Angel's Perch (2013) User Reviews

A very human story of a grandson who is coping with his grandmother's advancing Alzheimer's diagnosis.

[brittmariereints · 8/10 · 29 June 2013]

This movie does a beautiful job of telling the story of Alzheimer's without resorting to clichés. It lets you experience the heartbreak of the disease from the side of the family and the victim. It also addresses many of the concerns that come with caring from those who used to care for us.

It's no surprise that the theater was filled with sounds of people crying. What was a surprise was how many times we also laughed out loud. The script didn't rely on emotional manipulation, but simply let the story unfold and the humanity of its characters shine.

The scenery of the movie was beautiful, and anyone who lives in or has visited Western PA and West Virginia will appreciate seeing the location stand out as an additional character.

Refreshingly different !

[ileanaca · 8/10 · 21 July 2013]

Set in beautiful southern landscape & picturesque small town scenery this is quite a different movie from what you see all the time. It's not loud or fast... rather introspective & with a lot of subtlety. It makes you take a break from hectic daily life for a moment & reflect.

The story is told in a very soulful way laced with heartwarming southern charm and humor (Ally Walker - brilliant).

Most importantly, it's a very real glimpse into the reality of Alzheimer's Disease in a way that I wasn't familiar with & found very profound.

The humanity shown throughout the movie is touching & refreshing at the same time.

Well worth watching. Thumbs up !

A Charming, Sometimes Humorous Film About A Serious Illness

[katawna · 9/10 · 23 June 2013]

I just attended the premiere of Angel's Perch held in Charleston, West Virginia tonight. This truly is a beautiful, charming film. It will touch close to home if you have a family member or friend who suffers from Alzheimer's disease and if you do not, it will still move you and help you understand how hard it is to see someone you love go through such a devastating illness. It also has its humorous lines as well, so don't fret! It is not completely full of drama and lacking personality. You will get a few laughs in as well. Lovely scenery in Cass, where the movie is mostly filmed. I have been visiting Cass and riding the trains since I was a young child and continue to visit at least once a year despite living in Munich, Germany now. This is the first time I have ever typed a review about any film, but I enjoyed it so much that I had to post a comment and fully recommend it. It is hard to write a review while leaving out any spoilers so I will end it here. Be sure to see it if you get the opportunity. You will not be disappointed.

A refreshing change of pace

[gchussar-729-868598 · 10/10 · 4 July 2013]

"Angel's Perch" is an amazing film, beautifully acted, written straight from the heart. It tells a story that will resonate with many but avoids clichés. The characters are so real, you walk away feeling like you know them. Anyone who has had to care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's will relate to the ups and downs and struggles that this family goes through. But there are light moments as well; quirky townspeople, relationships with expertly blurred boundaries. This film makes you feel that you are actually not in a theatre, but a fly on the wall, lucky enough to glimpse into the character's lives.

In a world of big budget super hero block busters, this is incredibly refreshing. Hats off to the cast and crew!

People get paid for this?

[mastrait · 2/10 · 4 October 2017]

Wow, this was horrible! About 10 minutes in I started skipping ahead 10 minutes at a time. I still wasted WAY too much time on this ridiculous story. It amazes me that this could have even been filmed. My 2-star rating was extremely generous!

I guess we are supposed to be drawn in by the country folk and their small town ethics. I for one would have only returned for something like Christmas, and then stayed for maybe a few hours.

My summary should have just been one word, BORING!

Heartwarming story about Alzheimer's

[mplsews · 10/10 · 27 June 2013]

Almost heaven...the beauty of the West Virginia mountains and the Greenbrier River are the perfect backdrop for this pure love story. Polly or Nana as her grandson Jack calls her, loves her home and wants to stay there despite the beginning stages of Alzheimers. Jack loves his grandmother and has to face that her life is changing. Only someone who has walked the path with a family member with Alzheimers could have written a movie so infused with love, laughter, and tears and not make it a tragedy. Grandparents and grandchildren have a love story all their own and this movie is surely a testament to J.T.Arbogast's love for his grandmother. Arbogast brilliantly used the historic town of Cass WV to illuminate the story that confronts mainstream America on a daily basis. Excellent acting and surprises in the plot keep the story from becoming predictable. I would recommend this movie to everyone.

Excellent movie!

[lcbarry49 · 10/10 · 27 June 2013]

Saw "Angels' Perch" at the cinema last evening after following the production and filming online for months. It was set and filmed in Cass, WV, with a few scenes in Pittsburgh.

The theater was full and one heard sniffles and belly laughs both, during the showing. Gathering in the lobby of the theater after, it was obvious that we didn't want the experience to end.

I'll only give you the story line set-up: Jack is making a name for himself as an architect in Pgh, PA. Nana, his devoted grandmother, lives alone in Cass, WV where Jack grew up, and is beginning to show symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Jack returns to Cass to make arrangements for Nana's care, with a make or break project presentation due in Pgh in one week.

You'll have to see it yourself for...the rest of the story. What you will see and feel is the true personality of West Virginia and her people captured in this film. There are no caricatured hillbillies, no "Deliverance" types or mudding' scenes....just real people and some of the characters were played by real residents in and around Cass. Don't miss it! Ask your local theater for a showing. You will not be sorry! Excellent movie!

Thank you for this story, JT Arbogast!

Angel's Perch is full of value to viewers

[jazimm166 · 10/10 · 1 July 2013]

This is a beautiful example of a film filled with old time values. It is admirable how Jack, a young adult, finds a way to do the right thing when his big break is dangling right in front of him. He struggles with balancing a demanding career, his personal issues and dealing with the trials of taking care of his Grandmother who is battling Alzheimer's. Each main character has a strong personality that finds viewers whispering, "I know someone like him or her". There are a few hidden twists that viewers are not aware of until well into the movie. The movie is so well written, that one is left wanting more when the film ends. J.T. Arbogast managed to capture the full array of feelings that family members experience when dealing with a relative with an awful disease.