Valerie Flake

I've seen Valerie Flake twice now at screenings, and was very pleasantly surprised the first time, and equally entertained the second. The performances are wonderful without exception, and the direction is very accomplished. This is especially so considering the no doubt abbreviated shooting schedule on a $500,000 budget. While I had a few small problems with the ending, I was unable to find any major faults in the film. I think the picture hinges almost entirely on the performance of the lead acttress, and I can see why some moviegoers might not be instantly smitten with her. However, I think that's part of what makes the film work. It takes some work on the audiences part to root for this character, but once you make that decision you're in for an entertaining ride.

Far be it from me to try to tell anyone they will or won't like a film---I've been wrong far too often. But I liked the film, flawed as it was. The script didn't always ring very realistic, but the cast pulled it off pretty well. Desribed earlier as `homely', I found Valerie (Susan Traylor) to be the kind of homely that it would be easy to fall in love with at first sight. I remember her from "Broken Vessels", too, (probably a better film) so maybe she has a nice Catherine Keener-esque career ahead of her. As for the ending, I found myself wondering how it related to the rest of the film, so I was left a bit uneasy.

Excellent job of writing on this. Not our usual Hollywood garb, but writer Robert Tilem added a rather complex, confused, and conflicting portrayal of lead character Valerie Flake (Susan Traylor) Most scripts do not delve into subject matter like this, but rather stay at the safe, surface (let's sell tickets) level. Peter Michael Goeta (My Engagement Party) plays Valerie's Father-In-Law and is just one of many in the film that can't figure out what to make of their deceased son's widowed wife. Jay Underwood also does a admirable job as the (innocent) love interest! I also find Valerie Flake's character to be more believable because physically she is no goddess, but knows what she can get from others...whether she wants it or not! For an Indy film, I very much liked the delivery. Kudos to John Putch (Director, and son of Jean Stapleton) and Robert Tilem (Writer) for not being afraid to film against the predictable Hollywood grain!. Hope to see more films from this team!

Wayne Dwight (nwdwight@earthlink.net) With all the comments the above person wrote were way off base! This was one of those movies that keeps you on edge of your seat wondering where it is going and if this poor unfortunate can find happiness, which she ends up not finding! Sad movie, but fun to watch and just enjoy as a story that most of us will never live! Susan Traylor did an excellent job in this movie! Don't understand why this hasn't brought her additional roles. She just made the movie, even with her exposure and dead pan expressions, which just made her more interesting to the viewer! I have to say I really enjoyed watching and enjoying her work!

I've now seen this movie twice. I still don't know what I've seen. Unusual yes, repetitive yes, boring no, well acted yes, predictable yes, unusual plot no. So how do you evaluate this movie ? See it for yourself, give it time, it will gather your interest, do not expect a lot. While Susan Traylor is not pretty and looks well worn in some scenes, she does have a sexy face and nice body movements, she sure could use some more curves though. Her acting talent is pretty good, although I have never seen her in another movie, so it's hard to judge on the basis of one time. She is this movie, she carries it throughout. The rest of the acting seams pretty good to me and each character adds something to the film. I suggest you watch it..