Moments of Clarity (2016) Poster

(I) (2016)

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7/10
They just wanted to buy a new camera, but the journey has changed their lives forever.
Reno-Rangan4 December 2017
There's a big difference between B movie and Indie films, which sometimes people are confused with. This one is both of them. If Indie films are good, it will be easily recognised widely. Mainly because of attending film fests. But that's not the same case for B movies. This category films usually made with a low budget, and second tier actors, filmmakers. So the production quality makes all the difference and fall into not fit for even airing on the television. Hence, most of the time ends up direct-to-video. Even though with such tight circumstance, there are some enjoyable B movies out there. We just have not come across it.

You can do a quick research on this that this is not even known to a fraction per cent of regular film goers. I found it accidentally and as usual, I took my chances. Now I feel I have made a right choice. This is nothing new. The same old road movie, the same old message. One of the main roles would have been so perfect for Greta Gerwig to play. But anyway, this actress who I have never seen before had done a nice job too. There are some recognisable faces in it as well, like Lyndsy Fonseca and Eric Roberts.

Despite familiarity and predictability, the film was enjoyable. It had some good moments, as well as overwhelmed by adult comedies. This is the story of Claire who is in her 20s with a tender heart, but raised by an Agoraphobic mother. So she has no social skills, that changes one day when she befriends Danielle whose camera she had broken. The road trip begins to get a new camera. They set to travel another town which actually becomes a life changing event in their life.

❝It's not our responsibility to suffer the consequences of our actions, but rather celebrate them.❞

For a such film, the writing to direction, performances, locations, all were very much acceptable. But there was a moment during the last quarter, which served as a twist in the tale, for that I said 'not that'. Because I was not expecting the narration to end up with that cheap twist, since I'd enjoyed so far of the film. That line was so typical. Anyway, that's how the story goes and characters were designed. So no big deal, since it is not a mainstream film to criticise heavily for having no creativity. Though I'm wondering how film critics would react to a film like this.

For a moment I thought it was a Christian film. Because of an innocent character like Claire, and Danielle, a daughter pastoral. Then the following events were totally surprised me. Gay sub-theme, sex jokes, the narration did not shy away to exploit them. Like I always say, if you are aware of what kind of film you are watching, the risk you are taking, and expecting it accordingly, then there will be no such thing called disappointment. Despite it is not a must see film, I would say why won't you give it a try! You might not go to add it to your favourite list, at least there's a chance that you might get entertained.

6.5/10

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9/10
Loved this quirky comedy!
laurendep7 October 2016
I absolutely loved watching the Moments of Clarity film! This quirky comedy follows the story of a rebellious pastor's daughter and an eccentric oddball forming an unlikely friendship as they spontaneously pack up and hit the road leaving their hometown for the very first time in their lives. This coming-of-age story is witty and whimsical as well as beautiful as it perfectly captures Danielle and Claire's (played by Lyndsy Fonseca and Kristin Wallace respectively) transformation from adolescence into womanhood. I was swept away into the magical and playful world that director Stev Elam created with the beautiful and captivating set design as well as the witty and comedic narrative. Although it is a light hearted tale of two friends on the search of self discovery, this film touches upon serious social issues perfectly, truly making me contemplate darker topics. I thoroughly enjoyed this incredible artsy film and I absolutely believe it is worth the watch.
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9/10
Big Fun FeelGoodComedy with great Laughs...
OneSentenceReview28 October 2022
(Edit: ...and this flick has actually has gotten awards and nominations on several festivals as I read after I wrote the review below)

The brilliant acting, camera and hilarious twists of the story, not to mention the grown-up twisted humor all adds up to something which made it totally fun watching; great ride all along.

I haven't read up the production background yet, as I just finished watching after having been so positively surprised by this nice feelgood movie full of laughs but also with a message.

So I'm writing this quick (currently third) review while the screen just went dark and I reflect on it, and as this 2016 film deserves (much) more than two (2!) reviews. Common folks, write a more reviews on such indie film gems and less on the mainstream crap (I often think who adds a 679th review and thinks anyone is interested in reading, but, I digress)

Anyways, a few last words on the missused term "dark comedy" - the word "dark" should imo be better used on dark stuff, like "bad things happening to people but still a comedy" and other terms should be found for all these other great films which are not DARK, as this one - which actually cheers people up watching it. But hey, guess it won't happen.

And now Watch it and have fun :)
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