Angel's Perch

Saw "Angels' Perch" at the cinema last evening after following the production and filming online for months. It was set and filmed in Cass, WV, with a few scenes in Pittsburgh.

The theater was full and one heard sniffles and belly laughs both, during the showing. Gathering in the lobby of the theater after, it was obvious that we didn't want the experience to end.

I'll only give you the story line set-up: Jack is making a name for himself as an architect in Pgh, PA. Nana, his devoted grandmother, lives alone in Cass, WV where Jack grew up, and is beginning to show symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Jack returns to Cass to make arrangements for Nana's care, with a make or break project presentation due in Pgh in one week.

You'll have to see it yourself for...the rest of the story. What you will see and feel is the true personality of West Virginia and her people captured in this film. There are no caricatured hillbillies, no "Deliverance" types or mudding' scenes....just real people and some of the characters were played by real residents in and around Cass. Don't miss it! Ask your local theater for a showing. You will not be sorry! Excellent movie!

Thank you for this story, JT Arbogast!

Wow, this was horrible! About 10 minutes in I started skipping ahead 10 minutes at a time. I still wasted WAY too much time on this ridiculous story. It amazes me that this could have even been filmed. My 2-star rating was extremely generous!

I guess we are supposed to be drawn in by the country folk and their small town ethics. I for one would have only returned for something like Christmas, and then stayed for maybe a few hours.

My summary should have just been one word, BORING!

This is a beautiful example of a film filled with old time values. It is admirable how Jack, a young adult, finds a way to do the right thing when his big break is dangling right in front of him. He struggles with balancing a demanding career, his personal issues and dealing with the trials of taking care of his Grandmother who is battling Alzheimer's. Each main character has a strong personality that finds viewers whispering, "I know someone like him or her". There are a few hidden twists that viewers are not aware of until well into the movie. The movie is so well written, that one is left wanting more when the film ends. J.T. Arbogast managed to capture the full array of feelings that family members experience when dealing with a relative with an awful disease.

"Angel's Perch" is an amazing film, beautifully acted, written straight from the heart. It tells a story that will resonate with many but avoids clichés. The characters are so real, you walk away feeling like you know them. Anyone who has had to care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's will relate to the ups and downs and struggles that this family goes through. But there are light moments as well; quirky townspeople, relationships with expertly blurred boundaries. This film makes you feel that you are actually not in a theatre, but a fly on the wall, lucky enough to glimpse into the character's lives.

In a world of big budget super hero block busters, this is incredibly refreshing. Hats off to the cast and crew!

This movie does a beautiful job of telling the story of Alzheimer's without resorting to clichés. It lets you experience the heartbreak of the disease from the side of the family and the victim. It also addresses many of the concerns that come with caring from those who used to care for us.

It's no surprise that the theater was filled with sounds of people crying. What was a surprise was how many times we also laughed out loud. The script didn't rely on emotional manipulation, but simply let the story unfold and the humanity of its characters shine.

The scenery of the movie was beautiful, and anyone who lives in or has visited Western PA and West Virginia will appreciate seeing the location stand out as an additional character.