Forest for the Trees

This film was very interesting to watch. Having been put together on such a small budget the filmmaker did a very good job at using what he had. This included the actors that were hired as well as the environment where filming took place. It was interesting to find out that the actors were hired partially on the basis of if they could provide their own bike and camping equipment to keep the cost of the entire production lower. The story takes place along the CNO canal and the use of relevant land marks to that area was very accurate. The narrative to this story is intriguing in that it is dramatic and at times comedic while giving each character their own struggle and path to follow throughout the film. The filming techniques were very specific, the close up shots, action shots, and moving shots all give more to the overall plot and storyline that goes on throughout the film. I enjoyed watching it and would recommend it!

Forest for the Trees is an American independent film that looks at struggles every twenty-something eventually faces. From marriage and infidelity to raising children, the film examines some of life's most challenging moments in a very upfront manner. While the beginning of the film drags on for a little bit, once the group of old friends begins their camping trip, the drama escalates and you find yourself wondering if any of these friendships will survive. The film leaves you reevaluating your outlook on relationships, whether they are with your spouse or friends, and ends with the idea that these people learned something about themselves that they might not have ever realized. All in all, it is definitely worth watching!

This film takes the viewer on an emotional, and philosophical, journey by showing the lives and hardships of the characters in an extremely raw and personal way. The writing stands out as being exceptionally well done; the characters' dialogue flows well and their lives and problems are so believable that the viewer connects with each and every one of them. The film itself was created on location, over an extensive period of time, and the filmmakers encountered many problems along the way. While these hurdles (mainly the slight issues with lighting and audio at times) do make certain moments in the film hard to follow, they also add a sense of authenticity to the exhaustion and struggle felt by the characters in the film. Overall, there were a couple of technical issues, but the film itself can be called an intriguing study of human nature.

A touching and funny movie by professor Jonathon Slade, this movie is about a group of old college friends who go on a biking weekend together. Throughout the weekend conflicts occur between the characters and their personal problems. These friends are on their "last big hurrah" before joining the real world as adults.

A solid first feature by Jonathan Slade. This film is a story about real people that you can relate too, not a fabricated Hollywood character. Without looking as the wardrobe and hair choices (clearly 90's), the film is timeless because the center of the film is these relationships with each other and living life in a confusing and difficult time in a persons life. The cinematography left something to be desired as the camera is very static and uninteresting, however, this allows the audience to be a part of the film, as another character. There is very much a feeling that you are sitting with the characters by the campfire and bicycle-riding in the forest. Over the course of the film, these characters develop and discover parts of them they never really wanted to see or admit too and that is so relatable.