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Noted independent film producer Peter McCarthy made his writing and directing debut with this surreal comedy. John Boyz (James LeGros) is an aimless sad sack who is wandering Los Angeles in the wake of the 1992 riots. John is in an unclear state of mind; he can't find a job (and doesn't really want one), the IRS has confiscated his money, his girlfriend Jessica (Lisa Zane) is sleeping around, he can't figure out what the beautiful but mysterious Elle (Marzita Rivera) wants from him, his drug-addicted brother Jimmy (Ethan Hawke) needs 3,000 dollars for a detox program, and police chief Merryl Fence (Nelson Lyon) is encouraging the citizens of L.A. to kill themselves. A stellar roster of actors and musicians appear in cameo roles, including John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, Billy Bob Thornton, Viggo Mortensen, Jeremy Piven, Dave Navarro, Dave Alvin, and Exene Cervenka.

One of my personal favorities.

This movie has everything: salient social commentary, great acting and character development, a captivating and touching story line, timely humor, cameos (Billy Bob Thornton, John Cusack, Kim Wayans, Steve Buschemi, Ethan Hawke, and others), and most importantly it deals with the human soul and the complexities of navigating your way through the hardships of the modern world in which we live. I stumbled across this flick while watching the IFC back in 97'. Since then, I've seen this film at least 10 times, and each time its has helped me to clear my head and put things in perspective. Everyone I've ever shared this brilliant picture with has been truly touched by it. If your in search of meaning in the world, yourself, or truth, this movie is for you. "What's so funny bout Peace, Love, and Understanding" 

Clever, sarcastic portrayal of how life can

downward spiral 

An offbeat movie with great one-liners that shows how when life starts to suck, it can spiral in on itself and slowly get worse, but nothing is completely unredemable and that things change. I started out doubting it but ended up really enjoying it. 

Absurdly Funny 

This movie is absurd -- few would debate that. But wicked funny and inspiring in its holistic approach. It's hard to describe in a way, like what Louis Armstrong said about Jazz: "If you have to ask, you'll never know."

James LeGros plays John, whose life can't get any worse. He decides he's getting tired of it and pulls a final coup à la "Falling Down" (only with hilarious results and endearingly surprising fulfillment). His (mis)adventures are a slow-burn treat and the cameos (John Cusack/Ethan Hawke) are sublime 

Independant Masterpiece

James LeGros is by far one of the most underrated actors of all time. He plays John Boyz, a man trying to figure out the meaning of life. It has great cameos, wonderful narrarations, and terrific acting. If you like movies about searching for the truth, this is for you.

"Floundering" is the most underrated movie of the 1990s.

It's well written, well directed, and the performances are outstanding. Best of all though, "Floundering" tackles the difficult existential problems which confront all of us at some point in our lives, yet have no simple solutions. I love it!

My favorite character in "Floundering" is the chief of police (who's based on former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates). Some of his lines are classics: "I'll miss terminating people, I'll miss pacifying areas, I'll miss seeing the looks of anguish on the faces of women and children." God this is a brilliant piece of cinema!

its a beautiful movie,

rare it is to see such a colorful cast of people in an enduring story that is still relevant to this time.

Great film,intelligent triptych through absurd L.A.,

Wow, people gave this gem one star? They must be looking for some Bruce Willis film, which this is not. If you've ever "floundered" or if you want to see how society has floundered at even the best of times, then this thought-provoking film may be for you. Intermixing the personal and the political in the wake of the Rodney King riots, "Floundering" shows a fascinating mix of LA-ians trying to make sense of it all. Their lives are a mix of boredom and shock at what has just occured, and the film follows the central character as he careens through his increasingly desparate search for meaning. With a huge roster of great cameos, its indie roots are at times maybe too exposed, but its breathless pace is such fun that you can't help but get pulled in (if, that is, you have the patience and mindset for films off the beaten track). So, buckle up for a great ride of a film. I watch this once a year, and am fully entertained and even a bit enlightened by the experience. 

What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding.

BECAUSE WE NEED TO SEE THIS FILM NOW MORE THAN EVER!

Summer 2019 THE RE-RELEASE OF

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