I Melt With You

Four middle-aged guys engage in drinking, debauchery, and self-destruction during an annual weekend reunion at a beach house on California's picturesque Big Sur in this self-indulgent mess from director Mark Pellington. Richard (Thomas Jane) is a struggling, depressed novelist whose career has stalled, forcing him to teach high school English. Jonathan (Rob Lowe) is a doctor who has compromised his practice by taking bribes to prescribe pharmaceuticals to wealthy female patients. Family man Ron (Jeremy Piven) is a Wall Street financial analyst under investigation by federal authorities. And self-loathing, vulnerable Tim (Christian McKay) is mourning the outcome of a tragic automobile accident—even though this bacchanal is ostensibly meant to celebrate his birthday. Not surprisingly, each of these college buddies has something to hide: a secret shame or regret. Joining their hedonistic orgy of self-revelatory confessions is a pretty blonde bartender and her friends. When one of the men commits suicide, the other three have to decide how to dispose of his body, a dilemma made more urgent by the almost comical arrival of a suspicious local cop (Carla Gugino). Fueled by cocaine, prescription drugs, and booze, the once-frolicking male pack heads toward a ludicrous, drawn-out climax while the soundtrack blares The Sex Pistols, Talking Heads, Dead Kennedys, and Modern English (the title is taken from a Modern English song). Not recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include two audio commentaries (the first with director Mark Pellington, and costars Rob Lowe and Jeremy Piven; the second with Pellington, screenwriter Glenn Porter, and cinematographer Eric Schmidt), a behind-the-scenes featurette (26 min.), deleted scenes (19 min.), an interview with Piven (10 min.), a HDNet segment on the film (5 min.), segments with costars Thomas Jane (5 min.) and Piven (4 min.), a director's behind-the-scenes photo gallery, an alternate theatrical poster gallery, a text “Director's Statement,” and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is an interview with Pellington (38 min.). Bottom line: a fine extras package for a disappointing film.] (S. Granger)