Written by Andrew Boonkrong and Clark Duke
Directed by Clark Duke
Starring Liam Hemsworth, Vince Vaughn and Clark Duke
MPAA rating: R for violence, language throughout, drug material and brief nudity
Running time: 1 hour and 57 minutes

by Jessie “VHSJess” Landivar-Prescott

Spoilers ahead 

According to my personality type, my emotional disposition is that of an intensely emotional and intuitive person. In fact, it’s a rare personality type that only something like 1% of all people own. Being so sensitive makes me cautious, nay, careful about which movies I watch. Pick one that’s too beautiful and my mood will stay in a swooning state for a week. It sounds more romantic than it feels, trust me.

Which is why I’m just a tiny bit shocked that I actually came across a movie that elicited ZERO BIG FEELINGS. None. The movie I’m referring to is Arkansas, dir. Clark Duke, based on the novel by John Brandon and starring Liam Hemsworth. 

So, I will admit that I do have an opinion about the cast and their performances. Excellent. Truly great. Without the strength of the ensemble of talented actors, the movie would need a ladder and hook company to rescue it. Liam Hemsworth stars as Kyle and delivers a knockout American southern accent. You never hear any traces of his Aussie tongue. Clark Duke stars as his southern hipster pseudo-intellectual drug dealing partner Swin. Duke delivers a convincing and subtle comedic act that offsets Hemsworth’s single-minded beefishness. They make a good duo but, for the slight comradery they finally reach, I was left with no attachment or care for either character.

Then there’s John Malkovich as park ranger and drug dealer Bright. Gross, puerco Bright.

Listen, the character is obsessed with his Corvette and fans his long toenailed toes while spitting out “clever” lines such as his blessing of sorts which I won’t repeat because it’s gross and demeaning to women. Vince Vaughn plays the elusive “Frog”. A character that would be somewhat interesting except that he’s the major cog piece in spinning this movie into a Tarantino knock-off. There. I said it. Arkansas is a modern day hillbilly ode to Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction except it’s not really 100% hillbilly. Had it been, it may have been more gripping and culturally interesting.

Overall, Arkansas isn’t boring. It won’t make you regret you spent time watching it. You also won’t cry, feel tense, excited or laugh. You may gag when you see Malkovich’s toes, but that’s about it. No big feelings. I commend Clark for trying his hand at a QT knock off, I’m sure he is a sincere fan who was just having fun. It’s not such a bad job that you can hate on it- see? Again with the neutrality. Shot for shot, I’d say you’ll be impressed with Hemsworth’s accent, mildly interested in the flashbacks to Frog’s past and with the ensemble’s performances. In general, don’t expect to be bowled over. Unfortunately, for it’s big cast and wide story, Arkansas delivers no big feelings.