak don’t deserve to go down in no f*ckin’ JC Penney.”
Jack – “What’s wrong with him.”
Cassie – “I think he’s having re-entry problems.”
Jan
Following is additional information about the movie that contains spoilers. If you don’t want to be spoiled don’t read any further.
Jeremy Piven gives a stand out performance as Scawldy, Pilot’s drug supplier. The way he goes back and forth between totally wacked out/crazy and completely calm/normal is amazing.
I was proud of Jack and Pilot when they stood up for the Alligator Boy. They were out numbered 2 to 1 and the guys were much bigger, but that didn’t stop them. Wow, I was amazed at how tough Jack was; I really didn’t expect that. Although, he still lost the fight in the end.
It was devastating when Miranda’s guys caught up with Jack. Pilot tried to help, but only managed to get himself beat up also. Then they force him to watch as they break both of Jack’s feet. It’s just heartbreaking.
