Gregg Araki. He's a filmmaker specializing in provocative features that largely explore the ways of sex and violence. He emerged in the 1990s, riding an indie film wave with his hostile endeavors, charming art house audiences with his aggressive viewpoint and creative freedom, amassing cult fandom with releases such as "The Doom Generation," "Nowhere," and "Totally F***ed Up." In 2004's "Mysterious Skin," Araki dared to go a little deeper, exploring the abyssal pain of abuse and neglect, shedding most of his artistic hostility to be sincere for a change. Perhaps such a deep dive into the horrors of life was too much for the helmer, who tries to shed his funk in 2007's "Smiley Face," which is as polar opposite a production as possible. Instead of inspecting depression and personal ruin, Araki turns to a streak of silliness for a stoner comedy, out to capture the comedic experience of a young woman battling her impossible high, pulling herself beyond the confines of her apartment to deal with the challenges of society and responsibility. It's pure stupidity from Araki, who's not known for his light sense of humor, and this lack of practice is quite evident in "Smiley Face." It has Anna Faris in full goofball mode, which is a treat, but she's the only element in the effort that's worth following, as the rest of the offering can't rise above dismal ideas for comedy. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com