Odd Brodsky (2014) User Reviews

Watchable Hollywood Wannabe Movie

[calorne · 5/10 · 15 July 2018]

A well-worn theme given a little narrative twist. It is well filmed, but the characters are rather one dimensional. I think that was intentional, giving a cartoon feel to the story throughout. But it was hard to take the characters seriously at all and so hard to care about what happened to them. I think it is derivative of Amelie, but not in the same league.

There was a comical play within the film that we had glimpses of and that looked quite entertaining. I think I would have enjoyed that as the main feature more than the film.

Quirky, Original and Fun!!!

[pkb_1 · 7/10 · 13 July 2018]

" "I saw this AWESOME, unique and wonderful indie-gem on PRIME last night."

Great directing, superb pacing. as original as a film can be (everything has been done in some way)....Loved this film, pleasant surprise. Reminds you how fun film can and should be.

Annoying little film

[Red-125 · 3/10 · 16 November 2015]

Odd Brodsky (2013) was co-written and directed by Cindy Baer. It stars Tegan Ashton Cohan as Audrey Brodsky, who is tired of her tedious office job and longs to succeed in Hollywood. The problem is that she has no talent. However, she does have ideas for self-promotion, including hiring a camera person "Camera One" to follow her around and film her life for a reality program. (Matthew Kevin Anderson does a good job as the loyal Camera One, while Scotty Dickert plays Spuds, a man with a gorgeous face and body, but no brains at all.)

The movie is scattered in every direction, with plots coming in and out more or less at random. I could see that director Baer was aiming for cute and quirky, but I think she missed those targets.

We saw the film at the excellent Little Theatre, as part of the Rochester High Falls Film Festival. It will work just as well on the small screen, if you have nothing better to watch. Incidentally, it was made by a woman, and stars a woman, so it fits the High Falls slogan "Celebrating Women in Film." However, it's not a feminist film--most of the women portrayed are stereotypes, and not one is a feminist role model.

Wonderful Movie

[Adam-Klusky · 10/10 · 15 November 2013]

I found Odd Brodsky to be heart-warming and charming. You can feel the fun they had making the film through the screen. Tegan Ashton Cohan and Matthew Kevin Anderson give delightfully fun performances, and Cindy Baer does tremendous work as both actor and director on this production.

It's rare to find a film that captures such a fun feeling. In a cinematic world full of explosions, fancy costuming and special effects, Odd Brodsky shows us all that what you need is a good script, good actors, and a desire to make a good film. Smoothly paced, tender at the core, and just a dash of quirkiness makes Odd Brodsky the type of film you feel good watching, with lead characters you can't help but to root for.

I can't wait to see what Cindy comes up with next.

Unintentional absurdity

[turgan-1 · 4/10 · 12 September 2021]

The movie is floating in all directions until you realize its not going anywhere. The number of positive 10/10 reviews on imdb and positive reviews by some critics made me try, but definetely not worth it.

Engaging, Enchanting and Enjoyable, well worth seeing.

[sjcohen4 · 9/10 · 23 October 2015]

Odd Brodsky engages you from the first moment when the young Audrey Brodsky captures your heart with her dreams. The film is beautifully written and crafted and carries you along with the ups and downs of Audrey's life, so well portrayed by Tegan Ashton Cohan. The characters who surround her are equally well crafted and acted with just the right mix of humour and pathos. The film is funny, energetic and optimistic and leaves you feeling that following your dreams is the right thing to do. With some extraordinary touches such as an original musical number and a fabulous cameo appearance by Jim Hanks as God look forward to more films from accomplished writer, producer and actor Cindy Baer.

Just what the doctor ordered for tough times: Laughs!

[mzwechsler · 9/10 · 23 October 2015]

I went to this movie in a relatively foul mood. Nothing seemed to help me get in better spirits until I saw this adorable, charming and whimsical film. Not only is it funny through and through, it's offbeat and off-kilter. It had shades of "Napoleon Dynamite" with eccentric characters who fall nothing short of lovable. Left the movie and my wife was like "I guess we know what puts you in a good mood" Yes, a hilarious film! I noticed it's won many awards at film festivals and I hope and expect that this will find its way to the general public who, like myself, needs a strong cinematic "upper." Kudos to the writer and director and the cinematographer who I realized shot "Waitress" His touch was just the right blend of pathos and whimsy.

A Great, Quirky Story!

[kdf19 · 10/10 · 9 July 2014]

I was fortunate enough to see this movie recently at the Dances With Films Festival and it didn't disappoint! The casting was spot on, the acting was superb, the writing was great, and the story was just adorable. And, it was shot beautifully.

It's a story about following your dreams, and what really resonated with me was that the main character wasn't some 22 year old just starting out - she was in her mid-thirties! She's smart, and good at what she does, but just not fulfilled. This movie sends a great message to simply go for it, no matter what might be going against you.

If you're a fan of Wes Anderson type movies (though this is its own film and NOT a copycat) then run to see this movie as soon as you can. Can't wait to add this to my DVD collection when the time comes!

Follow your dreams wherever they may lead you

[brauneyes · 10/10 · 16 June 2014]

Odd Brodsky is a wonderful film full of love and dedication by everyone involved and it shows.

It is a heart-warming story that every human-being can relate to; follow your dreams, and remember that everyone stumbles on their way, and even if you never reach your goal, the journey is what matters most!

This is a story about life and what it means to be alive. Most of us are probably surviving and possibly even thriving; but are we really living? What does "living" really mean, anyway? Odd Brodsky allows us to ponder that thought as we live vicariously through the protagonist, Audry Brodsky, on her journey through life.

The film is refreshing in that it relies not on special effects or tugging unnecessarily at your heart, but on a real story about a real person--even if it is fictitious--because this story is about every single one of us and our quest to find happiness and really live!

Great work, Cindy Baer! I can't wait to see what you've got in store for us next!!

Oddly Entertaining

[rjjethwani · 10/10 · 6 August 2014]

They say, "as you age - the memories become greater than the dreams." Do you remember dreaming about what you wanted to be when you were relatively young? Maybe you wanted to be a renown sports figure, or a doctor, or a financial big wig. Well, Audrey Brodsky wanted to be an actress, but like many of us — she fell into a life of complacency. Working at a mundane job, stuck in a cubicle as 10 years fly by (seemingly at the blink of an eye.) And then reality hits her, this is not her calling.

In her mid 30s, Audrey channels that young woman who came to Hollywood to pursue her dreams. She refuses to live in a life of mediocrity where a promotion is just another death nail in the coffin of withering dreams. She takes the unconventional route to achieve her dream. And this is where the heart of the story lies. Audrey is a reflection of anybody that has dared to dream, and taken chances despite their flaws. The difference between Audrey and the rest of us is she keeps things entertaining and unpredictable.

Out of left field, Audrey turns her journey into a reality show. Hiring a camera man who is referred to simply as Camera One. And turning to a group of rambunctious women known as "The Angels" for moral support. This is a concoction for hilarity and a reflection into who we are when things don't go our way. As outrageous as her actions are, we can't help but sustain an intrinsic bond with her. Living vicariously through her off-the-wall, quirky, yet upbeat demeanor.

This is a story of an underdog who takes the road less traveled; mainly because of a lack of talent, but not a lack of heart. Audrey's courage and spunk are what keeps this movie pressing on. She never gives up on herself and stays true to form until the very end with no apologies. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes being "odd" is what makes us interesting.

A great micro budget film from talented film makers

[eamon_yates · 9/10 · 22 January 2018]

A micro budget film, filmed over 20 days in over 30 locations, official selection of 29 film festivals and winner of 20 film festival awards and critiqued as "One of the Best Films of the Year"!

Any Director or Producer would be proud to have these accolades on their film and thats exactly what powerhouse Director, Producer, Co-writer and Actress Cindy Baer has with her film 'Odd Brodsky' (wow thats a lot of things, go girl!). The big question remains, is all the fuss justified?

I can honestly say I really enjoyed this film. Even as a micro budget movie, Odd Brodsky delivers as a quirky, funny, touching and a truly heart warming experience. The characters, although pushing their stereotypes to extremes at points, are cast well and work brilliantly together. You really do fall in love with all of them however, I have to say that Tegan Ashton Cohan delivers a truly mesmerising on screen performance as the lead role of Audrey. There were points where I honestly had to catch myself before I ventured into an embarrassing, teary eyed moment. What! Reel Guys can cry too! I will definitely enjoy watching where she goes after this because I can bet it will be on to something good.

The film itself carries an editing and cinematography style that reminds me of Wes Anderson's 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' just not quite as extreme in colour which I think does not detract in the slightest, its great to watch! The talent in this film both on screen and off screen is evident with this being a micro budget film that avoids all the usual micro budget film issues. You know the ones Im talking about, bad audio, odd editing choices, grainy film shot on poor low-res cameras and a few odd camera angles. Odd Brodsky avoids all of this and transports you effortlessly into the world of Audrey, a middle aged woman just wanting to follow her dream.

That leads me on to the plot and the story. The film follows Audrey, a middle aged girl, stuck as an 'office gal' when what she really wants to do is make her mother proud and follow her dream of acting. Following her journey as she steps out of comfort zone and attempts to tackle the unknown we get to meet the funny characters she meets along the way. Characters such as 'Camera One', her trusty camera operator, played by Matthew Kevin Anderson, who films her for the reality TV show she plans to make to help her become discovered or her attractive stoner housemate 'Spuds', played by Scotty Dickert from the Netflix original film 'XOXO', who just seems to be in the right place at the right time. We watch these characters grow together through a series of antics as Audrey tries harder and harder to reach her dream before her money runs out and her dream along with it. I admit, there is an element of bias with me being an actor and this being a story about a person dreaming to be a successful actor but this film hits the thoughts, feelings, bad times and good right on the head. I really did resonate with this story of aspiration recognising a lot of states that I myself had been through.

So should you watch this film. Honestly, even if you are not an actor I really think you should! Its a great feel good movie that demonstrates the courage a person choosing to act has to carry with them even in the face of overwhelming resistance and confusion from people who don't understand their decision and think they are helping but are actually cutting the deepest with their words.

This film has done well already and I believe it will continue to do so. A truly great film from truly talented people.

An odd ball classic rags to riches Hollywood tale.

[wesunderwood · 8/10 · 3 March 2020]

I was pleasantly surprised at this production. The plot and premise of this story were sincere. No doubt many people have pursued the classic artist dream of a career as an actor in Hollywood. This story give us an insight into the path of one young ladies ambitions and perils, delivered to us with unique humor and quirky visual presence. Miss Audrey Brodsky manages to design and navigate her own path of trials and errors which ultimately reveal her true artistic talent.

Exactly what is needed in todays world

[info-2324 · 9/10 · 30 January 2019]

This director was spot on all the way through, from the casting to the writing I was captured. A feel good movie with substance. Waiting for the director's next film.

A Wonderful Slice of Indie Cinema!!

[gutman · 9/10 · 24 March 2017]

In a world where almost every film looks and sounds the same, along comes "Odd Brodsky" and reassures your faith in American Cinema! It's a true reminder of why we need to do everything possible to keep Independent Film alive! Art-house cinema at it's finest. Filmmakers take note!

Wonderful Chasing Your Dreams Storytelling

[TheAll-SeeingI · 9/10 · 20 March 2020]

Director-screenwriter Cindy Baer brings us the endearing and enduring charm of Audrey "Odd" Brodsky (Tegan Ashton Cohan) in a great follow-your-dreams tale made fully realized by the terrific character sketching of its namesake role.

"Odd" is a nickname authored by those who have paid witness to her uniqueness of spirit firsthand, and this engrossing comedy movie tracks her as she leaves home for the glittering possibilities of Hollywood, only to soon find herself in a soul-destroying office job. Despite the added complication of the fact the job pays all too well, Odd does indeed rid herself of it, jumping headlong into the churning Hollywood shark tank where aspiration and creative commodification collide.

Filled with great writing and performances, "Odd Brodsky" is a film for anyone who has found themselves in a place desperately different than the one which was dreamed. But it's ultimately a story of resilience and recalibration through personal growth, and provides a wonderful uplift for those in pursuit of something that resides in the heart. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)

Wonderfully written

[TrentonHudson · 4 February 2020]

So well written. Enjoyed this film entirely. The plot, the story kept my attention throughout the entire film. This film has done very well. Very heart-warming and you can see the emotions the great characters portray. Kept my attention the entire time. I definitely recommend this to everyone. J. D'andrea