Howl (8/10)

"I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked," Allen Ginsberg opening to his controversial  poem "Howl" may not define a generation but it gives one hell of a day. "Howl" is more a tribute than a strict movie. That makes the film interesting. It moves through several stories and scenes to tell the story of this great poem. There are scenes telling the early working years of Allen Ginsberg (James Franco in a nice restrained performance), and scenes of the first telling of the poem in Six Gallery bar. Part of the story takes place in a courtroom where the state of California brought obscenity charges against Lawrence Ferlinghetti for publishing the piece. The court scenes are all 100% factual giving it a nice documentary feel but with strong actors (Jon Hamm, David Strathairn, Jeff Daniels, and Mary-Louise Parker) to keep it from becoming monotonous. Then there are animated scenes illustrating the poem trying to bring it to life. It's a bit odd but the strongest parts of poem still work miracles. Howl is nice to watch because it is not like any other film out there. Allen Ginsberg is a personal hero of mine and this artistic portrayal is something to be enjoyed. 

8/10

Recommended: If you want to learn about one of the great works and minds of literature then this movie is for you. It's a bit weird and the poetry scenes may confuse some. It's a trip that others will love though.