iraheffler
Joined Jun 2016
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Ratings5
iraheffler's rating
Reviews3
iraheffler's rating
I embrace indie films with main characters who often are flawed ... and far from heroic. But they're honest and real! I've become fed up with Hollywood movies with characters who suddenly arc and grow. After all, it's very rare - if ever - when that transformation happens in real life. So, those movies are guilty of perpetuating that myth.
Is the main character in "30-Love" likeable? Nope. He's kind of a putz, and far from being a protagonist. But he's interesting and compelling ... and human.
People grieve in different ways. Well, this is his way. And this is his story. Warts and all. And if it makes you uneasy - and it will - then the film succeeded.
Robert Cannon, the main character (who is also the co-writer and director), gives a powerful performance. And he has surrounded himself with a strong supporting cast: his coach/trainer gives a very natural performance, and his close friend is also extremely good; his mother-in-law is played by veteran actress Brenda Vaccaro, and she still has her acting chops; and his father-in-law is played by Robert Craighead, whose character presents the calm voice of reason in the story ... and he does it very well.
The funniest scene in the movie is when another tennis player and the referee are chewing each other out. The actor who plays the ref is very familiar to me, I know I've seen him in other things.
As far as production values, the music is outstanding. It textures the scenes, and pops when it needs to. And the movie looks great! Both the cinematography and editing are very impressive.
The film is not perfect. Even though it's a gem, it's got a few minor flaws. And that's why I vacillated between giving it 5 or 4 stars. But - because it's got solid acting, impressive production values, and dares to be edgy, raw, and wonderfully unsettling - I decided to go with the 5.
The Los Angeles Times said the ending of "30-Love" is almost a horror movie. Yes, it is! It's quite disturbing. However, following the main character's trajectory, it's as honest and real as can be. Kudos to the filmmakers for not wimping out.
Is the main character in "30-Love" likeable? Nope. He's kind of a putz, and far from being a protagonist. But he's interesting and compelling ... and human.
People grieve in different ways. Well, this is his way. And this is his story. Warts and all. And if it makes you uneasy - and it will - then the film succeeded.
Robert Cannon, the main character (who is also the co-writer and director), gives a powerful performance. And he has surrounded himself with a strong supporting cast: his coach/trainer gives a very natural performance, and his close friend is also extremely good; his mother-in-law is played by veteran actress Brenda Vaccaro, and she still has her acting chops; and his father-in-law is played by Robert Craighead, whose character presents the calm voice of reason in the story ... and he does it very well.
The funniest scene in the movie is when another tennis player and the referee are chewing each other out. The actor who plays the ref is very familiar to me, I know I've seen him in other things.
As far as production values, the music is outstanding. It textures the scenes, and pops when it needs to. And the movie looks great! Both the cinematography and editing are very impressive.
The film is not perfect. Even though it's a gem, it's got a few minor flaws. And that's why I vacillated between giving it 5 or 4 stars. But - because it's got solid acting, impressive production values, and dares to be edgy, raw, and wonderfully unsettling - I decided to go with the 5.
The Los Angeles Times said the ending of "30-Love" is almost a horror movie. Yes, it is! It's quite disturbing. However, following the main character's trajectory, it's as honest and real as can be. Kudos to the filmmakers for not wimping out.
I like this movie. A lot.
The movie has great casting, strong acting, and a solid look ... and I liked the music, especially the use of piano.
Frankly, I have no idea why this indie film is getting such negative ratings.
Although it's somewhat talky at times, I found Lonely Boys to be a gritty New York kinda story, with an ending that's ultimately a love story ... but not the way you expect.
Definitely worth watching!
Indie films tend to be either high concept or character driven with lots of angst. It's so refreshing to see this indie film – a family comedy. And it's well executed.
It's even more refreshing to see the serious subject of bullying tackled in a humorous yet satisfying way. The story line is clever and the whole movie works.
It's well shot and well acted. The parents do a terrific job, and the kids are infectious.
How to Beat a Bully is a well-made movie that tackles a very real social problem that has a good moral and that's enjoyable and fun to watch!
It's even more refreshing to see the serious subject of bullying tackled in a humorous yet satisfying way. The story line is clever and the whole movie works.
It's well shot and well acted. The parents do a terrific job, and the kids are infectious.
How to Beat a Bully is a well-made movie that tackles a very real social problem that has a good moral and that's enjoyable and fun to watch!