SubUrbia (1996) review

Disaffected youngsters, including college dropout Jeff (Giovanni Ribisi), his artist girlfriend Sooze (Amie Carey), troubled former athlete Tim (Nicky Katt), booze bag Buff (Steve Zahn) and nurse's aide Bee-Bee (Dina Spybey), spend their night hanging around a convenience store, drinking too much and worrying about the future; when Pony (Jayce Bartok), an old acquaintance who made it big as a rock star shows up with his publicist Erica (Parker Posey), jealousy over his success creates more tension.  Eric Bogosian wrote the script (based on his own play) but it still feels like it's on the stage (even though it was shot outdoors in Austin, Texas) and the scenes sort of run on until everyone's yelling at each other ... and then, naturally, it has to have a sacrificial lamb to send it out on a sad note.  Part of me shares disdain for the "mosh pit of consumerism" that has become parts of America ... but I also appreciate being able to pick up snacks, gasoline and withdraw from an ATM all in the same area (call me a Boomer ... I dare you).