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endlessocean
Reviews
A Coat of Snow (2005)
A Feat, Something Different
A Coat of Snow captures the secretive world of female pecking orders. The actors - all women, are vulnerable and funny and get to something really hard to capture - true friendship between women and what kinds of secrets can be kept - or revealed.
Because of the hand-held style, I was waiting for the big Blair Witch type of thing to happen, but then I became so engrossed in the power plays between the women in the film, I found that the truth of the film was actually on every frame.
This film is hard to summarize, and in some ways, it would make an incredible play because it relies entirely on the acting and storytelling of strong characters being put into uncomfortable situations. I also don't want to give away the big "secret" at the end - but suffice to say, this is something entirely different and definitely worth watching. I hope it gets out to a wide audience. I saw it in a sold-out premiere of the Silver Lake Film Festival and everyone was affected at the end. You couldn't hear a sound in the theater when the credits started to roll.
Sherrybaby (2006)
Moving Story, Well Told
This was the best narrative film I saw at Sundance. It was a truthful movie about flawed people trying to live and love each other the best that they could. Maggie G. was amazing as always from the opening shot on the bus, to her final realization at the end of the film. She is easily the best young actress working today.
When it started and the premise of an addict getting out of jail unraveled I had a sinking feeling in my stomach - like, oh, one of those movies - yipes! But in every place where it could have been cliché and have the wince factor - it didn't. Again and again the script took the subtle approach and it pays off huge in the end. The directing was right on, particularly in scenes with minor characters where we just got enough with a quick short set up.
Additionally, the little girl playing the lead's daughter nearly stole the film in parts. She was something special. This film has the stuff, I hope it gets recognized for what it achieved.
Band Camp (2005)
Matt Stifler learns that his older brother's footsteps aren't where he wants to tread.
I have not seen all the AP films, so I just enjoyed this for what it was - quickly paced, light and fun. There is some real talent in this young cast and the sequence with the clarinet (?) or oboe - not sure - was hurt-yourself-laughing funny. The cast weren't all just blonds, and there was a story line with a multi-pierced tattooed girl which was a nice break in the stereotypes of what is "hot." The tight script and even handed directing elevates what could have been unbearable to a well - made enjoyably watchable film which had me in tears with some of the silly, but smart, set-ups.
I am surprised this is not coming out as a summer release. It was refreshing to see a light comedy about sex versus love.