Live Free or Die

Starring: Aaron Stanford, Paul Schneider, Michael Rapaport, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, & Zooey Descchanel

Produced by: Stephen Dembitzer

Directed by: Gregg Kavet & Andy Robin

Think Film

Rated R

With a number of movies being released in theaters and on DVD Think Film is starting to make a name for itself as one of the top independent film companies in the business. Live Free or Die is one of their newer DVD releases, and though not spectacular, it does provide several moments of laugh out loud comedy.

Set in the small New Hampshire town of Rutland, Live free or Die is the story of small time crook John "Rugged" Rudgate; played by Aaron Stanford who comic book movie fans may recognize as Pyro from the X-Men movies. How small time of a criminal is Rugged? His biggest scam is having a sidekick steal truck driving school certificates which he manages to sell for $60.00.

When Rugged runs across an old acquaintance, the slow witted Lagrande who just inherited his father's storage shed business, Rugged tries to weasel his way into the company. While trying to prove his toughness to Lagrande, Rugged takes revenge on a bully by pouring brake fluid into the bully's well. When the bully dies from food poisoning, Rugged mistakenly thinks he is responsible for the man's death and after a series of comedic coincidences, he and Lagrande find themselves fugitives. Throw in a cast of oddball characters, and you have the makings of a fairly entertaining movie.

Live Free or Die was written and directed by Gregg Kavet and Andy Robin who also were two of the writers of the television series Seinfeld. You can definitely see similarities as Live Free or Die has a Seinfeld feel to it. The writing is intelligent, but the directing was a little shaky at times. This movie would have been better suited in the hands of a more experienced director.

Aaron Stanford is good in the leading role of Rugged Rudgate, but Paul Schneider is hilarious as the dimwitted Lagrande, and he absolutely steals the show. Michael Rapaport does a serviceable job as LT. Rutney the emotionally unstable police officer who learns his wife is having an affair. Judah Friedlander is funny in his role as Mr. Hesh the owner of the town's hardware store, and he has the best line in the movie which will leave you rolling on the floor laughing. The cast is rounded out by Zooey Deschanel and character actor Kevin Dunn who both do a decent job in their respective roles.

The DVD is not loaded with extras, but there are a few worth mentioning. There is of course the usual filmmaker and cast commentary along with a blooper reel and two deleted scenes. The DVD also offers an alternate ending and a Think Film trailer gallery. Lastly, there is a Making of Live Free or Die short which offers a quick behind the scenes look.

Live Free or Die is not a great film, but it does offer several moments of hilarity. It has a rather simple comedic plot, but seeing as it was written by former Seinfeld writers what would you expect. The cast all do a respectable job with Paul Schneider as the real stand out. Live Free or Die is not the greatest movie you will ever watch, but if you want a light hearted simple comedy, then it is worth your time.

Special Features:

Filmmaker & Cast Commentary

Alternate Ending

The Making of Live Free or Die

Blooper Reel

Two Deleted Scenes

Trailer Gallery

English & Spanish Subtitles

5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound