standin_ontherocks
Joined Nov 2022
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Reviews6
standin_ontherocks's rating
There's nothing flashy about 'Oildale' but it's imprinting.
It's refreshing to see a modest budget production beat large. The movie breathes the essence of kindness and respect across generations - irrespective of whether one is man, woman, boy or girl - whilst exploring ongoing shadows of veteran homelessness, war injuries, post-war treatment by society and PTSD. These aspects are skillfully captured - by the actors, script and director - in a realistic, relatable way through an understated presentation which carries the drama, as does the modest setting. A beautiful demonstration of less is more.
It's also refreshing to see simple family and friendship values anchor a movie without romance or ego: a rarity for a setting in modern times. Indeed, the mention of a YouTube channel half way through reminds you this is set in the recent now.
It's important to note making the movie was personal to both the writer and director - Lynn Salt and David Mueller - Salt inspired by her war veteran father and both inspired by the veteran homelessness, roots of country music and fabric of community in Bakersfield, of which the small town Oildale is a suburb. Secondly, involved original contributions from songwriters, collaboration with Bakersfield musicians and support from the community, many volunteering their time. This spirit is in the film's pulse.
A critique would be some moments in the story arc and supporting actor roles were cliché and predictable. Nonetheless, the overall impact is subtlety complex.
Lastly, you don't have to be a country music lover for this film to resonate.
It's refreshing to see a modest budget production beat large. The movie breathes the essence of kindness and respect across generations - irrespective of whether one is man, woman, boy or girl - whilst exploring ongoing shadows of veteran homelessness, war injuries, post-war treatment by society and PTSD. These aspects are skillfully captured - by the actors, script and director - in a realistic, relatable way through an understated presentation which carries the drama, as does the modest setting. A beautiful demonstration of less is more.
It's also refreshing to see simple family and friendship values anchor a movie without romance or ego: a rarity for a setting in modern times. Indeed, the mention of a YouTube channel half way through reminds you this is set in the recent now.
It's important to note making the movie was personal to both the writer and director - Lynn Salt and David Mueller - Salt inspired by her war veteran father and both inspired by the veteran homelessness, roots of country music and fabric of community in Bakersfield, of which the small town Oildale is a suburb. Secondly, involved original contributions from songwriters, collaboration with Bakersfield musicians and support from the community, many volunteering their time. This spirit is in the film's pulse.
A critique would be some moments in the story arc and supporting actor roles were cliché and predictable. Nonetheless, the overall impact is subtlety complex.
Lastly, you don't have to be a country music lover for this film to resonate.
Watched it because haven't seen Freddie Prince Jr much since the 90's so - although this type of movie is totally not my thing - thought why not give it a go for relaxed easy viewing which is what I was looking for and exactly what it served. Although the whole film is all incredibly cute, lovely, happy, Xmas lights everywhere, cheesy music etc - all things that are absolutely not my thing - I just enjoyed it. It's basically just a nice movie and sometimes it's refreshing to just watch something nice. I also felt the actors all had fun with their roles and that really effervesced warmth from the screen. Found myself watching with a smile. Will put on for my niece over Xmas she'll love it.