Live Free or Die

Watch Live Free or Die

"The criminal mind is a terrible thing to waste"
  • R
  • 2006
  • 5.4  (2,518)

Live Free or Die is a quirky and entertaining comedy-drama film from 2006, directed and written by Gregg Kavet and Andy Robin. The movie follows the lives of two unlikely friends, a petty thief named John "Rugged" Rudgate, portrayed by Aaron Stanford, and a naive gas station attendant named Jeff Lagrand, portrayed by Paul Schneider. The film is set in a small town in New Hampshire and follows the friends as they get into increasingly convoluted situations and schemes, as they try to get ahead in life.

The movie opens with a shot of a rural town in New Hampshire and introduces us to the two main characters, John Rudgate and Jeff Lagrand. John is a self-proclaimed "outlaw" who has been in and out of jail for petty crimes throughout his life. Jeff, on the other hand, is a simple-minded gas station attendant who has just inherited the gas station from his father. Initially, the two characters do not cross paths, but they eventually meet when John steals gasoline from Jeff's gas station.

As the movie progresses, John takes Jeff under his wing, and the two become unlikely friends. John teaches Jeff how to become more assertive and confident, and Jeff helps John plan his criminal heists. The duo starts to get involved in various dubious schemes, including stealing roadkill to sell as exotic meat and running a fake charity to scam money from people. Their schemes inevitably get them in trouble, and they end up facing the wrath of the local mafia.

The film's central theme is the American Dream and how everyday people try to achieve it, sometimes resorting to unscrupulous means. John and Jeff are the embodiment of this theme, as they both have big dreams and aspirations, but lack the resources to make them a reality. John, in particular, is driven by his desire to become a successful criminal, and he is willing to do anything to achieve his goal. Jeff, on the other hand, just wants to have enough money to buy a boat and live on it.

Live Free or Die features excellent performances from the entire cast, with special mention going to Aaron Stanford and Paul Schneider, who both deliver standout performances. Stanford plays John with a charming and charismatic quality that makes him an instantly likable character, despite his delinquent tendencies. Schneider, on the other hand, does an excellent job of portraying Jeff as a simple-minded person who is, at the same time, endearing and hilarious.

The film's humor is a mix of slapstick, black comedy, and witty dialogue. The humor is often dark, but it never feels mean-spirited. The comedic moments are well-timed and provide much-needed relief from the intense and serious moments in the film.

The movie's cinematography and production design are also noteworthy. The film features beautiful shots of rural New Hampshire, highlighting the state's natural beauty. The film's production design is also impressive, with attention paid to every small detail, from the outfits of the characters to the interiors of their homes.

In conclusion, Live Free or Die is an entertaining and engaging comedy-drama that offers a fresh take on the American Dream. The film's excellent performances, witty writing, and impressive production design make it a worthwhile movie to watch. If you are a fan of quirky and unconventional comedies, then Live Free or Die is definitely worth checking out.

Live Free or Die
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Description
  • Release Date
    2006
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.4  (2,518)
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