War Stories

I really enjoyed this film. Its plot twists keep you guessing, with plenty of misdirection. I won't give any spoilers, but many of the topics the film deals with are very timely right now, so hopefully it will get wider exposure. There are strong performances from many members of the cast, especially the younger actors. The film also has some very funny moments, which keep the film from getting too dark (or tied down by teen angst). You really identify with Tim's confusion as he seeks to unravel the mystery of his Father.

This is a strong debut for writer/director Lee Whitman, and was obviously a labor of love. Definitely worth seeing for yourself if you have the opportunity!

It's cheesy to say, but you only get one chance to make a first impression. Whitman, with his feature debut, does one hell of a job! His natural cinematography abilities make you forget that you are watching an indie film. He takes risks with camera angels that turn out so amazing that I'm sure it will be mimicked. The editing is smoothly done which was expected after only watching the trailer. The story, as well, is weaved together impressively and deals with so many issues that this film is a must see for every individual. The actors give such an emotional performance that you develop a deep love/hate relationship with each one within minutes of the film. WAR STORIES is unarguably a film for the heart, mind, and soul! Whitman is absolutely brilliant and I am excited to see what is next for him!

This work goes in no direction you expect. Poor Tim wants to write about his war hero father who died in the Gulf War. It's his school final history project. The teacher calls him into his office and tells him he needs to provide an obituary if he wants to write about his father. This leads Tim on a most unexpected journey.

The suspenseful music right from the beginning leads us to question what might be coming. The director manages to engage us immediately and keeps us engaged through the zigs and zags of the story. With a minimum budget for special effects he still manages to convey distinctions in time and place.

I recommend this film highly, as I'm hoping it will be either the opener or centerpiece film for the festival I've just screened it for.

When I first lined up to see WAR STORIES, I didn't know what to expect; that's the joy of watching independent films! And frankly, I'm surprised this hasn't been featured in any other festivals besides the one down in Asheville. Sure, we've all heard the premise "What if everything you knew changed?", but WAR STORIES handles it in quite a different manner. To post how would be spoilerific; however, I can say that the plot twist towards the end of the film is dramatic and unsettling, because it very well could happen. The film makes one empathize with the main characters, for they're quite well-written.

Whitman's cinematography is beautifully done; most of the acting is spot-on (with the main characters at least); and the music does carry some lasting appeal, especially since (mind you) this is an independent film; and best of all, the film keeps your attention, running close to two hours. My only qualms with the film apply to the delivery of some minor characters' lines and the mother's appearance hardly changing after a time transition during the first fifteen-or-so minutes. Where can I find a plastic surgeon like hers? She doesn't even have a wrinkle after raising a son into his teenage years!

Film Quality: 10/10 Story: 10/10 Acting: 8/10 Music: 10/10 Audio: 9/10

Overall: 9

War Stories has a plot that draws you into a coming of age story of a young man. However, as an adult, it seems most films in the genre are 'been there, done that... please don't remind me', but this one is an exception and is entertaining. An impressive example of a low-budget film for its establishment of context (though I wish there had been more audio context/background noise present)and character evolution. Without giving away spoilers, I will say that the mother is possibly the most tragic character -- having lost touch with reality. There are some humorous moments when the film borrows scene-types from other movies.