This Wretched Life (2010) User Reviews

"Who the f**k has carpet on their ceiling?"

[redberylmusic · 9/10 · 30 August 2010]

"This Wretched Life" is an impressive debut for Frankie J. Mosca as a film creator. To the credit of the young cast of actors, the story is engaging from the outset and I found myself anxious to discover the next wrinkle in the plot. Each character has their own monsters of addiction or affliction to deal with.

These situations manifest themselves as memorable moments of comedy and drama. DJ Sleazy's RV, a mammoth beast of a man beating up a lawnmower and a reoccurring ice cream theme are particularly humorous points in the film. The soundtrack accompanies the dramatic portions of the film so eloquently. You have to hear it for yourself; Mosca's musical placement is both delicate and deliberate.

Bravo to the individuals involved with this truly independent accomplishment. I want to see future Escape Route films! It's pretty simple to ensure this can happen.

This Wretched Movie

[mjgih · 1/10 · 18 December 2010]

I really don't know what movie these other 12 reviewers were watching (or, as I might guess, they're friends of the filmmaker), but This Wretched Life is, and I'm sorry to take the easy way out, a wretched movie.

The acting is embarrassing. The story is all over the place, and makes little sense. The editing is like a textbook example of what not to do. Every special effect cliché seems to be thrown in for no effect. It's...just...bad. Like...really bad. Not even funny bad.

I'm sorry, I wanted to like it because it was a labor of love. But you gave me nothing to like.

Creative vision expressed with hard-knocks and dark humor

[littleanthony757 · 10/10 · 13 August 2010]

TWL is a masterful portrayal of a guy living a difficult and troubled life who makes a decision to start anew. The gritty story includes romantic troubles, substance abuse and frustrating friends which set a course for redemption.

This independent film is sure to go places. The actors show the extent of desperation to which humans can reach. Particularly moving are the scenes where the main characters start to realize the effects of their destructive behavior. But the film is not without its lighter moments. Watch for the angry neighbor! Most importantly, follow the interplay of the main character and his neurotic best friend and his deceased girlfriend's mentally challenged brother. Two thumbs up!

What A Great Movie! See This ASAP!

[bcordone · 10/10 · 24 August 2010]

What an extremely thought provoking and original movie this is. The story, acting and dialogue are far superior to a lot of movies with big names and big bucks. In fact, I can not think of another movie that exposes mental disorder in a more realistic manner. The soundtrack, which is filled with many unknown gems, works wonderfully throughout the picture start to finish; I hope it becomes available on CD or itunes one day. If you're a fan of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, David Lynch, Darren Aronofsky, Paul Thomas Anderson, Jim Jarmusch, Gus Van Sant, Stanley Kubrick, etc, you will most definitely enjoy this movie by Frankie J. Mosca. This movie will have you laughing and crying at the same time, and wishing it wasn't over in the end. Sequel Frankie? Take a break from the monotony of mainstream movie making and get your hands on this movie ASAP. This Wretched Life is destined to be an underground classic. 10 Stars!

best movie in ages

[aymsterness · 10/10 · 28 February 2010]

I am a movie fanatic. I have seen them all, the good the bad and the amazing. well "This Wretched Life" blows them all out of the water. Just brilliant, mind provoking to the core.How could one not love a movie like this? the main character is so compelling, you feel every pain he does.I rooted for this damaged soul through out the whole movie. the actors are amazing and really made this film what it is. they all deserve much praise. i would like to thank the writer and director for providing such an amazing movie for people that are searching for more than just pretty people and pointless dead end centered films that are all around us these days. congrats to everyone that was involved in making this film, a million stars across the board! wow.

This movie was GREAT!!!

[FATEpending · 10/10 · 24 January 2010]

I LOVED this movie. It was INCREDIBLE!! I have to say, I first went in wanting to see this movie only because I had heard about the producer, how he had spent years trying to get going..but once I actually sat down and watched it..I was just blown away. The characters..the plot..this movie should be on the big screens! Dr Lacy especially..that woman can act!!! Her personality, her expression, the way she phrases things..just wow!! I thought for sure someone with so much talent must be at least a *little* famous, but no, never heard of her before this movie. Was a little shocked. 10 out of 10 for plot, characters, planning, scenes, producer, and just over all being a fantastic movie that I really hope to see in the theater soon!!!

As Real As They Come

[ctfiremanb · 10/10 · 26 August 2010]

What a mind blowing movie this is! The more I watched, the more I wanted to see, and the more I couldn't believe that someone finally made a movie like this. Great job director Frankie Mosca. It's not every day that a movie tells it like it is, and I'm sure it's not going to be easy to watch for some. The two strongest points "This Wretched Life" has to offer are the story\script and the acting. The story is as original as can be, and many of the actors are absolutely top notch. I'm sure there is much more to come from Frankie Mosca and a good amount of the cast here. What is Frankie's next movie? The editing and music are also very standout in this film; another user asked for a soundtrack, and I second that! In A Crowded Room; Amazing! Benjamin Chan; Amazing! Index Case; Amazing! Half Hazard, Ptates, Max Martin Amazing! With all that being said, find a copy of this somehow, and see it for yourself. I promise that you will relate to something in this movie big time. I watched it three times already!

Everyone should see this movie!

[whoodie · 10/10 · 26 September 2010]

There is a lot to learn from this movie, and I think that everyone should see it. While I am sure that older generations will find it hard to watch, "This Wretched Life" distinctively portrays our changing society. Let's face it, this is how a lot of people live, talk and act in these tough times. I found myself hypnotized by this film, and was left wanting to see more at the end. What impressed me the most was by far the story and script. The writers did a masterful job at interweaving tragedy and comedy taking the audiences emotions on a wild roller coaster ride. The script is pungent (super in your face) at times, but semipoetic at others. (Do yourself a favor and pay very close attention to the voice overs by Chris -Daniel Ball-). Stand out performances go to Frankie J. Mosca, who somehow managed to also produce, direct, write and edit this powerful film... Daniel Ball, the lead actor... Ande Cira, a girl tormented by her surroundings and obsessive compulsive disorder and Sal Delucia, the ridiculously pompous rehab counselor. There are also a number of supporting roles that are amazing including a super bizarre shocker by Marc Proto (Loved It!). It is also important to mention the soundtrack here, as a lot of the other reviews have, being that it is superb and works wonderfully with the movie. To sum it up, this is Independent film making at its best. See it for yourself!

Finally! A Movie That Truly Tells It Like It Is For So Many People Out There.

[barbicor · 10/10 · 20 November 2010]

Talk about being blunt. LOL. This Wretched Life wastes no time in just telling it like it is for so many people out there these days. The movie is a perfect example of how times have changed and a chilling representation of the coming generations. At the same time, this movie manages to keep you laughing and enthralled with its marvelous storyline. I have watched the movie 4 times, and it seems like every time I watch it I catch yet another classic one-liner. The character of Ande was absolutely amazing, and I also feel that the characters of Frankie, Chris and the hilarious neighbor were very well played. I have been searching online in regards to purchasing whatever songs from the soundtrack that I can find, but a lot of them are just impossible to track down. I too wish they would release a full soundtrack to this movie, because it's great! Again, I just have to mention the story here, because it is super original and completely blew my mind. So if you are looking for a great movie off the beaten path of your typical Hollywood film, pick up a copy of this movie. You will be talking about it for a long time after.

I Love This Movie!

[adinazimm · 10/10 · 10 September 2010]

I LOVE THIS MOVIE! My friends and I laughed hysterically at times, and cried at others. We cannot stop talking about it. I just have to mention the story. What an original story this is. The plot is full of twists, leaving you not knowing what to expect, however it all comes together perfectly in the end. The dialogue is strong at times (super realistic), but it adds to the nutty drama surrounding some of the characters. There are more one liners here than the best of any stand up act. I would also like to point out some of the outstanding performances in this film... Dan Ball (Chris), Ande Cira (Ande), Frankie J. Mosca (Frankie), Chris Johnson (Nathan), Marc Proto (Crazy J.) & Sal Delucia (Chip); just fantastic acting here. The music (as others have mentioned) is in fact VERY awesome; WHO IS THIS "IN A CROWDED ROOM"? I want their CD! Hands-down, this movie deserves to become a cult classic. It is far too realistic to ever go mainstream, but I hope to see it do very very well independently. If you are looking to watch a great movie that will leave you talking and thinking, see this movie!

shocking!

[chaunamae · 10/10 · 23 August 2010]

Frank Mosca hits the spot with his movie This Wretched Life... taking him over 8 years to finish, he takes his time making sure the plot is given what it deserves to ensure an amazing delivery. You want real? No more of the Hollywood view, you have to watch This Wretched Life. Excellent movie, real to life, and will take you down roads that you haven't yet traveled. This movie should be viewed from all, it is true to life, and it is Excellent!!! My only hope is that it hits the indie festivals so that people yearning for a real movie, one that is true to life can be seen... not your typical run of the mill film, it spins and turns in many directions, you feel for the lead actor, want to see him succeed, yet.. you walk down his path of trying to figure his life out. Watch it, you will be very glad you did.

The Struggles of Life

[Jarrod67 · 10/10 · 30 August 2010]

"This Wretched Life" is a great dramatic movie. The overall tone of this movie is serious. But there are enough humorous moments to lighten the mood. Stanley and Ken are just two of the characters who provide some humor to a serious story line. Ande and Chris are the two main characters. Their struggles with life are portrayed in a memorable fashion. They are characters who the viewer will want to watch and follow. And sometimes their lives turn out well. The story and script are both interesting and original. The casting is well done. Frank Mosca does a fine job as writer, director and actor. Another standout actor is Michael Callahan as Ande's friend Brad. In summary, this movie succeeds in being a compelling drama worth watching.

Superb cast and a true Hollwood original!

[nightfighter1979 · 10/10 · 14 December 2010]

The script is witty and touching, and the performances of the leads and the supporting cast carry it off perfectly. The characters exist in their own little worlds that has the trappings of this distorted everyday life, in a way to make it at times comical. They are physical extensions of their environment, maintaining outward appearances as things are falling apart under the surface. It is truly a special film. It is one of those extraordinarily moving films that not only sweeps you away emotionally, but leaves you with a feeling appreciation. The film is about the want and need to escape, as these characters find ways to stray off their wretched path of the life. A life they have chosen and for some, the life they can't leave. At the end the movie gave me a true appreciation of what I have and what life has to offer.

Great Movie!!!

[ballsindy · 10/10 · 7 April 2011]

A friend of mine who actually met the director gave me a copy of this movie a couple months ago, but I didn't get around to watching it until recently. I had heard or read nothing about the movie and did not know what to expect. I actually thought that it was a horror film by the title, but obviously it isn't. Anyway, all I can say is that this movie not only caught me off guard, but it really left me thinking about a lot of things in my life. The story here is very deep, and I plan on watching it again as I'm sure there are even deeper themes that I may have missed. Anyone out there struggling with depression, anxiety, etc, this is a must see! Great acting, soundtrack, story, and directing. Overall great movie and a great surprise! If you have not seen this movie, see it, it has much to offer.

keepin' it real

[kimber6864 · 10/10 · 15 June 2012]

Not only amazing acting but really "cut the BS story" that truly mirrors the lives of many out there today. The appalling behavior of the 12 step group counselor sadly occurs in some rehab groups, like Chris hadn't gone through enough already. This shows how parents are also so caught up and out in their own waste of a life, and what may happen to their offspring. My heart still aches for Ande and I would have completely believed that Frankie WAS a special needs actor. I think college students should be watching this, too, as a wake up call for guys and girls alike. Don't kid yourself by thinking for a minute that this ain't how it is. BRAVO for keepin' it real.

Adult Pampers Required

[Fgianni401 · 10/10 · 3 April 2014]

After waiting three months for this movie to be available on DVD again, I can truly say that it exceeded my expectations. The movie started off kind of slow, but I guess that was necessary to develop the characters. Anyway, it's a great story, and I'm looking forward to future movies from this director. Mosca has a real grip on the reality of this world that we live in. And like I stated before, there are so many one liners in this movie, that you are definitely going to want to get yourself a pair of pampers before diving into this one. I would also like to mention that the two lead actors, Ball and Cira, where total Hollywood material! Unbelievable work for two previously unknown performers.