Stuck Between Stations

I watched this movie because I'm a huge fan of the song "Stuck Between Stations" by The Hold Steady, so full disclosure, I was a little disappointed by the fact that the song itself, nor any of the plot points from it never appear in the film.

Having that been said, I really enjoyed the characters and the dynamic between the actors. This movie was truly well acted, which is more than you can say for a lot of films, indie or otherwise.

As great as the performances were though, they couldn't make up for the fact that the story was just kind of bland. It's not that it was a bad story, it just wasn't enough to support a full length film. Maybe this is why the plot meandered into overdone independent film filler. I don't want to give away the scenes that I'm talking about, but trust me, you'll know them when you see them.

Still, I would see another movie by this director and writers. Especially since they have such good taste in music.

(2011) Stuck Between Stations DRAMA

Opens with a very blatant beginning, but as soon as the two main characters meet the rest is all smooth sailing. It's like watching a Richard Linklater's "Before Sunrise" movie, but better since the two main characters never go anywhere extravagant nor do they have as much opinions about important issues. Meaning, no one don't need to go to another place they had never go anywhere such as Paris or Greece in order to have a good time. Actually, it's like the most authentic variation about a little reunion. It stars Sam Rosen who also co-wrote the movie along with Nat Bennett. He plays Casper, who's just come back to Minneapolis for something viewers don't quite know what until much later. At the same time, Rebecca (Zoe Lister Jones) but is called "Becky" for short is scrounging around looking for something at an office. By chance both characters eventually see each other at a bar, which what could've been a misunderstood bar fight. We then see Casper leaving the bar, sitting by himself outside. Rebecca then decides to return the baseball cap Casper left behind assuming that he'd still be around and is able to catch up with him. As soon as the two meet, and at first she doesn't seem to recognize him, he finally reminds her who he was and who she used to be. And we come to learn that both of them used to be classmates except that she as well as him had both changed from the last time they had saw each other since they're ten or more years older. This 'authentic' and natural exchange should be something everybody no matter who you are should be able to identify with, without the use of social media as well as relate to as we grow older. I have to say, this has to be one of the best 'reunion' films I had ever encountered and it's intentions are not the same as let's say "The Big Chill" or any other class reunion films, as both of them converse with one another how the other one had changed -it seems very natural and harmless. Each of them also went to spots the other one would not have gone to which is like an example of getting out of your comfort zone moment(s) since Casper has just come back temporarily just so he can go to a funeral, while Becky is trying to retrieve her computer, and both of them are helping the other one out. Actors, Josh Hartnett and "The Sopranos" star Michael Imperioli also star with minor roles.

I'm not one for romantic movies, and i've only written a couple of IMDb reviews, but I have seen a ton of low budget movies over the last few years, and frankly this is one of the best - certainly of the US variety. In fact I'd say it's as good as Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, I can't quite remember those movies names.

This is a very cool movie. It just flows. The main protagonist starts off as a complete dooch. He's in his early 30s and rides a BMX. I almost quit the movie then, but somehow the movie trickles on and before you know it he's striking up a relationship with his high school dream girl.

I won't spoil the movie, but it's a very nice trip, that despite it's obvious basicness doesn't seem like a low budget movie at all. I personally think that this movie was completely engrossing, engaging, thought provoking, interesting, if not inspiring, engaging, no I said that already, and enchanting right from the almost beginning to the end.

Well played to all participants.

Stuck Between Stations is a simple yet effective film that is definitely a mood. It takes place over the span of one night where we follow a soldier who is at home but getting ready to be deployed again. He runs into a high school acquaintance at a bar who he used to be attracted to and a little bit obsessed with, and the rest of the film is us following them through their night. The film moves at a steady pace and has a soothing quality about it. It's an extremely easy watch. During the night they encounter old friends of theirs. The soldiers friends bring up issues with his life decisions and the morality of being a tool for the military industrial complex and corporations while committing atrocities abroad, yet everyone is cordial and things are friendly during these discussions. It eventually becomes evident that the soldier is suffering from early signs of PTSD and begins to question his life decisions by the end of the film. He does everything he can to avoid the topic in detail, until he eventually opens up about his feelings. All that being said, this is just the backdrop to an otherwise light-hearted movie. Conversations are had over past traumas and just life in general. It invokes some sense of nostalgia in that it gets you to think about your own life choices and goals and what not, but not in a heavy handed way at all. It is a very sweet film and has a feel good quality about it that is reminiscent to films such as 'The Sunrise-Sunset-Midnight' trilogy. If you are easily "bored" and not a fan of methodically paced and simple films, then this won't be for you. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this and would recommend it.

I almost passed on this film based on the movie trailer which was interesting, but didn't really grab me. Luckily, this is one of those films where the movie is actually far better than the trailer. The writing was realistic, the banter is entertaining without being precious or too-clever, and the characters were engaging. Altogether, this movie was charming and surprising. It managed to avoid the pitfalls of the genre (one night shot at romance)through solid writing and great casting. The Minneapolis setting is also unique because I had not seen that side of the city before. I saw this in the DUMBO area of Brooklyn at ReRun Gastropub Theatre which I credit as a wonderful venue, but No matter how you view it, check out this lovely film. You are unlikely to be disappointed.