WATCH OUT - A film by Steve Balderson: review by IN Los Angeles magazine

Ken Knox
IN Los Angeles magazine

If American Psycho had been directed by John Waters, it might have resembled something like Watch Out, Steve Balderson’s outrageously offensive adaptation of Joseph Suglia’s equally divisive novel about American narcissism at its worst. Matt Riddlehoover gives a strong performance as Jonathan Barrows, a delusional man who thinks the entire world revolves around his existence. Encountering an odd assortment of randy priests, lascivious waitresses, Prozac-popping prostitutes and bad babysitters who desire him, Jonathan becomes increasingly frustrated until his rage boils over into extreme violence and murder. Balderson rightfully shoots the script as the absurdist comedy that it is, and there are many moments that are quite brilliant, but the overuse of Barrows’ never-ending voice-over (so not needed), the lack of an actual plot and the over-the-top acting (which required a more nuanced cast) eventually turn the film into a one-note joke with no punchline. Still, it’s worth a look for the graphic sex scenes and Riddlehoover’s bravura turn as a man literally in love with himself. Expect it to become a cult classic. Extras: An amusing commentary with Balderson, Riddlehoover, Suglia and artist Erin Pullen; theatrical trailers and video blogs from the production. B-