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The Pro Bono Watchman (2022)
A story of devotion that is touching, moving, and very different
This is largely a response to the very disparaging reviews that have been posted here. If this movie is so bad, how is that Mike Gassaway won Best Actor at 12 film festivals? And how did Kariana Karhu win Best Child Actress at 6 film festivals? And how did the film itself win Beat Feature Film at many festivals? It also won awards for its direction, its music, and other things.
It's true that there is not a lot of action, and there is a lot of talking. So, if you're looking for an Action movie, per se, you shouldn't pick this. There are two action scenes in it: one at the beginning and then the climax at the end. If that's not enough for you, then shop elsewhere.
But, what the film has is a very touching and convincing love story between an old man and his wife of 45 years. And, it's a thriller since the little girl that Hank is protecting is in even more trouble than he realizes until the very end.
One reviewer complained that there is some repetition in the table-jumping scene. That is true, but we had to build 6 special tables that were narrower than standard picnic tables, and after building them, we had to haul them to the park and set them up. Of course, we had to take them out afterwards. We couldn't do that for 30 tables. That would have been impossible. So, we had to fake it, like there were more tables. It's still a very cute element in the story. Every movie involves contrivance and fabrication, and in order to enjoy any movie, you need to "suspend your disbelief." I'll close by quoting the 1st Monthly Film Festival when they awarded The Pro Bono Watchman Best Feature and Best Actor (Mike Gassaway) "A one of of a kind experience. A story that is told uniquely with performances that are graceful and raw."
His Stretch of Texas Ground (2021)
Sheriff Joe Haladin: To Texas what Longmire is to Wyoming
Since I wrote this, His Stretch has won more film festival awards, winning Best Indie Feature, Best Actor, and Best Ensemble Cast at the Only The Best Film Awards, and at Filmhaus Berlin, winning the Honorary Mention Award for Best Actor, Best Feature, and Best Ensemble Cast.
For me, it is surreal to read these negative reviews. This film has won Best Feature Film at 6 film festivals, and our star Jeff Weber has won Best Actor at 2. And it may win more awards. And, I have attended public screenings of the film at 3 film festivals, and each time, the audience was very receptive and appreciative. They were absorbed with the film, and they enjoyed it.
Notice the lack of specifics; not a single reference to any character or story element. Did they even watch it? I have my doubts.
Would people actually do that? Write a nasty review about a film they haven't even seen? Yes, they will.
The story concerns a horrific crime that occurs in Arlettsville which shatters Sheriff Joe Halafin and his family. But then, on the very same day, another tsumani hits. Joe Haladin has to cope with it as Sheriff and as a man who is personally affected by it. The story has a lot of arc, and a lot of twists and turns. It is absolutely not plodding, as one reviewer put it. If anything, it's the opposite because it barrels along at a rapid pace.
One reviewer said it was the smallest cast he's ever seen. It has 29 speaking roles and many extras. How could it be the smallest cast he's ever seen? There are indie films with just a few actors, and I mean few enough to count with your fingers. There are big budget studio films with fewer actors, such as Castaway with Tom Hanks and All is Lost starring Robert Redford. There is absolutely nothing deficient about the size of our cast.
This film has plenty of action, especially for an indie film; it has stirring and poignant dialogue, and it builds up to a very gripping climax.
I'll close by reminding you that online forums are often filled with haters. I'm not saying that the film is for everyone because it depends on what kind of films you like. But, if you are a mature person, and you like stories the reflect real life and the struggles that people have coping with unexpected and unimaginable loss, then I believe you will enjoy this film.