Institute History
Description
Let's begin at point A. Jane is a pothead. The type who, already stoned at 9:17 a.m., might eat a tray of cupcakes that her roommate specifically instructed her not to touch. When those cupcakes turn out to be marijuana-infused, it is the first step in what will be a very long day for Jane. Jane makes a simple list of what she must do to replace the cupcakes: buy some pot, make new cupcakes. These deceptively simple to-do lists rarely go as planned, and Jane's day soon careens out of control like a runaway train. She certainly shouldn't be driving, but she embarks on a pot-fueled Los Angeles odyssey.
After countless hazy adventures, she reaches point Z. Jane finds herself on a Ferris wheel, in possession of an extremely valuable historical document and talking to a disembodied, imaginary voice about corn chips and orange juice.
Gregg Araki's Smiley Face is aglow with bright colors and vibrant characters. Araki deftly pokes fun at pot culture while affectionately embracing it. A strong comedic performance by Anna Faris as the loveable misguided Jane, and a sublimely bizarre supporting cast, make this a long, strange, and boisterous trip. But please, don't eat the cupcakes.