Ingenious (2009)
"Lightbulb" (original title)

A rags-to-riches story of two friends, a small-time inventor and a sharky salesman, who hit rock bottom before coming up with a gizmo that becomes a worldwide phenomenon.

Director:

Jeff Balsmeyer

Writer:

Mike Cram

Stars:

Dallas Roberts, Jeremy Renner, Ayelet Zurer

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dallas Roberts	...	Matt
Jeremy Renner	...	Sam
Ayelet Zurer	...	Gina
Marguerite Moreau	...	Cinda
Amanda Anka	...	Louisa
Richard Kind	...	Newkin
Eddie Jemison	...	Bean
Judith Scott	...	Rita
Debby Rosenthal	...	Brenda
Michael Kagan	...	Mort
Rob Brownstein	...	Kent
David Frederick White	...	Dave V.O. Talent
Vince Grant	...	Randall
François Chau	...	Mr. Chow
Melissa Alejandra	...	Voice Talent

Storyline

Matt and Sam are life-long friends running a funky gift shop while trying to come up with the next genius idea. Matt's recent inventions haven't been all that inventive and Sam's salesman techniques are shaky at best. In need of money, they turn to Matt's girlfriend, Gina. Gina wants to help out but aware of Matt and Sam's gambling problems in the past, and concerned that they have come back, she no longer knows if she can trust him. Even Matt and Sam's friendship is put to the test when they hit rock bottom and try to get normal jobs, but all Matt needs is one bright idea and he might be able to right everything.

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Taglines:

It only takes one idea.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 February 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Longshot

Filming Locations:

Hong Kong, China

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arriba

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Sam: Did you see the choppers on that guy? I don't trust somebody that can swallow their own fist.

User Reviews

Well above average indie flick!

Just saw this film at the AFI Dallas Film Festival. I was very impressed with all elements of the film: acting, direction, editing (though the dialog transitions were sometimes a little shaky), cinematography, etc. Dallas Roberts (Matt) and Jeremy Renner (Sam), who had not worked together previously, establish an amazing on-screen chemistry as best friends struggling to run a novelty gift business. The dilapidated storefront they operate out of is the emblem of their entrepreneurial disconnect: high on energy and ideas, low on success. Ayelet Zurer, the smoldering Israeli beauty, plays Matt's long-suffering wife Gina with nuance and flair.

I would recommend this film not only to indie fans who like a fair amount of high-speed comedy mixed in with their drama, but also to *anyone* who has ever tried to run their own business, and really put themselves out on a limb for an idea or a dream.

All great films (and this is surely one of them) have a key line or scene that summarizes the film. Without giving anything away, I will tell you that in this film, it is the closing scene atop a mountain with Matt and Gina.

Jeremy Renner was at the screening for a Q&A. He was funny, quirky, and candid, much like his character in the film. I can't wait to see this guy in more vehicles, even the television series "The Unusuals" that he's making with Amber Tamblyn.

Two thumbs way up!