Just Add Pepper (2002) Poster

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5/10
Just Add Pep and you'll do fine
thesar-22 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly, I can't bash Just Add Pepper. Though, I am still mad at the cover art that makes it look like a gay-independent romance/comedy. (I will say though there are a lot of gay-references in here, but the two male leads on the cover, one looking at the other and the other apparently daydreaming, are just "friends.")

It's a small, but well-made independent movie. Sure, it's predictable as all Hades, its comedy foreshadowed many scenes in advance and some of the jokes pretty lame/tame. That all being said, it's a cute little movie that you can tell the writer/director, Basler and actors/crew were really giving it there all.

"Pepper" lives in a small town where once he fell in love with his older, much more successful brother's girlfriend. She left, and returned a year later to the small town and this gets "Pepper" excited and his best (bromance) friend jealous. I wonder where this is leading, and you'll know from frame one. Heck, even the "funeral" scene has been used so much, you wait for the obligatory death segment.

Still, the heart they put into the feature, the lead actors, both "Pepper" (McCallum) and love-interest, Sarah (Gannon) really put their 110% into it, you actually have to admire the small movie. And that's one of the things I appreciate most in movies: genuine heart. They do, and despite the predictability and unoriginality, it hits its mark by just being true.

I'd recommend just for a viewing. I am sad these actors didn't really go on to huge projects, but this single film should be watched for their one true stardom. Their fifteen minutes.

(Side note: the music was pretty damn good in this. I understand the art of making small-budgeted, independent films, but they did a great job of making a very well made soundtrack throughout. I am not sure if the CD-soundtrack is available, but I would buy it.)
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10/10
New Talent
jkerr21613 November 2004
Just Add Pepper is a great first film from an emerging talent. The movie is well produced and directed, with good dialogue and acting.

The movie is a testament to true independent movie making, with one writer and director working with unknown actors who are also trying to make it, using his own money. This shows that an "independent" film does not need a million dollars plus budget to achieve quality work. Filmed on location in central Jersey, Basler's film also is ahead of the current set-in-New Jersey trend of independent cinema.

Be on the lookout for other Peter Paul Basler projects: Reality and Stuff and As Cool as Jennifer.
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10/10
Watch for the band.
SnoopJonny16 December 2004
Truly a cast of rising stars. Look for great things to come from this crew.

Mike Low gives an amazing performance as a member of "Band at High School Dance". I'd pay any day to see Mike Low pretend to be in a band.

I can't wait for more gems like this from Peter Basler. What's he up to anyway? When will Hollywood come around for Peter Basler. Who knows?

And furthermore, when will Hollywood realize the talent hidden in Mike Low? If I see another Nicholas Cage film on the marquee before Peter Basler or Mike Low are making another film, I won't see it.

But definitely check out this film for Mike Low and maybe Mike Tichy. The other main actors are great too, but surely nobody can deny Mike Low's performance.
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