Full disclaimer here, April Wright (the director) and me were in a Los Angeles writers' group for a few years. April was the one who always found time to give notes on stuff I was working on and they were GREAT notes. Often others in our group were "too busy" to give you a read on your latest draft or gave minimal feedback - so I always knew April was going to do great things Somewhere. I'd count April as a friend and industry colleague.
My wife and I watched Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace on Turner Classic Movies and it was superb. I've been watching from afar over the years as April cooked up her Drive-In documentary and quietly rooting for her on Facebook but I had no idea this would be so good. So when a friend asks you to watch their stuff you watch, right? You just hope it's not awful or cringe-making.
This was a beautifully produced, slickly edited and moving documentary. There's a ton of sit-down interviews, loads of great footage and stills and beautiful, evocative shots of the few movie palaces which are still around and great footage of the bygone ones. A lot of care and time and effort went into this and it shows. The documentary team must have visited a ton of venues and locations, this is not something that was cooked up from afar, they actually take you to these amazing old palaces (the ones that are left) and one is left pining for these old movie houses which have been torn down and thankful for the great ones which have been preserved due to amazing love, and dedication from the owners, preservation groups and movie fans. This is an absolute trip down memory lane for anyone who remembers these magnificent movie venues and a real treat to watch. And yes, I can't wait to watch her Drive In documentary (Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive in) next.
My wife and I watched Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace on Turner Classic Movies and it was superb. I've been watching from afar over the years as April cooked up her Drive-In documentary and quietly rooting for her on Facebook but I had no idea this would be so good. So when a friend asks you to watch their stuff you watch, right? You just hope it's not awful or cringe-making.
This was a beautifully produced, slickly edited and moving documentary. There's a ton of sit-down interviews, loads of great footage and stills and beautiful, evocative shots of the few movie palaces which are still around and great footage of the bygone ones. A lot of care and time and effort went into this and it shows. The documentary team must have visited a ton of venues and locations, this is not something that was cooked up from afar, they actually take you to these amazing old palaces (the ones that are left) and one is left pining for these old movie houses which have been torn down and thankful for the great ones which have been preserved due to amazing love, and dedication from the owners, preservation groups and movie fans. This is an absolute trip down memory lane for anyone who remembers these magnificent movie venues and a real treat to watch. And yes, I can't wait to watch her Drive In documentary (Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive in) next.