The Last Mango

It's half way there! Definitely some quality acting in this piece, "The Greaesman" especially, and some very thought provoking themes - if you get the vision of the director - "Life is about choices - chances we take and chances we wish we never took - What would be your thoughts as you take your last breath?". Christian's character, played by Danny Evans touches on this theme during his conversation with two other men at The Last Mango bar. However, this was far into the film and could have been missed as to being the "message" of this piece. A revised edit would have the gypsy character clarified as being the "thread" that ties the pieces together - she portrays the connection between "life" and the "last breath". Her role is to give a visual awareness to our own inner voices. She sees the path that everyone is walking and observes and gives "warnings" - like we all receive as we move through life - but "warnings" are often ignored and when it's all played out we are left with, "What's it all about - is this all there is – what made me do this – If only I knew then what I know now." Following this "theme", the director is coming closer to what he wants to portray. Could it use more cohesiveness - yes! Could some of the scenes be improved technically - yes! However, for a "first" "low/no budget" "independent" - I personally give high kudos to this director, John Calvin Doyle, for accomplishing something that is difficult, if not impossible for first time film makers: making his first screened project a union based project, using accomplished local talent ( actors, writers, editors, crew ) and producing a piece riddled with "Hollywood" style shots .........I'm done with seeing first timers ( & old timers) using master shots to the point of "ad nausea"! My final comment: do away with the over kill on drugs and T & A shots - some is good for "flavor" but if you're wanting to keep the audience focused on your message - make your target the "choices" and "results"........Overall – very entertaining and would suggest to anyone out there that is in a position to invest; here's your chance! I am predicting the finely tuned finished product will be snatched up by the "Big Boys" that can put this into cinema showcases both here and abroad. Just a hunch....... it's all a matter of choices we make ;)

I thought this movie had potential, but the dialogue was hard to hear and a lot of scenes were confusing in the beginning. It had humor, and some witty dialogue. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought this was a freshman film project. The director seemed want try different things for a perceived artistic effect. I wonder if he used a storyboard at all? The gypsy was really redundant and did nothing for the plot. What was with the scene that showed her butt in the air for what seemed like five minutes? Doug Tracht (DC's WRC's Greaseman) did a wonderful job as scuba guy. The proceeds from the show went to ovarian cancer research. I know this is a work in progress, and I hope the next time it will be more professional and more coherent.

Humorous and edgy independent film. Not bad for a low/no budget film product. The movie has a potentially thought provoking theme...life is about the choices we make and that we are shaped by the chances we take. The part of the movie that most highlighted this theme was the conversation between Christian and the other two men at the Last Mango bar when they were arguing about this very concept. The theme was also highlighted by the female character, Angel deciding to leave her girlfriend and take a chance with the womanizing male character, Christian, and by the young ladies who decided to get into the car with the Greaseman. There were some other metaphors as well - the Greaseman and the girl driving down the road at the end of the film, the Gypsey's warning of danger at the cemetery. Not quite sure about the film title. I wonder Doyle, why did you pick the title, The Last Mango? Was it a metaphor?

When was the last time an independent movie garnished so much attention and controversy? Apparently, "The Last Mango" has been raising up a storm of emotionally challenging reviews which question the Director's true intent. John Calvin Doyle, wrote and directed "Fishing with Tink and Earl" and "The Falsetoes" as improbable as could be, both movies shine with a comedic brilliance, in an extraordinarily low budget tone. Doyle has brought a new face to the indy genre of the Baltimore/DC metropolitan area, a face that includes his latest project, "The Last Mango" which experiments with the darkly humorous, grotesque side of happy hour, drugs and betrayal, darkly lit back alleys and lots of old muscle cars. John Calvin Doyle has faced an exceptionally challenging audience with a bold and adventurous tale that is not a happy walk through the park. In his editing devices, Doyle has experimented with lighting, sound and surrealism in his shooting techniques. He has broken ground to the concept of independent film and should be credited to his artistic achievement with designing some of the greatest character actors to grace an independent film.

I saw the film twice, first time not so great (tech issues) and not a great edit at all, but the audience seem to follow it better than I did. which made me want to see it a second time 2nd time Excellent Film! much better film and a different edit, much better and shocking! although there are some small areas that still need to be made to look like film. The director did a great job with making this really interesting but yet you don't feel like your watching a film, it feels real or happens so fast you think its real I am sure they did some improv because the acting was very good almost to real, the writing was great, and of coarse anyone who sees this film will remember "The Greaseman" forever, I am sure if this film gets out, he will become a huge star. The director of the film has his own style which I thought was refreshing and completely different than anything I have ever seen. The reaction from the audience was what you would hear in a real big budget film, everyone followed the film and seem to relate to the characters, or tried to

This is a must see for anyone who likes a really good independent film. One of the few movies I would watch a third time, to try to see why I was not able to predict it better. By then I am sure they will have polished it to a diamond

One of my favorites "The Last Mango"

Watch it and see for yourself