Automatic

A pretty compelling little story about a kind of day in the life style for six people who really aren't on top of it. They make bad choices, do bad things, cause pain, to themselves and others, are unapologetic about it and move forward, or backward as it is. I thought that I might not care about them but after realizing that I was watching people that I seem to already know in my life I was pretty taken by the movie. It's not perfect, and it's got some rough spots, but considering the seemingly limited number of locations and such I think they,the film makers, did a damn good job. I hope that I can rent it because they don't pull any punches with the nudity, guys and girls alike. I'm serious!

Saw it in Portland then when I got back home I couldn't find this sucker anywhere. Who decides what movies I get to see is a mystery to me. I thought the story was a little convoluted and the stuff that these people put themselves through was painful, but dammit did it get to me. Especially that blonde lady in the end. Whoo! She was hot. She was naked. I loved it, except for the guy she was with. He didn't deserve her and I felt like if she wouldn't have had the past that she had she wouldn't have even thought twice about what she did for that slob. I wanted to punch him in the face. I guess the brother wanted to too, but he didn't get a chance. It was the other way around. I knew what was going on and I could see where it was going but the way it played out afterward surprised the you know what out of me. It was a real crowd pleaser in Portland, although I didn't know a soul in the movie. I give it an 8.

Say hello to dysfunction. I was almost relieved when this film ended because I went to the theater with a group of friends that were so similar to the people on screen it made me feel uncomfortable. Needless to say the dinner discussion consisted of which character we identified with the most, and each of my friends painfully avoiding their obvious duplicates on the screen. Surprisingly funny at times, it's real life and it's REAL COMPLICATED. I was hoping some relationship elements were not going to happen, but sure enough...they happened. I can't remember the last time I heard someone talk to the screen in a clear moment of identification. Jarred me. I guess it jarred him too. I would see this one at home, alone. If you go with someone on a date, you might not see them again. A very strong introduction to Mr. Walls and the filmmakers that were involved. Whew.

Well written and directed with nice performances, Automatic peels away the surface of American suburbia, demonstrating the destructive and "automatic" patterns real folks fall into. Not for all tastes, this ambitious indy forces the audience to face the darker side of human nature. These characters want to do the right thing, but they seem to have a hard time getting out of their own way. And I believe that's the point of the film. To truly effect growth and change, one must avoid acting on autopilot. Look out for a fine and humorous performance from writer/actor Jay Thames, and a train wreck of a relationship you (and the characters) see coming, but can't seem to avoid. Other nice touches: some well placed laughs, a hot sex scene, and a good score. If this is playing in your area, definitely worth a look.

I love this movie, I saw it at the Comedy Film Festival of Peñíscola, Spain, where it won the Best Film Audience Award and it really went through the roof there. People was touched by the sensitive way in which nowadays problems and routines are exposed and by the acid sense of humor that overcomes the whole movie. Even being shown in a different country and culture this movie found success for its makers have found the key to deep and pure feelings in personal relationships,no matter where they are and to what culture they belong to,and that is something about this film which I really think is outstanding. I sincerely recommend to watch this film and to listen carefully to its dialogs and to its music,not only the actors are great, very natural and intense at the same time,but also the script is fluent and moving, just fantastic. Hope you all go and watch it and like it as much as I do.