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OldManCopper
Reviews
Jack and Anna (2019)
A Very Moving Piece
Jack and Anna is among the best short films I've experienced. I used the word 'experienced' because in my mind incredible films pull you in and make you feel the range of emotions that the characters in the film feel as you watch. This is one of those films. Grab a Kleenex, you'll need it.
Thieves Quartet (1993)
A Diamond in the Rough
Thieves Quartet is a very well directed piece, one that is compelling to watch. As someone who truly enjoys jazz music, I really enjoyed how the music was woven into the film. Films like this, that don't (or didn't) have extraordinary advertising $$'s backing it, often get overlooked, but I wouldn't overlook this one.
Something Out of Nothing (2019)
Where Do I Sign Up?
'Improvisation' is one of my favorite words. When things don't go as planned, what do you do?... Improvise. Something Out of Nothing demonstrates how effective improvisational comedy can be in helping young people constructively work through matters that confront them in their daily lives. It is clearly apparent that each young adult in this documentary benefits immensely from this after-school classroom experience, and you can tell from their joyful expressions that it is a rewarding experience for them, as well. Overall, a classroom experience like this can have an immeasurable effect on young adults, and Something Out of Nothing did a great job of emboldening that message.
The Shadows (2014)
A Spirited Tale
I always enjoy the unwinding of a good tale, and Guardians of the Ancient Shadow Crown was a spirited journey, steeped in myth and legend. The witch, played by Natalia Kostrzewa, was mesmerizing. If you enjoy a wholesome family film rounded out with a bit of the 'ole supernatural, than give this a watch.
Olympia (2018)
A Lively, Vibrant Film
This is the second film I have seen with McKenzie Chinn (Animator being the other), and I have to say that McKenzie has real depth and potency to her acting ability. As an artist myself, I sense that she too is an artist, aside from acting of course, and I say this because like, say, a painter, she works with and "melds color" on canvas as well as she conveys emotion on screen. This film made my spirit feel buoyant as I watched it, and overall I enjoyed the "film journey" I made with the main characters. The music was spot on, and the cinematography and directing was sharp, smooth, and had "the real feel." Finally, as an added bonus, I got to see my home town of Chicago shine on screen.
The Goonies (1985)
Goonies Never Say Die
From start to finish this film, and the accompanying musical score, are incredible. The Goonies will forever stand the test of time alongside the world's classic novels and music albums. Remember, leave some for Willy!
Manlife (2017)
I Had No Idea
Finding a film like this, and learning about a movement that I had somehow never come across, was a real treat. Visionaries take many forms, and some visionaries are capable of amplifying their vision to the point of creating real change in the world. Alfred William Lawson was one such visionary that compelled millions to become a part of his movement. I recommend this film for anyone who, when they hear the phrase- "That's just the way it goes," think- 'Well, sometimes it goes the other way too."
King Rat (2017)
Did You Google King Rat Too?
Right off the bat, it was great to see Burt Young on screen again.
King Rat conveys an eloquent blend of what it means to be soul-searching while attending college, and soul-searching after spending a successful decade or more in the real world. The film helped foster the notion that, no matter where you are in life, how far you've come, or how much you've succeeded and/or failed, not one of us ever truly becomes an expert at life.
King Rat helped me appreciate the significance of every moment of every day to a greater degree. It emboldened in my mind why it is important to never abandon the "helm of my boat" in life, but instead, to continue to proceed forward with the surety that I will either succeed or fail based on my own volition. After all, it's how we, each one of us, meet's life's challenges that adds to the complexity of who we are, who we will become, and in many ways, the paths we will blaze.
Empty Space (2016)
Empty Space Not At All Empty
After watching this film, I was reminded of a quote from the film Wall Street, which states- "Man looks into the abyss. There's nothing staring back at him. At that moment, man finds his character. And, that is what keeps him out of the abyss."
It's not easy to keep ones' spirit buoyant in life, no matter who you are, or what your story is, as each of us is tested in different ways at different times. Each actor/actress in the film performed fluidly and brought their respective characters to life with imagination. By the end of the film, I felt that each character was in a better place from which they could springboard into the future. Lily had to be my favorite character overall. Her positive energy radiated from her, and she added a very meaningful element to the film, in my opinion.
Skippers (2018)
A Skipper Can Always Tell Another Skipper From Afar
I've been a skipper at heart since I was a little guy, and now that I am 40, it was fun to find a movie like this. The cinematography was brilliant and mesmerizing, and overall, the film had a wonderful rhythm to it. It almost felt like I had strayed into a dream, of sorts. I could tell that those who took part in the film's creation appreciate the subtle nuances of life, and the insights one can glean from taking notice, and being aware of, the "cracks in the sidewalk," so to speak, and how the seemingly trivial aspects of life are really what give our lives the depth of meaning and flavor profiles we tend to appreciate the most. In my mind, every Skipper is part Dreamer and part Seeker, and it was readily apparent that the main character, Carver, who mysteriously appears one day in a beautiful, picturesque American town, possesses these traits to a 'T.' Each character did an excellent job in their respective roles, and I can't wait to revisit this again down the road sometime. Skippers = True Blue Coolness. Like an icicle in the freezer cool. See you all down at the waterline. Cheers -
Agents Unknown (2019)
Stuck in the Middle
Agents Unknown smartly delves into the Vietnam War from the point of view of a Lieutenant at the province level (Lt. John J. Murphy) who does a superb job of recreating in the viewers' mind the ambiguous atmosphere that existed on the front-lines of the War. Through Murphy's insightful account, we experience firsthand how muddled information that flowed through the lines of communication throughout the armed services ultimately served to reshape the overall strategies and outcomes of events that took place as the War progressed. "Juking the stats" can be found just about anywhere information exists. In that light, the manipulation of any form of information can cause myriad ripple effects, with far-reaching consequences. Whether we are talking about the economy, crime, education, or war, compiling and utilizing clean information versus compiling and utilizing corrupt information can have a huge impact on strategy, the eventual outcome of events, and overall public perception. This film is an honest account that contains no fluff or highly-charged rhetoric aimed at molding the viewers' opinion. This is a sharp well-directed piece that belongs in any historians' library of documentaries.
Animator (2018)
Bullseye
What a fun and engaging film. Animator has a little bit of everything: romance, comedy, drama, magic..., and never a dull moment. This is an intelligent, well-polished film that I am sure I will end up revisiting periodically. All who were a part of Animator's production should be very happy with the end result. Animator delivers the goods -
Chop Shop (2018)
What's in your closet?
I could see this being made into a series. Skeletons in the Closet has all the makings of what good horror is all about - Shivers for your timbers, thorough character development and story-line, and wits as sharp as a dead man's tooth. Grandma O'Malley was my favorite character, and I enjoyed "sharing" the movie with Widow and Charlie (hilarious!), and Jaime (young Skeletons in the Closet fan) and Tina (classic babysitter from the 80s). Skeletons in the Closet hits the nail on the head like Grandma O'Malley mincing the meat!