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royalhassel-1
Reviews
Adam & Steve (2005)
Wanted to love it, but...
I hate to say it, but in this case, the old adage is true: No actor should write and direct himself and throw stones in a glasshouse with the last laugh...eh...whatever.
What I'm trying to say is, that as funny as I can sense Craig being naturally at times, as little funny it is when he tries so hard to get his 'cute' lines across.
Either Adam or Steve was miscast. Their attraction to each other didn't work, and that is essentially what the entire movie hinges upon. Craig Chester should have cast Steve as a lesser physically attractive man, someone with a big personality, to match Adam more evenly. OR cast Adam with a more attractive actor to match Steve. Craig/Adam's charms didn't compensate enough for the difference...OUCH, I know, but hey, I'm critical of myself too(its just this review is not, alas, about me).
I love the idea of acting, producing, writing, directing oneself, but it rarely works (read: Ed Burns). So big kudos to Craig Chester for getting his film made, just a shame it was unwatchable.
Dinner with Peter (2005)
Three thumbs up!
I loved this film. Plain and simple. LUKAS Hassle. did a wonderful job writing and directing. LAURA POE as Madeline, PETROS LEVOUNIS as Peter. HENRY B. LEE lit the set beautifully as well as capturing the spirit of the movie. Subtle. LUKAS HASSELL. provides a small cameo as he exits the front door of the building at the end. Happy to see it entered into prestigious festivals like Williamstown, Smogdance and Boston. When will people finally realize how great short films can be? The idea of the woman in her forties getting ready to go out for Dinner With Peter is lovely. I enjoyed the whole preparation, not knowing what would come next When the eventual twist happens, it comes from out of the blue and makes me want to see the movie from the beginning again. When will Lukas do his first feature, I wonder? He is getting there...
Last Call (2004)
Young At Heart
David Drach beautifully captures the essence of what it means to grow old and grow weary from knowing the body is failing the youthful spirit. The "gang" of older folks in Last Call represent all of us, regardless of age, in our fears, our desires and our needs.
Mind over matter is what Last Call prompts in me, and I for one look at people around me, young and old, with the knowledge that we are all human beings, equal and the same, and yet fiercely individual. Common for us all is that we deserve respect, despite our inevitable demise. This short film makes this abundantly clear.
Last Call inspires thought and provokes emotions and will stay with you for years to come.