So this was made locally and is getting a showing at a local theatre(Worcester,MA)....I like independent movies.I often drive into Cambridge or Boston to see something unique. But this movie is just dreadful. An idiot plot that would be offensive to Italians--if it was a real plot. There is no real acting-- no one comes out of this film looking good. It has the quality of someone's (bad)home movie. Example:A cop who pulls a gun on someone..for what? No idea,he had no reason to pull the person's car over to begin with. This is more than overly broad comedy,this is just plot less,moronic film making at it's absolute worse. When it was over I just wanted to run away from the theatre as fast as possible--I feared seeing someone involved in the making of the movie standing around looking for a compliment.
9 Reviews
Top Notch Family Movie
jsmde20 September 2004
At a time when most movies are deluged with special effect, the only "special" effect I noted in Freedom Park is the incredible enthusiasm of everyone involved. Most of these actors were just everyday people, coming together with a common interest, to make a movie. In fact, many of the scenes didn't require acting at all, just that the people be themselves. The result is a natural, wholesome, non-offensive, funny story line that could have taken place in Anytown, USA. I found this movie to be extremely entertaining, well written, well acted, with comedy that is easy for all ages to understand, and emotional interests that are followed through well. I especially liked the efforts at tying together all the different scenes into what can realistically be projected as a small town atmosphere. I can identify with scenes and locations that could easily be a part of my own town. Everyone involved with this movie is to be highly commended.
Triple Threat - Fantastic, Fun, and Family-friendly
kcirone13 September 2004
"Freedom Park" is one of the highest quality independent films I have seen in some time. It features good acting, an interesting premise and a well-written plot, but that's not what makes it great. "Freedom Park" does several things that a standard indy romp doesn't do. First, instead of going for shock value it strives for mainstream acceptance without sacrificing the emotional depth of the characters or the humorous elements. Second, the movie has heart. There are classic good guy/bad guy conflicts in the multiple intertwining plot arcs and you will find yourself rooting for the good guys more often than not, but you will also identify with the bad guys, who could so easily have been played as one-dimensional jerks but are instead endowed with depth and humor.
Andrea Ajemian, the female lead and producer of this film, has a gift for comedy and is just adorable to boot. Tim Fields and Matt MacDonald have a great charisma and chemistry that makes them extremely likable as the main characters. The child actors in this film are well cast and show a lot of emotional depth for their ages. Add in some great cameos by Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy and legend Louis Tiant and you have all the star power you need.
On limited release in Massachusetts, "Freedom Park" will hopefully be picked up for major distribution sometime soon and if nothing else released on DVD.
Go see it, take your kids, your parents, your friends and loved ones, you will not be disappointed.
Andrea Ajemian, the female lead and producer of this film, has a gift for comedy and is just adorable to boot. Tim Fields and Matt MacDonald have a great charisma and chemistry that makes them extremely likable as the main characters. The child actors in this film are well cast and show a lot of emotional depth for their ages. Add in some great cameos by Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy and legend Louis Tiant and you have all the star power you need.
On limited release in Massachusetts, "Freedom Park" will hopefully be picked up for major distribution sometime soon and if nothing else released on DVD.
Go see it, take your kids, your parents, your friends and loved ones, you will not be disappointed.
get yourself to the theater!
christinelangill22 September 2004
This movie is one of my new favorites! I have seen it twice already. If I didn't know ahead of time that it was an independent movie, I would have had no idea. It is extremely well-made. The acting is amazing...from the appealing leads to the impressive child actors. The story is original, and the movie is packed with hilarious moments. It is also nice to see an independent movie without the overwhelming barrage of sex, drugs and violence. There is nothing objectionable in this film. When I saw it, the kids were cracking up, and the adults were laughing right along with them. This movie has something for everyone. I hope this movie gets a wider release so even more people can enjoy it. Everyone involved should be very proud. Check it out today!
You have to see this!!
moveylover10 September 2004
I just saw this movie and it was REALLY great! This was one of my favorite movies that I have seen, and it was shot in Massachusetts. I was so impressed with the quality of this movie!!!!! It had a really great story that everyone will LOVE.
This was a movie about two guys who had to deal with a gambling debt, which they chose to deal with in a hilarious way. Once they realized that it was getting out of control they dealt with the problem. It was made so well, the characters really developed throughout the movie, and there were many deep subjects that were tackled but in a way that stayed light enough to keep the kids involved.
This truly is a rare movie, it somehow manages to be extremely interesting to adults and very entertaining for kids. This is a movie in its own level!!
This was a movie about two guys who had to deal with a gambling debt, which they chose to deal with in a hilarious way. Once they realized that it was getting out of control they dealt with the problem. It was made so well, the characters really developed throughout the movie, and there were many deep subjects that were tackled but in a way that stayed light enough to keep the kids involved.
This truly is a rare movie, it somehow manages to be extremely interesting to adults and very entertaining for kids. This is a movie in its own level!!
This really is a GREAT movie!!
indiebuff5419 September 2004
This movie was really great. I couldn't believe the quality of this movie, on all levels. I really don't know what that other guy was talking about. For one thing, it was very clear why the cop pulled them over. Were you actually watching the movie?
Also, it is not just being shown at "local theaters", this actually made it into Showcase Cinemas AND Loews Cinemas. That is unheard of for a self distributed film. The only way it could ever make it into national chains without a distributor is to just be a high quality film.
I loved this movie a LOT, and I am very critical of films. And, by the way, another source that is very critical of films is the Boston Phoenix, and it gave an EXCELLENT review of this movie. It even called Freedom Park "top notch". I have heard nothing but great things about this movie so I went to see for myself and I was blown away. I, and other film critics, think very highly of this film. I am proud that this film was made in my home state of Massachusetts and will defend it from anyone. (Which I have not had to do at all until now.)
Also, it is not just being shown at "local theaters", this actually made it into Showcase Cinemas AND Loews Cinemas. That is unheard of for a self distributed film. The only way it could ever make it into national chains without a distributor is to just be a high quality film.
I loved this movie a LOT, and I am very critical of films. And, by the way, another source that is very critical of films is the Boston Phoenix, and it gave an EXCELLENT review of this movie. It even called Freedom Park "top notch". I have heard nothing but great things about this movie so I went to see for myself and I was blown away. I, and other film critics, think very highly of this film. I am proud that this film was made in my home state of Massachusetts and will defend it from anyone. (Which I have not had to do at all until now.)
FUN FAMILY MOVIE!
vitroshe26 September 2004
Did Humbaba watch the same movie I did? After reading his incredibly negative comments about Freedom Park, I can only conclude he must have a personal ax to grind against someone involved in making of this film. I heard about this movie through news accounts and movie reviews (all of them very positive by the way), and decided to see for myself. I am so glad I did! I found the story line entertaining, the characters endearing and most tellingly I left the theatre with a smile on my face. Being an educator of children, I can truly say that this is a lovely movie for the entire family.
P.S. I am also an Italian American and found nothing offensive to my heritage.
P.S. I am also an Italian American and found nothing offensive to my heritage.
Way above expectations!
foosman21 September 2004
When was the last time you could take your kids to an indie film?
Freedom Park is the rare exception - excellent quality for an indie film on all levels, and entertaining to both kids and adults. Fine acting all around, even from the extras (can't understand why that family watching Sully throw himself in the dirt at the ice cream stand hasn't been signed to a multi-picture deal yet ;-)). Story line is tight, and the cinematography very respectable for this level of film. It deserves the theatrical releases it has achieved, instead of going straight to DVD.
Kudos to all involved - having met some of them on two occasions, they're a great group of folks and deserve all the success this film should bring them.
Freedom Park is the rare exception - excellent quality for an indie film on all levels, and entertaining to both kids and adults. Fine acting all around, even from the extras (can't understand why that family watching Sully throw himself in the dirt at the ice cream stand hasn't been signed to a multi-picture deal yet ;-)). Story line is tight, and the cinematography very respectable for this level of film. It deserves the theatrical releases it has achieved, instead of going straight to DVD.
Kudos to all involved - having met some of them on two occasions, they're a great group of folks and deserve all the success this film should bring them.
Headline: Nancy Saves The Day
hemlac9 November 2004
This is an excellent family movie. After reading the logline I was skeptical/concerned/curious to see if Jon Artigo & Chad Meserve could pull off a family movie about gambling...They've succeeded with Freedom Park.
FP is fast, furious and VERY funny. The characters are well rounded -- and the acting is superb.
It's a huge accomplishment when film makers can produce a family film that actually appeals to adults as well as the target audience of children. Freedom Park does it.
You MUST see this film -- because only then will you truly understand the Headline above.
Awesome work!
FP is fast, furious and VERY funny. The characters are well rounded -- and the acting is superb.
It's a huge accomplishment when film makers can produce a family film that actually appeals to adults as well as the target audience of children. Freedom Park does it.
You MUST see this film -- because only then will you truly understand the Headline above.
Awesome work!
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