Drawing with Chalk

Sorry, the filmmakers certainly were earnest and struggled to put together a shoe string- production that doesn't show its bare-bones roots too much. However, nobility of art,hard work, and films from made at used care prices don't necessary mean good films. Apparently not autobiographical, the movie does seem to be a friends and family production that might have done with a intervention from professionals or least some objective influence. This film might have been a little bit stronger if it indeed were an autobiographical story ( the filmmakers claimed it was not). Oddly enough, putting the film together must have been a testament to the filmmaker's friendship, struggle and dedication for art over pragmatism. However, the movie's themes run directly counterfactual to that premise. I respect their efforts, but I guess they may have been to close to the material. Alas, the whole package reminds me of a zillion other domestic drama movies i have seen at film fests. The same situations, same undercooked script, no really cinematic sophistication--which is not always a bad thing.

In brief, the movie is a coming-of-maturity struggle of Matt reconciling his responsibilities versus his dreams of becoming a musician. On one side is his Desi wife, his stereotypical un- accepting in-laws and his son. On the other is long-time friend and bandmate, Matt. The soundtrack is strewn with self-written music that is an amalgam of average jangle-pop and pseudo-John Lennon Beatles' tunes. It is all forced dialog and predictable situations, it is unoffensive yet forgettable, unpromising and nothing to really set it apart."A" for effort and all that, but you still wouldn't want to put down your cash for it or recommend it to others.

One very very minor nitpick that is a pet peeve of mine although open to debate. The filmmakers refer to Hornell and Steuben County as "Upstate," where "Southern Tier" would be more accurate and used by most natives from west of the Hudson. And some of us even resent the use of Upstate.