Tag: DRAMA

SWALLOW (2019)

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Written & Directed By: Carlo Mirabella-Davis 

Cinematography: Katelin Arizmendi

Editor: Joe Murphy 

Cast: Haley Bennett, Austin Stowell, Elizabeth Marvel, David Rasche, Zabryna Guevara, Laith Nakil, Denis O’Hare, Luna Velez, Babak Tafti, Nicole Kang

Hunter, a newly pregnant housewife, finds herself increasingly compelled to consume dangerous objects. As her husband and his family tighten their control over her life, she must confront the dark secret behind her new obsession.

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Will admit, it took me a while to finally watch this film as frankly, one was scared or nervous about the material from reading the reviews of this show, though can happily say it’s not as gory or fitting into the body hard genre of grotesque as much as one fear.

This is more of a character study that at first seems like it’s gonna be more of a body horror film. As it’s focus seems to be more clinical clean, cut and direct. Everything seems sharp and clear in focus.

Tell as the film goes along, we see that the main character has her doubts and problems and seems to repress them, which might be why she has this eating disorder as she keeps everything in so this is a way for her to act out by swallowing small and animate objects as she’s taking them and holding them. The only thing is that eventually they come out as well as leaving damage to her body.

Which can be an analogy for the character herself she’s holding all of this emotions, anger, and despair in and eventually they’re going to have to come out as they are doing damage to her body more to the inner workings and brain

That was throughout the film as she breaks down, so do the characters around her her clean, cut, rich, family, surely shows they’re worth an ugly side as they want her to be the perfect wife, even though they belittle her or never take her truly into consideration other than a show piece, which shows And her look which is more 1950s and 60s even though this is a modern day set

Her loving husband who seems to care and be sensitive to her needs in the beginning as the film goes long his mentality seems to deteriorate, and if he truly loves his wife, he never shows it as he feels like money can take care of every problem and he can’t be bothered to put in too much effort as it makes him look bad.

As he slowly reveals himself to be the villain in this film, though it seems more in his nature, as he is even ready to throw a fit over a tie being ironed. Austin Stowell is subtle in this role, he is mostly quiet,but you can feel his menace

Haley Bennett, truly show her skills as an actress and her star power throughout as she inhabit a character who can be confusing, but you can’t help but care about no matter what and who you truly want to save or hope in someway that she can save herself.

Definitely a movie that could be characterized by class and some might see as partly political also

The film is hard to watch as we see her constantly be betrayed by those around her, which stays a common theme as her problem gets worse. The only people who seem to be decent to her are more random characters.

This is a very chilling film, luckily not as hard to watch as one thought it would be. It’s still a hard film to sit through only because of the more emotional violence and a little bit of self-destructive nature physically.

No, this is definitely a psychological drama thriller. It’s sharp in its own ways, though not as cutting edge as the audience might hope. 

GRADE: B 

PARTHENOPE (2024)

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Written & Directed By: Paolo Sorrentino 

Cinematography: Daria D’Antonio 

Editor: Cristiano Travaglioli 

Cast: Celeste Dalla Porta, Silvio Orlando, Gary Oldman, Peppe Lanzetta, Dario Aita, Marlon Joubert, Luisa Ranieri, Isabella Ferrari

A woman born in the sea of Naples in 1950 searches for happiness over the long summers of her youth, falling in love with her home city and its many memorable characters.

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Director Paolo Sorrentino knows how to make things beautiful. He knows how to bring out natural beauty and what others might overlook this film, which looks more like a commercial at times with its images and characters, reminding one a film such as Terence Malik in this world there’s a visuals could be distracting , but also seem to be part of the storytelling as this film seems to more be about atmosphere and culture than anything else.

While this film is an epic in itself. It’s not as flashy as his previous films. As it is broad but feels a bit more modest and gritty. 

The lead character Parthenope played elegantly by Celeste Dalla Porta. which also has the name of the title was born in the sea. She seems to represent Naples, Italy itself, naturally, beautiful, and island separated from the rest of the world who either stare or wish to be near she must pay a price for her beauty as it causes Corruptions breakdowns, false promises, flirtations all around her as it tries to be itself, but at times can’t be selfish or all consuming not knowing its own power and strength and influence over others

The film provides many metaphors, but like it subject, it feels shallow and a bit too in love with itself as there is substance that doesn’t feel like it digs deep enough? As the audience takes us along its many paths. Though seems to get lost in itself. 

The subjects of the film, the director has explored before and deeper so much more so that this film that tries to be artistic comes across a little bit more mainstream, even with all of its indulgences

Gary Oldman is a selling point in his small role is writer, John Cheever, who you hope would help shape the story or being an interesting chapter as she would become amuse of his, but he seems more to help the film’s box office and as the only American character going with a recognizable screen presents Though seems more there as a memento or a devotion, a testament to the times

The lead actress is certainly beautiful and has a passing resemblance to actress Mia Sara she does what is expected of her as she continuously looks glamorous in bikinis and evening dresses, but through her journeys and some growth, you wish the film brought into focus more of the side characters like her acting teacher who shows up to give lessons, but truly proves to be nothing but smoke and mirrors

It feels like the film  MALENA by Giuseppe Tonratore as the film continuously focuses on her beauty, even when trying to show her as a full character whereas in that film, it humanized the title character, but we more got to see her from others point of view here the title character gets all these opportunities and meet so many influential characters because of her beauty and youth and constantly trying to figure everything out around her which also leads too many tragedies as she know so many

So that this film becomes a historic look at a beautiful woman overtime as well as the changing of the times of Italy that serves as a fictional biography of sorts. A romantic look back that surprisingly has little sex and isn’t as exploited as the directors previous films could be, but there does feel Like for all the access in this film. There’s also an emptiness to it.

Still a film to see, but not needed to be so lengthy when there isn’t that much to say 

Grade: B- 

FEDORA (1978)

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Directed By: Billy Wilder

Written By: Billy Wilder & I.A.L. Diamond 

Based On a Story By: Tom Tyron 

Cinematography: Gerry Fisher 

Editor: Stefan Arnstein and Frederic Steinkamp 

Cast: William Holden, Marthe Keller, Hildegard Knef, Jose Ferrer, Frances Sternhagen, Mario Adorf, Stephen Collins, Henry Fonda, Michael York 

Famous film star Fedora has died. At her funeral, movie producer Barry Detweiler recalls how only two weeks previously, after much difficulty, he approached her and asked her to star in a movie of his. The encounter revealed some disturbing things about her life, and now more will be revealed after her death.

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This was unfortunately Billy Wilder’s last produced film. Where he had his long time co-writer I. A. L. Diamond riding with him. What a film to go out on though. 

Surprisingly, it’s not a comedy. It’s actually a drama that works as a companion piece with his classic Sunset Boulevard for some people. The movie will not rise to the occasion or reputation of that film, even with both films having William Holden as one of the main stars. 

Fedora is a different animal as it’s kind of a detective story and a mystery yet not the traditional one where we do into the past and current state finding out about a character in their history as well as a film that has something to say about Fame stardom Hollywood movies character And identity as well as beauty

Just like Sunset Boulevard a love letter to the industry that at that point for Billy Wilder was passing him by and putting him out to pasture, but he wanted to show he still had what it took and wanted to take or tell a grand powerful story while also having a cynical side 

This film is more intimate, even though it’s sad Moore in the Greek islands so while it should be epic and scope, he manages to make it feel a little more personal, a little more private, even when dealing with a Hollywood star 

That is what also sent to Sunset Boulevard, as we have an aging legendary actress who has become reclusive and might be delusional, who still believes her own Fame and the people around her, enable it, even though it might lead to her destruction mentally 

And also involves William Holden‘s character, desperate to find the star and trying to hang his own Fame or come back on her cocktails, though through investigation and revelations becomes a lot closer than he ever expected to come to her, and she has quite her own story to tell that he must discover Rather than it being told directly

It works like a detective, nor even though most of the scenes take place and playing daylight in the way that the Moor investigates in the more that he thinks he knows the more is actually revealed sometimes directly, but also sometimes subtly for the audience to discover just as he does so in that way, it feels kind of interactive, but it also feels like an ode to glamour that at the time was disappearing, they send off to classic films, classic Hollywood and thinking behind it. It actually ends up being a perfect swan song for Billy Wilder, who still even after this film, was trying to get films made in this new Hollywood, but couldn’t get hired no matter how eager he wants to work, used up and thrown away, which can be set of the main character in this town that’s the theme feels more autobiographical For him 

It’s a beautiful prince of filmmaking that feels like it’s from a timeless bygone era. As they do my make films like these anymore 

Grade: B+

CONTEMPT (1963)

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Directed By: Jean-Luc Godard

Written by & based on the novel “IL DISPREZZO” By: Alberto Moravia

Cinematography: Raoul Coutard

Editor: Agnes Guillemot 

Cast: Jack Planace, Brigitte Bardot, Fritz Lang, Michel Piccoli, Giorgia Moll

A French writer’s marriage deteriorates while working on Fritz Lang’s version of “The Odyssey”, as his wife accuses him of using her to court favor with the film’s brash American producer.

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Tortured Myself again, by watching another Jean Luc-Godard From my Criterion Collection, sight unseen.

I know how dour that already sounds. You just have to know that me and Jon Luc Godard films have had a love-hate relationship. I have actually liked and enjoyed some films that I didn’t expect while other films that are considered classics I found rather boring noteworthy for different reasons.

I like the ideas of Jean-Luc Godard, in his style though the films not necessarily as much at times they work, but usually not at least for me as they become statements which might have worked at the time as bold but now come across as pretentious, cinematic, theatrical games, there is a living quality to them in an absurd quality, as they are usually quite beautiful, but leaves the audience lost to find their own way, which is commendable, if not having

I will say watching the movie is like reading a classic book you don’t like and wonder why so many do as it feels more like an assignment that you’re determined to finish 

This is one of those movies where you’re going to come up with your own theory or understanding of it so I’m only gonna present my interpretation.

Now it’s always entertaining watching a younger Jack Palance in a film, as well as young women, riding bicycles in skirts. Though watching Fritz Lang steal the movie in his scenes was worth it

It is another movie of Brigitte Bardot being torn supposedly between Teague lovers neither of which is seem a good choice, but one is better than the other and her never having chemistry who is the one who is older, has more money and seems more want her only physically.

This film is a satire film making, but it seems to turn more into a domestic drama romance of a deteriorating marriage.Even as it explores the themes of selling out or staying, true to your principles.

That was it’s a beautiful locations still end up being a hang out movie that is in the middle of paradise yet everyone is oblivious to the beauty of their surroundings or they’ve been there so long that it is normal to them, though the film still manage to showcase the beauty and appeal of Brigitte Bardot and it seems like while everybody in the film can see her beauty she is like the background to them. They’ve grown so used to her that it’s normal, but will still contest her. Well, the film and filmmaker bathe her and loving light as well as give her a meaty challenging role. Though questionable if you might actually like her by the end

One can say that at least she gets to play full character other than just a fantasy or an object of beauty pretty much a bombshell, though she does Grace the poster, so it she did help sell tickets for this phone as next to Jack Palance she’s the biggest name in the film and of course Fritz Lang. No, she seems to be the entrance or introduction for us to the Phil as the camera lingers on her

Throughout the film, we see the games that all the characters seem to be playing weather in love relationships filmmaking financing.

Now one can see where Martin Scorsese got part of his score of CASNO from. It gets  annoying a bit at times watching its source play throughout. The score “ST. MATTHEW PASSION BMV 244/PART TWO: WIR SETZEN UNS MIT TRANEN NEIDER”’By Johann Sebastian Bach 

Which leads me to wonder Did he use it to subconsciously say that all these characters are in this Idyllic Wonderland in that they are alienated from it due to mounting domestic pressures & alienation from one another

Didn’t expect this to become one of Godard Morchella Ching films even though it’s seams like most of them are as the film deals with alien nation. It almost feels more like a Michelangelo Antonioni film only no not as long, and this seem to have more of a cruel, ending the natural ending.

In the end, I have no problem, admitting maybe I didn’t quite get it as much as others did as I loved the concepts and drama that was introduced that lead to discussions and conversations even after you watch the film no again I can’t say I enjoyed it, or necessarily would need to watch it again

IL POSTO (1961)

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Directed By: Ermando Olmi 

Written By: Ermando Olmi And Ettore Lombardo 

Cinematography: Lambert Caimi 

Editor: Carla Colombo 

Cast: Lordana Detto, Sandro Panseri 

Bursting with big dreams and plans, an Italian teen goes to Milan to work in a big impersonal corporate office, where he becomes disillusioned and drained of all his individualism.

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This classic masterpiece of Italian film is full of great moments. As it seems focused on two characters in particular, thst the film takes its time in introducing individually and to one another, but by the end becomes more of an ensemble.

The film tries more to be a docu-drama to make it feel more realistic which is why there are barely any credits. 

The film definitely paints a picture of a culture, time period and of business. How the film introduces us to individuals but by the end they become part of the system and almost nameless. Even though they all ah e their own conflicts and personalities. Though become defined by their jobs only. Another cog in the bureaucratic machine 

The black and white photography throughout gives the film and the tale a timeless nature. As it is a story we have seen many times but different locations and circumstances. As it tries to tell a tale of what seems like first love as an adult, but will it ever get that far or only stay a flirtation. Like when you see someone interesting randomly I. Travel or at an event. Where you seem to hit it off but will you ever see each other again or get a chance to let one another know how you truly feel about them after a few chance encounters. 

It offers the beginning of a romance that never quite starts. That gets lost amongst the many other responsibilities that are forced upon you. As you enter adulthood. 

The promise of something better thst never quite seems to come. While In The heartless system that seems to have bring them together, but also keeps them apart 

As In The beginning interviews it seems to be the go ahead and the beginning. As they are separated yet full of promise. Which leads to uncertainty. As there are no real duties and have nothing but time filled with hope. As he gets busier he manages to see her again. There is promise when she begs him to be at a New Year’s Eve party that she will be attending.

When we get to the party where him and a bunch of different characters t about heartbreak, but learn how to open themselves up to one another and manage to save the evening. Which leads to an ending of uncertainty and unresolved emotions. Where we hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Grade: A- 

THE CLOVEHITCH KILLER (2018)

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Directed By: Douglas Sikes

Written By: Christopher Ford 

Cinematography: Luke McCoubrey

Editor: Megan Brooks and Andrew Hasse 

Cast: Dylan McDermott, Charlie Plummer, Madisen Beaty, Samantha Mathis, Emma Jones, Lance Chantiles-Wertz, Jonathan Riggs, Mark Nash 

A picture-perfect family is shattered when the work of a serial killer hits too close to home.

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This film is an interesting take on a serial killer. Where it asks what would you do if you found out that your parent might have been a serial killer.

What is most inventive of the film is that for a film about a serial killer and his killings. There is only One scene of true violence and luckily it’ not that explicit. Even as it delves into the killings throughout. 

The killisngs take place in the midwest in a heavily religious Community. Where it is happening right beneath their noses, by one of their own.

The true reason for the killings is more about power and control. Though eventually what seems to have kept him at bay was if he couldn’t have the actual thrill of the kill. It was the memory and having evidence as reminders. 

The second half shows that while this is based on various serial killers. It’s not a true story. As no one would admit to the actions of the third act.

The film presents it’s story bare and matter of factly. It doesn’t go for anything gratuitous or exploitive. It plays more like a racy Tv-movie of the same subject. Only not trying to put it down or diminish it’s strength in storytelling. It just feels there is little subtlety and goes for just straight shooting. Though there is a narrative disturbance that is creative and effective to

A degree. Maybe because it also revolves around an actor who was a big television star.

The strength of the filmmaking shows in that ot’s a horror film, built on tension and not gratuitous violence or sex ABD again for a film that couldneasilt have been a television movie on the subjects. It’s still haunting the audience after the film is done. Putting it’s Characters to make the hardest decisions in the worst situations. 

Dylan Mcdermott and Charlie Plummer both hit it out if the park in their roles. Which have so many layers and depth. That you constantoy believe them. 

In the end thenfiom breaks down into a character study of a father and son. The actions and suspicions set forth. As at first it plays like a mystery and then once learning the truth. The consequences of each actions.

Grade: B- 

THE HONEYMOON KILLERS (1970)

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Written & Directed By: Leonard Kastle

Cinematography: Oliver Wood

Editor: Stanley Warnow And Richard Brophy 

Cast: Shirley Stoner, Tony Lo Bianco, Doris Roberts, Mary Jane Higby, Kip Mcardle, Barbara Cason, Marilyn Chris, Dora Duckworth

An obese, embittered nurse doesn’t mind if her toupee-wearing boyfriend romances and fleeces other women, as long as he takes her along on his con jobs.

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This is a failure for me personally. As I heard about over the years, but never took the leap to watch it until recently, as I had even seen a more modern retelling of the tale that it is based on. The 2006 film Lonelyhearts, which starred John Travolta, Salma, Hayek, James Gandolfini, and Jared Leto. This is way better

This film is based on a true crime case of a con man who specialized in romancing and marrying women and stealing their money, and then he met a lonely nurse who fell head over heels for him, and then helped him and his cons but soon they turned deadly as they would begin to kill their victims rather than Just abandon them and run away

What is surprising for this film is that you feel like an accomplice as you watch it you still have an overview, but you’re always there with them and all points of this time and it just has a gritty realism in it that is so believable so that even when eventually, the film turns violet it feels more realistic and you feel sorry for the victims as we have gotten to know them a bit

So at no part, do we root for these killers but we somewhat find ourselves repost, but also a little bit emotional when the nurse part who is seems to be the most cold hearted as she seems to be the one who does the killing most of the time just continuously keeps finding out that her partner has slept with these women that he promised he would never do 

He seems to be the one more in charge at first shocked at her behavior, but soon giving the orders and she seems to become his henchman of sorts, as well as as his partner 

This film was originally supposed to be directed by a young Martin Scorsese, but he ended up not making it past pre-production and was taken over by another director Donald Volkman, who then was fired and finished with another director 

This is one of those treasure cast of films that at first seems like it’s gonna be a cheap bee movie that you would see at a drive-in though it’s so surprisingly well made and the fact that it also takes you off guard when you were expecting, maybe a more harmless, exploiter film and you find this film, surprisingly dramatically resident and more of a thriller than an out and out horror film

It also works again by us, getting to know the victims, even as we know they’re fate and know it’s coming up if personalizes their deaths a little more, and makes it more gruesome and sad than originally intended, especially one victim that you don’t expect them to really carry out and while it happens off screen. You feel like they have reached a new low.

As violence is introduced slowly in the sub at first the killings, though torturous, we don’t really see the handiwork though soon we’re pretty much in the same room as the violence is happening it seems like with each victim, the film and the killers up the game and the violence.

No, this film is definitely a gem not only for true crime aficionados. It truly stands out in the field and sets itself apart. That feels more truthful than a lot of them out there. 

As even the 2006 film Lonelyhearts, based on this case focuses more on the cops in a bit on the killers, this film, we only truly see the killers point of view and a bit of the victims point of view.

This is one of those films that packs such a punch you want to learn all about the true crime case right after you watch it. 

Grade: A – 

THE HOLE (1998)

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Directed By: Tsai Ming-Liang 

Written By: Tsai Ming-Liang and Pi-Ying Yang

Cinematography: Pen-Jung Liao

Editor: Ju-Kuan Hsaio 

Cast: Kuei-Mei Yang, Kang-Sheng Lee, Miao Tien, Hui-Chin Lin, Hsiang-Chu Tong, Kun-Huei Lin

While never-ending rain and a strange disease spread by cockroaches ravage Taiwan, a plumber makes a hole between two apartments and the inhabitants of each form a unique connection, enacted in musical numbers.——————————————————————————-

This film about two stragglers in a doomed neighborhood on the verge of the new millenium of the year 2000. As it seems they are the last ones left in their neighborhood and trying to avoid a virus that is passed from roaches that makes those who get the virus pretended and act like insects.

Before this happens a plumber trying to find a leak into the apartment downstairs exposes a Pipe and a hole into the apartment downstairs

As the film goes along constantly rains and the female who lives downstairs apartment keeps getting flooded. While the man upstairs who runs a shop keeps smoking.

Both are lonely and after awhile they start to communicate and you can see how lonely they both are and long for connection. In between we see musical scenes usually starring the female. Which seem to be her inner monologues of what she wants to say or share. 

The film is about two lonely people finding one another imnthe middle of chaos. 

There are long moments of nothing really happening. Except for each of them going through their days or killing time. Not really doing much, but those moments make us become much more closer to them. As they are more identifiable. Especially In their loneliness. As they are so close yet far away from one another.

This is one of those films where you will either be into the film or you won’t as it can be hypnotizing, but it can also be seen as boring. 

By the end It’s a romantic poetic moment where we hope for the best. As it ends literally on a happy note.

As the film goes along it’s easy to get what it is supposed to be about and the story of making a connection in desperation. At the worst of times and your perfect partner was there all along.

this is one of those films again that when I used to work in a video store, I used to see the DVD cover for all of the time, but never ventured past the cover art to venture to find out what the film was about as the cover looks so plain it just never really interested me or at the time looked way too artistic for me to truly find an interest or try to find an interest in.

At heart a romance. Though. Definitely not a comedy. Though it has  enough quirky details To be shaped or Designed like one.

As two neighbors,Really strangers become connected

Once  a plumber leaves a hole in the floor of

An apartment that is the roof of another. As there is a pandemic in a nearly Empty housing unit. Where the disease is being spread by insects randomly and there is non stop rain outside. Though again some how this is the aesthetic and background to explain why these two characters firnthe most part stay home and other then work Or food shopping, Go nowhere. Yes it’s One of those films. High concept in theory, but focused on the minutae of the characters and dramatics. Where the musicsl numbers are the action scenes. As well as

Kind of the loveScenes. As it is where the characters innermost thoughts and feelings actually come out and are on display. 

Where it feels like it’ going to change scene to scene, but for every curve like the musical sequences. It stays true to it’s path and vision 

It’s a film where it feels like you fully understand where the film

Is going and what it wants to come

Across, but insists on do I g it in it’s

Own way and you have no choice but to follow.

Then rather then going the conventional it chooses to make you watch the most mundane actions of the characters and make it seem poetic or that it means something deeper.

While Also getting the audience to feel thencharscters to be more identifiable. 

While one can admit this is the type of film that feels more like A Statement or Expression.

Definitely not justncintent or disposable. It’s a Film That is clearly not meant for all audiences.

As it is the type of Film you are going to either get with or not.

Unfortunately for me it never connected with me

Or never got  on the same wave length. As it felt tedious and you question not only what is it all about and why am I here. Even a question of consciousness.

Though I can see why others might dig the film. It never quite comes alive. It’s certainly unconventional. So I can’t really rate it. As it is more artistic cinema for you to ponder rather then just grade. 

when it comes to art, we all have our own interpretations as it is so bold and different than what we are accustomed to, while

being creative In anyway, that is not universal

Unfortunately,  i also felt most of the minutes and the film is under 90 minutes. 

TIGER STRIPES (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Amanda Nell Eu

Cinematography: Jimmy Gimferrer

Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad 

Cast: Zagreen Zairzal, Piga, Deena Ezral, Jun Lojong, Khairunazwan Rodzy, Shahiezy Sam, KhairFatimah Abu Bakar, Bella Rahim 

An 11-year-old girl who is carefree until she starts to experience horrifying physical changes to her body.

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This film is like the Pixar animated film TURNING RED. Teaching us about the nature of puberty in females and gaining their periods. How it turns them into something you barely recognize. Their own vicious beasts. That they canmt help. 

Here ItMs a little more literal and violent then the animated film. As this film deals more of this happening in a repressive community and literally the character becoming possessed.

While she seems to affect others. It is never quite explained why or how. As she seems to be the most not one who goes through a complete head to toe change. Though at heart is still a little girl. No matter how dangerous or vicious she becomes.

Which is usually a result of her defending herself from her so-called friends. Who generally turn on her once she goes through changes. They at times come across as the true villains.

The film even throws in a charlatan doctor. Who believes he can cure her and save the town. 

What we get is a body horror film that treats puberty as a horror to all those involved in an individuals transformation. 

For all the metaphors and striking visuals at times. The film feels pretty basic and shows its hands constantly. There is nothing wrong with that. It just doesn’t make things all that exciting or interesting. 

The things there are to admire other than the performances. How the film stretches out her transformation bit by bit. As the film goes along we know something is going on with her but it seems like each scene with her reveals a new part of her ultimate transformation.

This is ultimately a supernatural coming of age story that offers parallels that are universal. It’s a bit grizzly but still more cute with a bit of cruelty than anything.

Grace: B- 

THE MOTEL (2005)

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Written & Directed By: Michael Kang

Based on the novel “WAYLAID” By: Ed Lin

Cinematography: Lisa Leone

Editor: David Leonard and Colleen Sharp

Cast: Sung Kang, Jeffrey Chyau, Jade Wu, Samantha Futerman, Clint Jordan, Eleanor Hutchins, Ron Domingo, Jackie Nova 

Thirteen-year-old Ernest Chin lives and works at a sleazy hourly-rate motel on a strip of desolate suburban bi-way. Misunderstood by his family and blindly careening into puberty, Ernest befriends Sam Kim, a self-destructive yet charismatic Korean man who has checked in. Sam teaches the fatherless boy all the rites of manhood.

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Even though it offers a coming-of-age story from A different viewpoint. It also shows how universal themes and experiences most of us all have at some points.

It barely offers any answers or true endings, but that is how certain aspects and problems are in

Life also. Especially wanting to be an adult but still acting like a child. 

The film Feels unfinished to a certain extent. As it is already short in running time. That you in the audience wanr more from the film and the characters. You want to stay with them showing how much they mean to you and how strong the filmmaking is, that you have formed a bond with them.

The film is kind of a downer and has quite a few explicit material that might make some in the audience uncomfortable.

Showcasing a young man going through puberty with no male role Models. No real emotional support for his interests. Forced into the family

Business. Bullied and in the friend zone with his crush. 

It also showcases Sung Kang in an early

Role before being in the FAST & FURIOUS franchise. In a role that has the character who comes and shakes things up. Who becomes a debauched role model of sorts. Though has a tragedy behind him.

The film feels like a short story that was needed to be shared. A rarity that unfortunately is never followed up, but serves as an example of something shiny and worth your attention.

Though as an adaptation it seems like lighting in a bottle for both. 

Grade: B-