pointyfilippa The movie runs out of plot and jokes well before the end of a two-hour running time, long for a light comedy.

Benas Mcloughlin Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

Allison Davies The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Anoushka Slater While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

luciphee The premise of this film shows promise, but the story that director Martin Weisz chooses to tell ends up being far more wish-fulfilling fairytale, and less an examination of youth on the streets, and the contrast to lives of the 1% living next door. Thomas Dekker and Gabriella Wilde are really just not substantial enough actors to bring any gravitas to the product. Dekker is way too over the top, and never strikes a note of authenticity. Wilde is incredibly lovely, and mostly vapid aside from a few sparks of life she manages in the 2nd half of the film. In fact, its probably better to speed through the first half of this film, because it picks up considerably in the second half. Probably because that's when far more competent actors show up to help carry in the film, i.e Dreyfuss, Davidovich, and Luke Grimes playing the way too perfect son that falls in love with Wilde. On a side note, did no one ever consider switching the roles for Dekker and Grimes? I suspect if they had, you still wouldn't have had a very good film, but I think you would've had a better one. Pro's like Dreyfuss and Davidovich do manage to strike some sympathetic notes as the rich couple who appear to have the perfect lives, but in reality, also are dealing with loss and heartache. And I found myself rooting for the happy ending in spite of my head telling me how ludicrous it was. Chalk that up to some nice chemistry between Wilde and Grimes. And, the film does have an interesting soundtrack, so it had that going for it.

pontificator I found it telling that the criminals pad was more spectacular than the 1%'er fat cats, no doubt that was intentional, maybe crime does pay after all. In contrast to most other reviews the only thing I found preposterous was the ending and the police not checking out the house when they come around. definitely would not have been something cursory in the Palisades, given the taxes those people must pay. Other than these things it was quite OK, obviously not Oscar material. it was interesting to live vicariously thru the squatters enjoying the house (but annoyingly not fully) for the duration. a bit like hitting the mall in the dawn of the dead. the sons pad in Venice though not glamorous was also nothing to sneeze at, but that's fat cats for you, they make sure the next generation of fat cats are well set up.

zif ofoz I ask whoever may read this to please read the Larry Silverstein review titled 'Preposterous'. This writer is far more level headed in his review than I could ever hope to be.Everyone, EVERYONE, in this movie is just plain creepy. Even the story is creepy! We are suppose to believe two drugged out street urchins suddenly clean themselves up and are so pretty - no. The first giveaway was the pure white straight teeth and the fake smudges of fake dirt. And the rich folks clothes fit them perfectly! No! And the girl who in one scene is so drugged out she going to let herself be 'used' by 4 thugs. Then she watches a family video found in the fancy house and suddenly she has transformed into a meek virginal debutante who is ready to sacrifice her life for the 'nice rich family'. No! And then the rich families son falls in love with her and just happens to find her in the movie theatre - just silly.Even the underground drug lord was more like a comic book character. Honestly did Martin Weisz actually view the finished movie? I think not. And Richard Dreyfuss must be 'in need' to do that role as the ever-so-cool dad because he seemed ambivalent in every word he tried to speak.Bad movie, too long.

MartinHafer The first portion of Squatters didn't impress me very much. After all, it simply consists of bad people doing bad things. And, I was worried that the film would simply glorify rotten behavior or have the baddies die in a hail of bullets. However, don't worry—the film gets better—a lot better! And, it doesn't succumb to the usual clichés.When the film begins, Jonas and Kelley (Thomas Dekker and Gabriella Wilde) are homeless. They survive by rooting through dumpsters for food and shoplifting. And, when they aren't doing this, they sleep outdoors and do drugs. Their life isn't very satisfying or complete, that's for sure. However, through some dumb luck, while Jonas is out looking for something to steal, he manages to overhear a woman talking to her maid about their family going on vacation. And, because the woman thinks the two of them are along, she tells the maid the combination to the burglar alarm system! Jonas follows the lady woman home and it looks like he's got it maid…the woman is rich! Later, after the family has left for their trip, Jonas brings Kelley to the house for a little vacation…and to steal everything he can get! For a while, the pair see what it's like to live like rich folks—and they treat themselves to the family's clothes and sports car as well as a great dinner—all paid for by the people on vacation. However, while they stay there, Kelley finds herself looking through videos of the family. And, the more she watches them, the more connected with these people she feels. And, over time, she starts to care for these people she's never met and who they've been robbing. Jonas, on the other hand, just sees it as a chance to make a HUGE killing—and plans on selling everything he can. While this may not seem like that interesting a film, it's the second half that really works well…when the family returns. I could say a lot more about this, but frankly it would spoil the film. Suffice to say it's worth the wait.This is a very interesting film because Richard Dreyfus and Lolita Davidovich play very small parts in support of Dekker and Wilde. Considering that Dreyfus is an Oscar-winning actor and probably doesn't need the money, you can only assume he liked the script or director of they were holding his family hostage to make him appear in the film (I would REALLY like to know)! Regardless, the pair were a really nice addition to what otherwise might just look like an indie picture. Dreyfus is, as always, terrific and Davidovich is timelessly beautiful. They also make GREAT supporting characters. Imagine…a Hollywood film in which rich people are nice and haven't earned their fortunes by being jerks! They are just sweet folks—as is their son in the film (played by Luke Grimes). In fact, although I am definitely straight, I found myself falling in love with Grimes' character—he was just so decent and sweet! With such great support, the film cannot help but work. And, let's not forget Dekker and, especially, Wilde—they are just terrific.Overall, this is a surprisingly good film that is best seen instead of described. Be forewarned, however, that this is rated R and has a bit of nudity and violence (especially at the end). Now this is NOT to say it's gratuitous—as many nude scenes are done with great taste and are not intended to titillate but forward the plot. Well done all around and, unusual for me, there really isn't anything I didn't like about the film!