City Baby

I just witnessed this gem at a local theater in Portland, OR, where this movie is staged. Having gone to many independent films in the local area, I was actually a bit skeptical and my expectations were low going into it, due to having seen many recent duds. But boy, from the very beginning of the screen roll, I fell in love with this movie! The directing and shooting were stellar - I was truly blown away by the artsy yet purposeful way in which it was shot (at one point, there is a "rainbow" lens flare that protrudes subtly across the screen during a scene that was masterfully done - I wondered: was this a brilliant mistake or done on purpose? But then decided it didn't even matter, because it just made sense with the rest of the film and coincided with the hilarious "play within a play"). But digressions aside, it was also the acting that truly carries this film. Cora Benesh is so damn sweet and natural in her lead performance that you want to just watch her all day long. Jillian Leigh is stunning in a multi-faceted role. Andrew Harris brings us a complex portrayal of a seemingly dark douche bag, and Richard Keith and Dustin Rush knock it out of the park with their suave and fantastic performances as well. Great job, I'm a big fan! Three words: See. This. Movie.

As US Indies go, this one's cup is certainly more half empty than full. Sure, not a terrible first effort, but really nothing here you won't see much better in many a student film. The problems really begin with the lead actor, the very beautiful but completely underwhelming Cora Benesh. A performance so lame you have to wonder what the director was thinking in casting her. Are people in Portland really this mindless or is she just someone David Morgan managed to get within his meager budget. And then there's the meandering story without any substance whatsoever. It leaves you wondering what the point was in making the movie. I saw City Baby at Dances with Films in Los Angeles. It didn't catch much fire there either, but I guess it will need to screen at more established festivals before it finds its way or not.

I really enjoyed this film. Interestingly, I think for the same reasons some of the other reviewers here did not. The characters seemed all intentionally unlikable - yet they were interesting - at least to me. Also, it was not a heavily plotted film, but more of a slice of life. Personally, I enjoy watching films that are not so heavily plotted but are more like a small window into a world that we get to peek into for a little while. And here, form seems to follow function. In other words, the story just kind of meanders along as do the characters in the film. So, for me, the "structure" of the story - or rather lack there of - really suits the subject matter and theme of this film, which is a group of lost twenty somethings aimlessly drifting about their lives. I also feel that the director did a great job setting the mood and tone of the story - the music, the art direction, the lighting and camera work were all really cohesive and gave me a good feel of the world that these characters inhabit. I've never been to Portland, but the attitude felt a lot like my hometown. Everyone wanted to go to New York too - really just for the sake of going. If you left the small town to go to the big city, that was an accomplishment in itself. I get that from these characters here - but their real problem is that they have no real goals or any true intention to achieve them. I think the intention of the film is to cast a light on a lazy, aimless generation that expects everything for nothing and Cora Benesh's character and performance capture this attitude perfectly.

"In every man's heart there is a secret nerve that answers to the vibrations of beauty." If you go to www.bing.com.. you will see from the numerous images of her, she is even much more beautiful than in the majority of the City Baby film. But as for the movie itself, it's really just okay... the majority of reviewers got it right. As such, she'll have to wait for another opportunity to prove her acting talent. And some voice lessons in the meantime could be useful as well... there's many scenes in the film where just the sound of her voice becomes extremely irritating. Part might have been determined by the role she's playing, and if it's all put on, well then maybe she really does have some talent. (But having such a beautiful young woman play at times such an irritating character, well if that's what ur going for).

I know I've seen a good film when it leaves me wanting more when it's over. That's "City Baby." I'd love to see more of Cloey and Paige. I had the pleasure of interviewing the actresses behind those characters, Cora Benesh and Jillian Leigh, and they could not have been any cooler or fun. I love a good indie film and this is definitely one. I want to have a beer with this movie (and Cora and Jillian). I would love to see them in another project together. Daniel Baldwin is great in his few scenes too. There's some good improv, music, and attitude to this film. So watch the movie and read the interview here! http://thedodgy.com/2014/04/25/city-babes/