An American Reunion

I am truly looking forward to my ten year reunion now. This movie has peaked my interest in how my friends have turned out and what they are doing for a living. After graduating high school I came to New York, then went to Los Angeles, then to Miami, then...

The guy that wrote this story has been deeply affected by his high school days, and I think that's wonderful. Most people just move on with their lives but this guy, has hit a major nerve with this movie. My first love, my first romance, and my first experience with losing a close friend all happened right after high school. I think about the friends and lovers and even the one night stands I had, in high school all the time. Sometimes it saddens me, but I choose to remember them, and their smiles. Great movie Mr. Fitzpatrick. I just never give any movies a ten.

I found this particular piece to be so tough to swallow, that the reality was unbearable. As a society, we either choose to learn and grow from each obstacle we encounter, or we choose to wallow in it. Although I have experienced both sides of the pain, this film brought back so many harsh memories. And while the film is a true story, maybe it should have been released as a docudrama. Hard to watch, but good. As far as the technical aspect of the piece, I found it executed with a sense of simplicity that reminded me of films from the mid to late 60's and 70's. I have never liked films that jump around from angle to angle, unless the frenetic style was important.

This story forces you to reflect and remember the friendships, that we've all had in our lives, that ultimately effected us forever. Those relationships that shaped our humanity and compassion. Those people, whose names and faces are etched in our hearts, 'til the day we die. And it seems as though, that reuniting with people that cared about us for who we were, and not what we had, can be the our truest barometer for life. It's all about the lessons we learned together, and the experiences we shared. The passions we developed, and the hopes we deployed. This story taps into the psyche, and forces you to examine the choices we've all made in our lives. No matter what the outcome. But, to know however, that if we should fail with our choices, that we would still be loved and held dear by those who truly are friends for life. American Friends & Lovers, is a refreshing point of view regarding friendship... humorously and painfully depicted in this piece.

There's are less few movies make today, that touch me anymore like life touch me. I have a very tough expectation for stories and all the money that they make and all they are is special effects and big stars that just work on them for the money. When i get this movie at the video store, i get it because it was based on a true happening and I wanted to see what Americans do at their reunion partys. It start out with the past pictures and what they do and then the movie begins. I enjoyed it because it make me think of my friends growing up. I think it important to remember who make who you are today, and that is the main storyline. Never forget you friends. Love them. Love you families. Never forget anytime in you life, if you want to be a good person with a good heart. Ciao.

My fiance' Jonah and I used to live below the Jodi & Jim Fitzpatrick in Los Angeles back in the early 90's. They were very talented actors, but also lived their lives as common folks. No egos, no attitudes, just fun loving naturally kind hearted people. They enjoyed the holidays, especially Christmas and I remember them showing all of the Christmas cartoons "Frosty," "Charlie Brown," "Rudolph," and I remember thinking how sweet that was for all of us to watch. It brought back memories. Then one day, I remember Jimmy getting a call from his mother that his High School girlfriend shot & killed herself...shocking. But, instead of Jimmy becoming depressed, he wrote a play about their relationship and a ten year reunion called "Ten Year." I know this because my fiance' (then husband) Jonah played a role in the play. Finally when we saw the movie we were so touched and happy for them, because the movie ended-up being an homage to past loves lost and friendships taken for granted. So, Jodi & Jimmy, congratulations on making such a deeply touching film. We love you both and we miss you.