To call DD a role model would only prove you watch too much MTV (and if you do watch too much MTV, I hate you without actually having to meet you - my world can do without your little drama plays, thank you so very much).

DD’s miserable excuse for an existence is shattered one evening when a violent rainstorm hits Stockholm… bring with it Luva (Eva Röse), a mysterious woman with the reddest of red hair who promptly hops into his cab to escape some skinhead-looking leather trench coat-clad bad guys led by a mysterious man with a great hairdo and a sharp suit (Jonas Karlsson).

The object of everyone’s desire here: a small cube-shaped metal box. 

What is it?  What’s in it? 

Like I’m gonna tell!

So then, Luva gives DD the mystery box and tells him to guard it with his life (well, what there is of it, the loser).  The Man, however, doesn’t want DD to have it since he claims it would only destroy him.  An old comic book called “Storm” manages to fit in to all of this, too.

What?  Why?  Hell, who gives a shit?  Just sit back and enjoy the stunning cinematography and wonderful music (including a nifty closing theme by Sofia Allard)!  Those of you who love Foreign Films will love it… and those of you with a fetish for latex, leather, vinyl, feathers, stuffing, etc. will no doubt enjoy this movie for it’s fashion sense alone (not my scene, personally, but I know there are a lot of you out there… I’ve been to your weird-ass websites you know).

Plot (or apparent lack thereof) aside, Storm (2005) manages to make a valid point or two in the end (no matter how bad a memory may be, it is still very much a part of us) and the flick certainly deserves a look at (it’s almost like a Swedish version of Danish film Allegro… which came out the same year and itself was a take on Tarkovsky’s Stalker) .  Sure, Eric Ericson’s acting isn’t the best on the planet (he nails that whole slacker nihilist thing down rather well but his overall composure and occasional lack of any genuine facial expressions make one wonder if this really isn’t Ryan Reynolds’ Swedish cousin - and now I fear that if there’s an American remake - and they most likely will benow that I said that - they may even cast Reynolds in the part) and some of the ideas aren’t new (which is perfectly justifiable when you take into consideration how many times American filmmakers have ripped off Swedish movies) but those are just some of the many beautiful things about Foreign Films: you can’t tell how bad the acting is ‘cuz you’re too busy trying to read!

Despite it’s own flaws (which are rather minor), Storm (2005) manages to correct all of the mistakes those hacks in the American Film Industry have been repeating over and over throughout the years.  It’s also the first Swedish motion picture to feature a Wilhelm Scream (itself a milestone in filmmaking)!

Presentation
Storm (2005) looks like a gem.  I mean it.  And this is regular ol’ DVD we’re talking about here, not Blu-ray (this might be a good title to put on Blu-ray when you get around to it, TLA).  The 2.35:1 anamorphic display is nothing short of crystal clear and the colors and so bright and solid that you just want to reach out and touch them (and then kind of poke ‘em a little to see if they jiggle or not… then maybe slap it from side to side… if you’re into that sort of thing).

The original Swedish soundtrack is offered up in two different versions: 5.1 and 2.0.  Both kick some major booty over the English 2.0 dub (which blows so hard that the Big Bad Wolf is envious).  English Subtitles are provided (naturally) for those of you who know how to read.

Extras
Not much here, kids, except four Trailers (Storm, Pistoleros, The Living And The Dead, Next Door) and a Stills Gallery.  That’s it, sorry. 

This is really a much better movie than I expected (but then again, I’m shallow) so I’m more than a bit disappointed there are no Behind-the-Scenes, Featurettes, etc.  Hell, even the Finnish DVD release had a Commentary.

The Bottom Line
Hmmm… Eric Ericson… Ryan Reynolds… E.E… .R.R… .oh, I can see it coming…