jmcbride-5 Reviews

Head, Heart and Balls... or Why I Gave Up Smoking Pot (2007)

This is an excellent period comedy piece that surely rates 10 stars.

[10/10 · 17 September 2008]

Warm, nostalgic and hilarious! Set in 1969, a coming of age experience that grabs you in the first frame and never lets you down. Adam Carolla is wonderful as the spirit presence that pushes the young protagonist into growing a pair. Houston Graham is great as the lead. James Wellington is side-splitting as the tough guy dad. If you were there in the late 60's this one will really take you back. The photography and musical score are flawless in capturing the era. I saw this at one of the film festivals and the audience roared the entire way. Director Peter Foldy really did a masterful job. Do yourself a favor and catch this one if you can!

Daydreamer (2007)

gritty indie

[7/10 · 22 January 2008]

i saw this film at Vail and liked it very much. i was impressed with the heart and soul of it as it was obvious these people were committed to it's living in the screen. the script was compelling and well written. Aaron Paul did a fine job maintaining his through line. kebbel was lovely and entrancing. i thought James wellington in particular was riveting when on the screen. the director captured very well a seedy, dangerous lifestyle that does exist. the obvious low budget is a little distracting at times, but almost seems to enhance at others. the photography seems to be completely hand-held and is excellent. i hope to see more from these first time film makers.

Too Fast Too Young (1996)

gritty low-budget urban crime story

[7/10 · 22 January 2007]

A compelling performance by James Wellington as the antagonist lifts this film from the doldrums. As Chase Parrish, Wellington frightens and excites. A good film if you like crazy bad guys. Otherwise, the photography is also very good. Director Tim Everitt did a nice job doubling as cinematographer. The major weakness of the picture is the voice-over. Obviously recited by the lead actress, Kasia Figura, it is sometimes difficult to understand. The script manages to hold up with the assistance of a couple of nice flashback scenes. Michael Ironside also gives a decent performance as the lead detective. Patrick Tiller is sometimes interesting as the young Dalton, but is noticeably green in certain scenes. Marshall Bell is comic relief. Along with Wellington's performance, Robert Ragland's musical score is also first rate.