Bigger Than the Sky

My friend and I traveled pretty far out of our way to see this film, mainly because (a) the mainstream films that are being released fairly suck, and (b) she is visiting from Atlanta and misses a lot of indie films we get to see here in L.A.

This film made us laugh, and moved us (if only a little) and is a nice little film to see.

No, the cinematography is no great shakes and I really worried whether the lead actor could actually pull off "animated" or "alive" at any point in the movie - he barely pulled it off (if you close your eyes and wish really hard).

Still, it is nice that a small, sweet film like this can move the audience and make us laugh and think.

John Corbett is great in this (as always), and it's nice to see Sean Astin (a favorite of mine) being less than earnest (he's really an ass in this role).

Worth a look.

I really liked and enjoyed this movie - it's one of those very good low key movies like "Noel". Marcus Thomas has been a favorite of mine since "Cowboy Up" (a film that shows off his range a lot better than this), John Corbett is a helluva character actor, and Amy Smart was excellent. Patty Duke was absolutely great - I could go on and on - I really enjoyed Sean Astin, Claire Higgins, and Allan Corduner. I haven't seen too many critics appreciate this film - basically, they all say "it's all been done before". Well, that may be true, but seeing somebody else do what's been done can be entertaining also. I always gage a film by how much I like and pull for the characters - this one hooked me pretty quick.

...you won't appreciate this film for what it is. It's a small film about people who love theatre and art, for people who love theatre and art. If that's not you, don't bother. And especially don't criticize. I don't watch horror films or blockbuster action flicks because I know I'm not going to like those genres. If you don't like small, character-driven films centering around life in the theatre, don't watch this one. It's that simple.

That being said, there's so much to like about this little movie. Memorable dialog, nice acting work, emotional depth, and some dead-on characterizations of theatre people. I liked these things about this movie, so I enjoyed this movie. Pretty simple, really.

This could have been a decent movie, but the lead actor is SO bad. He's surrounded by Patty Duke, John Corbett, Amy Smart, and Sean Astin. Yes, he's supposed to play a character who decides to try his hand at community theatre despite never having acted. But the problem is Marcus Thomas can't act at all. He is painful to watch. At least the other actors make it worthwhile. It's especially fun seeing Patty Duke deliver insults to her real life son Sean Astin's character.

Peter (Marcus Thomas) has just received a letter from this girlfriend, explaining why she has fled the relationship. It hurts. Although Peter has a successful job as an art director for a thriving company, he knows he needs to broaden his horizons. Therefore, when he spots an ad for community theater auditions, he signs up, hoping for a small role. But, no, he gets chosen to play the lead in Cyrano de Bergerac! Can he do it? The other theater people, including Michael (John Corbett) and Grace (Amy Smart), are so talented, how can Peter measure up?

Thomas does a fine job as the newcomer to theater, and really, to life. Patty Duke is also quite engaging as a grumpy theater support staffer. But, ah, Corbett and Smart. John Corbett has never been more attractive or seductive as in this role and Smart is beautiful and bubbly. They are, in this viewer's opinion, the main reasons this film works so well. Costumes, plot, and the Portland scenery are fulfilling, also. For those who love ensemble movies with engaging dialogue, romance, and lessons in life, this one is your cup of tea. Drink it slowly, with savor.