Having been a fan of Rommel's work for the last 13 years, I can say his latest is his best and he keeps growing with each endeavor. While of course there are some technical issues, as there are with any TRUE independent film, they are easily overlooked due to the great acting and wonderful dialogue. Rommel and screenwriter Merit Alexander have a knack of getting real life performances from the actors with witty and current dialogue, which, surprise!, is how people in real life speak and relate to each other! The plot is something that was very refreshing and new and can appeal to a wide audience, even if they cannot actually relate to the situation...I won't spoil it. Hopefully as Rommel's career broadens people and studios will begin to realize that independent films can have commercially viable parts and do not have to be strictly regulated to "art film". I recommend this film to anyone who is tired of the "Indie-Wood" films out there, and want to see some really great "True"independent film.
4 Reviews
A different kind of romance!
MeritAlexander19 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I was fortunate to see the world premiere of the film at the 2008 Derby City Film Festival and was very happy with what I saw! First, yes it is a true "independent" film, no names, no budget, etc. But surprisingly the technical aspects were very well done considering and didn't hinder the enjoyment of the film. The story was unique and refreshing. It was great to see the themes of drug use and homosexuality used in a different way other then just a diatribe on the subjects. The acting was a bit uneven. Tish Usher (Leslie) and Dennis Frimire (Ted) stood out as very well developed and acted. The character of Kevin played by Luke Holiday was very consistent and believable. The other two female leads weren't as polished, but the direction and the script we more then able to overcome any short falls. Over all a very well done and different kind of film. I look forward to seeing more of this director's work in the future.
Awesome!!!!!
debbieshultz19 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Wow! I saw this film at a festival in Kentucky and was really blown away by the experience. I had never been to an independent film festival and I didn't have my hopes up (for any of the films at the festival, but they did a great job of selecting films!), but was very very impressed by the film. I laughed and cried. I thought the story was very simple and easy to follow, which I think is a good thing! It wasn't preachy about the subject matter or go on with political beliefs, which I guess it could have. It is just a simple love story, but with a definite twist that I had never see before in any Hollywood film. Maybe that is what you get with independent films, chances taken that other won't do because of the consequences. But when it pays off... The acting was really good. I felt like I knew the charters and could relate to the situations. It wasn't long, or at least didn't feel long. I wasn't bored. The music was awesome as well! As someone who has lived in Louisville all my life, I never knew films like this were able to be made in my hometown. I am really glad people are taking chances and making good movies. I am really glad I took a chance on this film!
What an independent film should be
FrankTarkington19 November 2008
There seems to be two types of independent films. The first being the latest indie film art school wanna be film with no budget, plot, acting, or story, but because it has some shaky camera work or subtitles everyone wants to rave about how good it was, because they didn't really understand the film to begin with. And the second, the Hollywood budgeted "indie" film, with actors working for scale and a budget of 5-15 million that everyone raves about because it was so well made for so little money...5 million! Little money!? Very few films and filmmakers out there are trying to bridge the gap between the two. A well made film, with good story, acting directing and plot made for no money, maybe 5 thousand dollars. This is one of those films. And Kris Rommel is one of those directors (at least with this effort). Yes it has some holes (but what Hollywood film doesn't), but overall the film is very well done and hits on some new subjects from a different angle. A real indie film, that doesn't seem like a real indie film.
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