Walter (I) (2015) User Reviews

Recommended to watch,, nice plot, keeps you hanging till in the end you figure it all out .. it's just felt that it was a bit short such a story !!

[Aktham_Tashtush · 6/10 · 19 March 2015]

The Idea of the movie is nice, a guy on earth acting as god's judge whether you go to hell or heaven .. and really well written script ,, and plot just keep growing and attract you to a point where you really lose you sh!t trying to know which is real and which is not.

The Cast was amazing, Andrew J. West was sensational and bravo to the performance of the socially awkward role .. but come on !! ain't William H. Macy so genius where ever he's in !! i loved him in "Shameless" and now he's acting like the careless but knowledgeable psychiatrist .

The only thing which felt off about the movie is it feels like it's so short,, and it kinda was ... events go fast and the movie is just over like that,, i mean for a story like that i kinda wished there was a bit more to it,, but who knows! it might'v gotten boring if they'd done that..

So the movie overall is cool, recommended to watch it's not the wowzer type of comedy but it's definitely the one you'd enjoy watch with family on a Friday pizza night ;)

.....Spoiler.....

It's all about how you deal with grief. :)

What is it

[LiamBlackburn · 4/10 · 16 March 2015]

What is it.... A comedy?.... Or a drama....pick one. Instead of being one or the other, this ends up being a swing-and-miss by trying to be both. The beginning started out really wishy-washy, but had some funny lines. Even though it began with a funeral scene, you thought that maybe it would grow into an entertaining light hearted funny movie. From death comes rebirth and new life. This did not happen. It started to become more and more dramatic, whilst repeatedly trying to infuse more ill-timed humour here and there. The plot was so obvious about halfway through. The ghost was obviously connected to his own life somehow. Then, if it wasn't enough, the Doctor literally tells us, what the entire problem of the protagonist was---that he didn't grieve. Sometimes it's best to let the audience figure that stuff out by themselves. The movie wasn't serious enough to be a drama, nor was it funny enough to be a comedy. This leaves it in perpetual limbo, much like the existence of the ghost character.

Too Painful a Slog To Get To the Finale

[larrys3 · 3/10 · 11 June 2015]

Although I tried to find more to like in this indie dramedy, it just came across to me as mostly painfully unfunny and too long a slog to get to the 180 degree finale.

Andrew J. West stars here as Walter, who's made himself into an obsessive-compulsive "Rain Man"- like character since his father's death, a decade before. From the day of his dad's funeral, Walter believes God has given him the power to instantly judge whether another person will end up in heaven or hell.

Walter will try and deal with his strained relationship with his oppressively smothering mother (Virginia Madsen), as well as the interpersonal relationships with his co-workers at the movie theater, where he works as a ticket taker. When a ghost-like figure (Justin Kirk) enters Walter's world, and he begins to see a therapist (William H. Macy), Walter's ironclad life's rules will begin to be challenged and shaken.

There are a couple of life's lessons being offered here but, for me, as mentioned it was just too difficult a slog to get to them near the finale of the film. Also, the ending here just seemed too simplistic and contrived for my tastes.

Nice little surprise

[pmomailme-49635 · 7/10 · 24 January 2016]

While I was waiting for something to happen I suddenly realized that this is a very nice little human interest story. Walter lost his Dad at a young age and it stunted him emotionally. His gradual realization of what his life is and what it could be is the story. There is some very nice talent with medium and small roles as his parents, psychiatrist, his father's former lover and even the great Jim Gaffigan as the movie theater manager. It is a slow paced feature but Andrew J. West has a lot going on as Walter deals with his unresolved grief for his Dad, his over protective Mom and his strong attraction to Kendall, the popcorn girl at the movie theater where he works. Justin Kirk plays the ghost who haunts him with snarky humor and a dose of reality which serve as the catalyst that Walter desperately needs to wake up and get a life. All in all a surprising and creative little flick that is worth your while if you can live without the usual clichés featured in today's films.

Bored me to tears

[duncan-97688 · 1/10 · 23 March 2015]

I have never written a review before. This movie was so bad, so incredibly boring that I felt compelled to say so. That's how bad it is. The plot is missing altogether. The directors took the whole "character development" to silly levels (you know those over done fake "Oscar moments"?) well this movie is riddled with them

And no, "Walter" is most definitely not a comedy. Slow, painful to watch, drawn out confusing drama, yes. Comedy, most definitely not. I do not recall a hint of even a chuckle at any stage throughout this entire movie. In fact 90% of this movie was decidedly depressing.

And the actors....don't you hate it when they use "big" names to promote a movie on the cover when in fact those actors only have a wee little side role to play?

Interesting little film that it's makers should be proud of

[ArchonCinemaReviews · 7/10 · 2 May 2015]

Walter is a little indie film that is more than meets the eye - and you're going to want to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Walter works at a movie theater, it's easy work and he takes it seemingly too seriously. That is because Walter actually works for God and is the one deciding whether you are going to heaven or hell.

Walter, played by Andrew J. West, does not just work for God, he is the son of God and found out the day his father died when he was just ten years old. As a ticket taker at a local cinema, he is able to pass judgment of the eternal fate of many. He lives with his nervous and concerned mother and everything is going fine until a man named Greg surfaces and forces him to confront everything he believes in.

Based on a short by the same minds, Walter is a film about much more than the fantastical and metaphysical happenings of its title character. Like any good narrative, it slowly reveals itself through the unveiling of layers rather than droning exposition. Though the tone of the film fluidly evolves and changes throughout its duration, it never shifts unexpectedly enough to interrupt the audience's engagement.

When it comes to indies, most of the time the acting is the weakest part of the film. Not so with Walter, as Walter enrolls the help of many well known and solid actors in order to tell its story.

Walter is a quirky and interesting film that is ultimately a pleasant surprise. Viewers may not realize where the plot is going, and it ends a bit too expectedly, but not a shabby attempt by writer Paul Schoulberg, and director Anna Mastro, by any means.

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Neat base story only to meet lacking development

[Seraphion · 3/10 · 20 March 2015]

The story and it's major twist seemed very predictable even from the very start. But at the very least it provided a neat enough character background and relationships between the characters. But the consequent development on the story proves to be so very lacking since the movie put so much weight and screen time to those characters who are essentially non significant. The trick worked well in adding duration time for the movie to become a full feature movie. But it did the story no good and instead made it quite boring. The acting overall is just a decent acting work. William H. Macy did quite a nice job as the shrink. But as his character didn't really have any significance to the main conflict of the story, his performance doesn't really seem to matter.

A really good movie

[ramfat · 7/10 · 15 March 2015]

Typically, when I see a rating this high on a new movie, with very few votes, it's because the movie production company hires people, or has a bunch of their friends over-rate it, to make it look good. Definitely not the case for this movie. This movie touches on so many subjects: Delusions, Nut-job Theists, Imaginary friends (i.e. gods, spirits, ghosts), Emotional Trauma, Broken Homes, Failed Relationships, Social Retardation, Schizophrenia, Psychology, Death, and last but not least, Grief. Anyone who has ever lost a parent to death, or a broken home, will be able to relate to this movie. There were times in this movie where I literally didn't know if I was laughing or crying. Religion has always been used as a crutch for people who cannot accept death; either the death of a loved one, or their own imminent death. The fact that most religions can't even move past the first stage of grief (denial), is masterfully dissected in this movie. Well done.

Worst movie I've seen

[justshep-49342 · 1/10 · 22 October 2021]

Worst movie I've seen seen This movie is horrible, I would not recommend watching it.

You spent enough time at work, and doing other things. This movie is a waste of your time. I would rather have been washing clothes then watch this bad movie.

A ghost haunts a kid who eats only eggs. Would that make him a poultry-geist?

[rooprect · 8/10 · 25 June 2017]

"Walter" is a movie for the wtf bin. If you like picking movies out of the wtf bin, then you're all set. With a plot as bizarre as the whimsy of Charlie Kaufman ("Being John Malkovich", "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind") and a deadpan comedic presentation like something you might find Bill Murray in ("Groundhog Day", "Scrooged") and an artistic visual approach to everyday scenery ("Joe Vs the Volcano", "Buffalo '66"), this film is like an amalgamation of all the cool quirky flicks that exist under the radar. And yet it has a distinctly original vibe that sets it apart from the rest.

The plot in one sentence: A 20-something OCD nerd who could pass for Rain Man's younger brother is tasked with the surprisingly easy task of determining whether people go to heaven or hell, but when he gets snagged on a technicality (a lovably pesky ghost whom he can't seem to figure out), his meticulously structured life starts to come apart, prompting him to seek treatment from a therapist (William H Macy) who himself is just 1 session away from the looney bin. If I lost you, never fear, the plot isn't important. Although it certainly has its twists & turns and a well crafted mystery, the plot isn't as central as is the character development and deconstruction of our hero whose name is, you guessed it, "Walter".

Though the story is very surreal, supernatural and fantasy-like, the visual presentation is very realistic (no dazzling special effects or acid trip sequences) which fits perfectly. Walter's life, as bizarre as it is to us, is normal to him, mundane and ritualistic. So the low key camera work is appropriate, forsaking sight gags in lieu of subtle storytelling through symmetry, repetition, attention to detail and all those things Walter surrounds himself with. That is until Greg the ghost enters his life, and that's when things start getting a little weird.

Top notch acting by everyone on screen, from the complex Walter to the peripheral weirdos he works alongside at the movie theater, from the cynical & wacky therapist (Macy) to the rational & stoic ghost who seems to be the only sane character in the story, and all of this is glued together by Walter's 1 true lifeline to reality, his mother (Virginia Madsen) who seems to be dangling over the edge of a nervous breakdown the whole time.

"Walter" made me laugh out loud a few times, but you shouldn't expect a comedy. It's really more of a quirky drama along the lines of a Terry Gilliam film ("Brazil", "Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas") but with a more indie approach. Aside from broad similarities to the cult classics I've mentioned, there aren't too many flicks that compare. But it reminded me of the unknown gems "Little Sister" (about an ex-goth girl turned nun who returns to her backwoods hometown), "Dark Mind" (a more serious and visually stylish thriller about the complexities of a paranoid agoraphobe), and an awesome Italian flick "The Ferpect Crime" (about a guy trapped in the women's section of a department store and somehow he meets a ghost or two). Yes, "Walter" may proudly take its place smack dab in the middle of the coveted wtf bin. The world needs more flicks like this.

Pleasant film, I think most people will enjoy it

[boydpeters · 7/10 · 25 June 2018]

I think the cover and summary will give you a feel for what you are going to watch, and it delivers what you probably want. Overall this is a pleasant film that is well written, has endearing characters and will leave you feeling better for watching it. That makes for a film that plenty of people can watch and enjoy. Well done everyone

Content Warning: uses "R" word, very ableist

[jvenus-07339 · 1/10 · 2 September 2021]

Turned it off when the one character, Vince, used the "R" word. He also kept referring to Walter in very ableist ways. I know that's supposed to be showing how problematic the character is, but there's better more intelligent ways to do it.

Also multiple other ableist things from other characters.

Grief takes time, so does writing

[celluloidkiwi · 7/10 · 17 March 2015]

Despite awkward writing in pertinent moments, this script works. Walt's love interest could have been better cast by yards or inches depending on how the director had control. The base theme is spot on in terms of how the writers displayed the denial that accompanies the deep loss felt by a child when coping with devastating loss. The relationship between Walt and some-girl-at-his-job was weak at best. His relationship with his therapist was more meaningfully developed in only minutes, a few scenes. Did not understand the egg thing. Rather, got it, but did not feel the import. Cool film, nice sentiment. Some ideas were undeveloped, but then maybe that's just the way it is. Acting well done by William H.Macy, Justin Kirk, Virginia Madsen, Jim Gaffigan of course, and AndrewJ. West.

The scene where Walt and Kendall shared a moment (in fact any shared screen time by these actors was forced) where Kendall was crying in the theater was sad only in that it was so poorly written. Failed love plot or huh? In fact, that's where the plot missed the attempt to connect the potentially shared grief. Walt's voice over stated that life's dreariness is blah blah unless shared. Completely failed element. Never developed. Nice film, well acted. Just needed some plot polishing beyond some cookie-cutter chick laying on popcorn ala American Beauty rose petals. We get that. Finish it. Yeah, the romance was stale at best even if it was a sub-plot. Finish the plot.

Decent little film

[bellino-angelo2014 · 7/10 · 16 July 2023]

In some ways I could be described as the king of the reviewers for obscure modern movies: believe it or not, I have probably reviewed more movies with 1,2 reviews or less than 30 reviews like this more than anyone else. It's fun finding stuff that hasn't been seen by many and give some fresh air to it. And WALTER is among these.

Walter J Benjamin (Andrew West) works as a ticket-tearer in the local movie theater, and soon he reveals to us that when he was 10 he did a deal with God to judge the eternal fate of every person with which he comes across for making his dad go to heaven. All this goes well until the mysterious ghost Gregory Tomlinson shows up and forces Walter to see the real meaning of his life and of his purpose. How it ends, I can't say it here because it's best if you see it for yourselves.

I liked the concept, it wasn't zany like BRUCE ALMIGHTY but still funny in a way. While Andrew West never became a household name he gives a good performance and he is joined by various familiar faces (such as Virginia Madsen, William Macy, Neve Campbell, Peter Facinelli and Jim Gaffigan) that support him well. What marred the movie a bit for me is that the character of Gregory was poorly written and I assume that the writers created the character on purpose for ruining the movie a bit.

Regardless of that it's still a uplifting movie that deserves to be rediscovered no matter if you are fans of the stars or not.

Story ... Story .... Story ....

[Adarsh_Kumar_Singh · 7/10 · 20 March 2015]

The thing is .. if you have a good story to tell, many will listen. That is what exactly the makers of this film did. Not only they took a chance on a pretty feeble subject, they went through it ...... !!

BUT >>> BUT >>> BUT ...

The whole background (directing, cinematography, the whole basic design of production, and some editing) was a little empty for my liking, ( not too empty ) but i was still able to ignore that since the theme was outstanding.

Now, the whole acting, ... i gathered that our protagonist should have had more vice in his acting, specially when he had his last meeting with his shr**k (maybe some spoilers here, i don't know).

He should have been Al (you know) Pacino in this particular scene. The story demanded that.... the coming .... of age of sorts ... you know !!

Except all those above, the screenplay, which we used to call script, is fabulous !!! The story was able to steal my sevens.

Almost well acted. Would have been better with a better Skipper !! My 7 out of 10 for STORY, only.

Comes love - nothing can be done

[cekadah · 8/10 · 29 March 2015]

A very ordered life doesn't protect you. Walter finds this out the hard way!

This nice indie flick tells a simple story of Walter who imagines he has a gift from the almighty and Walter is sure of himself in his well ordered highly defined daily life. His mother is an enabler. Walter discovers his heart needs more when he unwantingly falls for Kendall, the beautiful blonde who also works at the cinema multiplex. For the first time Walter encounters his internal feelings and his daily life begins to crumble. He thinks he's going mad - enter the great scenes with Dr. Corman.

This is a fine movie by Director Anna Mastro but somewhere the story becomes detached and you cannot feel for Walter. He's not a character you can care about and at movies end its a big 'so what'.

Eggcellent Satire

[in1984 · 7/10 · 17 May 2015]

7.6 of 10. This is one of those films where it's best to know as little about as possible or even to be mislead by one of those horrible trailers. The sort of subtle satire and psychotic comedy that will make you laugh and maybe even cry, but not because you regret the amount of money you paid for the popcorn and carbonated GMO liquid.

It has a similar feel, partly because of the setting, as The Voices (2014), which is the better of the psycho comedies, but also the more brutal and horrific.

The setting of Indianapolis works perfectly to accentuate mundane, ordinary world surrounding them and the sometimes mocking, sometimes subtle comedy revolving around the mysteries: Are you watching another, urban version of Psycho or a comedy revolving a socially inept loser still living at home with his mom? Or could it be some combination of the 2? Exploring that and various other character/psychological flaws keeps the film rolling and makes you wish it had been a little longer to flesh out some of the characters and plot, maybe throw in a few more misleading elements of suspense or terror.

If nothing else, for those who hate theaters and Hollywood, it mocks them with unusual harshness for a film.

Add To Your "To Watch" List

[justin-b-see · 9/10 · 16 March 2015]

While the presence of several well known actors including William H. Macy and Virginia Madsen have been referenced frequently in reviews and promotions of screenwriter Paul Shoulberg's movie Walter, the film wouldn't be as poignant if not for the stellar portrayal of the main character "Walter" by Andrew J. West. From his role as a cannibal in "The Walking Dead" to a Christian (of sorts) in Walter, Andrew's ability to create an awkward, ostensibly autistic 20-something and then transform him into a more relatable character as the story progresses is the beauty of watching this film. If you only add one independent movie to your watch list this year, make it Walter.

Don't believe the rating!

[Hopstimop · 9/10 · 27 March 2015]

This movie is a very touching and deep story about a guy, who finds himself.

There is a bit of a romance, but nothing cheesy, just exactly to the right amount.

I actually expected some spiritual comedy with ghosts and such, instead I got a character study with heart and I'm happy about it. Sometimes I had the feeling, that there should be more explanation, but at the end I realized, that everything is just fine. You will get everything and it is not spoon-fed to you, but actually the director lets your intellect put the puzzle together and there is no piece missing.

If you like feel good movies, where you also can wish off a tear secretly, watch it.

Strange, quirky, and fun.

[rockwilder0000 · 9/10 · 29 March 2015]

An excellent film reminiscent of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "Being John Malkovich". Strange, quirky, and original. I am truly baffled by the criticisms of people asking, "Is it a comedy? Is it a drama?" Whatever emotions it evoked in you or themes you identified with, that's what the film is. "Watler" reminds me of "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou". It will engage the feely-parts of anyone who has ever had to cope with loss or wondered "am I crazy? Am I okay?" but never intended to take itself too seriously. Don't think too hard about it. Just drink it in. I lost my father when I was young and most films exploring that relationship are pretty pedantic. Kudos to "Walter" for keeping it weird.

Walter is a must see

[tootsiepop6 · 10/10 · 8 January 2015]

I had the thrilling opportunity to see the film "Walter" on January 2 at Palm Springs Film Festival. The movie was amazing. The cast consists of huge name actors: William H Macy, Virginia Madsen, Andrew J West, Neve Campbell, Brian White, Milo Ventimiglia, Jim Gaffigan, Peter Facinelli, etc! The entire cast brings so much to the movie. There is depth and substance to each role. I laughed throughout the movie at its witty lines. I cried when the main character starts going through the grieving process. If you're like me and crave movies that make you feel, then this movie is for you! There has never been a movie like this one. It's truly one of a kind. You must see it!

Walter thinks he's the Son of God, is pursued by an annoying ghost, until he resolves his grief for his real dead Dad

[hsolaf · 8/10 · 25 April 2017]

At first, this curious film, of magic-reality genre, will baffle you. Walter, the main character, believes he's the Son of God, and is followed by a ghost , Greg(good actor Justin Kirk), a kind of annoying presence-confidant, who won't let him be.This indie film,the intriguing work of promising young director Anna Mastro,and an ensemble of fine actors, mixes Walter's agonizing fantasies with his humdrum, daily reality. Sweet, twentyish Walter, played by Andrew J. West, in a moving, nuanced performance, works in a movie theater, is platonic- ally enamored of the pop-corn girl(Leven Rambin). Walter has been living in a semi-autistic trance with his dysfunctional, grieving mother(Virginia Madsen), ever since his father died when he was 10. In order to enable suicidal dad to go to heaven, Walter promises God he will be His agent,his Son on Earth. Wally thinks he is beholden to tell his peers whether they will go to Heaven or Hell. , Enters Greg (fine actor Justin Kirk)a plain talking, confrontative ghost, wandering on Earth for a decade. Greg wants Walter to tell him where his final destination will be.Wo is Gregg, and why is he in Walte's subconscious? Eventually, Walter's eccentric psychiatrist (colorfully played by brilliant William H. Macy)helps Walter figure out that Gregg, his imagined meddlesome ghost,his dad (Peter Facinelli) and the woman who was his father's mistress (Neve Campbell)are all connected. Once he figures that link, Walter exorcises his demons, resolves his grief, and can become a full and balanced human being. He also gets the pop-corn girl!

This very human and imaginative movie will make you feel good that human beings can free themselves from demons that the mind can create due to unresolved grief. I liked it even better the 2nd time around! You will fall in love with the moving characters that these deft and expressive actors bring into being, but especially with Andrew West's brilliant and heart- rending performance as Walter. He makes the movie real, credible and human!

Enjoyable character study

[btm1 · 9/10 · 4 January 2017]

Very enjoyable and engrossing small film with a well thought out plot and interesting characters. Walter (Andrew J. West) is a young adult who lives an overly-obsessive ordered life. He also believes his father is God and his mission in life is to pass judgment on everyone he meets as to whether that person will go to heaven or hell in the afterlife. He lives at home with a widowed mother (Virginia Madsen) who has her own peculiar behavior pattern. She is unaware of Walter's beliefs but is distressed that Walter is not healthier.

Walter's life is abruptly disrupted by the sudden appearance of a ghost (Justin Kirk, who played Andy Botwin in the TV series "Weeds") who demands Walter send him to either heaven or hell already because he's been on earth as a ghost for 10 years now. Without giving the story away, I can say I felt the author very nicely tied everything together in the end.

Walter H. Macy plays a very unusual psychologist, whose personality is pretty similar to what Macy portrays on the US version of "Shameless."

Neve Campbell has a small but critical role as a nurse.

Jim Gaffigan does an excellent job as the theater manager who doesn't take his own job too seriously but is a good boss.

I watched the film on TV. Perhaps it works better in an intimate setting than in a theater, but I really found it engrossing, enjoyable and worthwhile.

Well worth your time!

[mckinnc · 10/10 · 16 March 2015]

I just watched "Walter". It was one of those movies that takes you on a journey. At first I thought it would be a silly comedy, something along the lines of "Ghost Town'or maybe a romcom similar to "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist", or maybe even something quirky like "Drowning Monah". At one point, I even thought it was going to take a "Sixth Sense" turn, but by the end I was pleasantly surprised to see, it went down the path of Eat/Pray/Love. At least three times I thought "I know where this is going now" - when in fact, I did not. Truly an excellent movie. I loved each of the characters (even the minor ones), all of whom with which, I could easily identify. Macy was the icing on the cake. I urge everyone to see it as it will be an award winner I'm sure.

A thoroughly delightful movie

[longpat · 10/10 · 22 April 2015]

No outlandish special effects...just a heartwarming story about a quirky young man who faces his demons in a very roundabout way. The cinematography is excellent, as are the performances by Andrew West (Walter), Virginia Madsen, William H. Macy, Justin Kirk, Jim Gaffigan, Neve Campbell, Leven Rambin, Peter Facinelli, and Milo Ventimiglia. If all of these talented actors got on board with this independent film, it should tell you something about its entertainment quality. Get on board, too--watch WALTER and see for yourself. This movie definitely deserves a high review rating.

If you've lived past high school, you can relate to Walter. We've all felt left out. We've all focused on something quirky to get us through our days. We've all experienced having a crush on someone who seems out of our range. We've all experienced loss. And most of us have had a time where we turned our life around. WALTER takes you through all of these experiences and leaves the viewer with a feeling of hope and promise.