Movies set within the film business are a tough nut to crack. It's really hard to do one that doesn't come off as completely self-indulgent and pretentious I saw two of these this week from the same distribution company... This is definitely the better of the two. Well shot, good acting. The funny bits were actually funny, some good suspense moments. Be curious to see what else the director has done. Big recommend.
61 Reviews
The Masks of Mrs. Jones
nogodnomasters8 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
An independent feminist film director is kidnapped as a mentor for a group of producers who are more like critics. Nilah Williams who wants to be a scriptwriter is also kidnapped. The film digresses into jargon about film making and poorly staged scenes of violence. No real point, no character arc, or anything else a film really needs to be entertaining. Might have been better with a real indy director being kidnapped and talking about a real film that they made.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity
Excess, searching for audiences, as a commitment.
bjpafa2 May 2020
Few reasons, void characters, with good interpretation from established figures, creating a fictional US that is too often sold by way of cinematic delusion.
The plot clearly evolves for the better after the first fifty some minutes.
We feel a sense of relief.
Wait, maybe this is cinema, says the old sulking critic in us.
The thing gets alive and running... although brain pieces are still in the picture, plausibility rings at the door.
Strings move in interesting ways, the arrow of time brings positive energy, overthrow entropy...
Some see a possible nice, colorful sunset horizon.
They see themselves as established players, and debate the subject as a metapoem about the path and movie or novel/family and criminality.
Time take its toll...
Skeletons in the closet may not stay quiet. Someone is supposed to lower the guard. Fight or flight appears as a past thing.
Reality as the knotting of strings.
Absurdity of action, inevitability...
Suddenly we realize the stuff is good product.
Tastes like uncut, pro, cinematic dust.
Good beginnings maybe a real good sign.
Congratulations to writer, director, acting crew and y'all.
I was about to leave it by half, and that would have been a negative value to theglobal knowledge.
I guess we all are rangers too.
But not only that.
There is always more, that's why we don't shoot ourselves, well, most of us.
And my guess is others don't matter to this great charade we are trapped into.
A comedic thriller that's full of surprises
hello-065242 May 2020
Super fun and unexpected plot. I found the storyline a bit challenging to follow at first, but it quickly turned into a joyride as it all unfolded. What a great take on the journey and internal struggles of any artist. All the performances were solid, and had me hooked instantly. The shots of Oakland and the impressive soundtrack were a total bonus.
Ingenious script and beautiful developed film
tannerct3 May 2020
Very delightfully written script that the actresses and actors intertwine around you to guide you through the movie. It is unlike anything I have watched before. The masks, the soundtrack, and the visual imagery of being in Oakland, combined with the intellectually emotive of well acted and beautifully written words created a sensory experience that drew you in and asked you to stay.
Quirky fun
txnicole33310 May 2020
10 Stars for Ingenuity and Creativity
joannefilm201428 April 2020
Well here's a movie that doesn't look like anything else you've ever seen, except for one thing: it's about filmmaking. So, if you have ever wanted to make a film, or struggled to make a film, or dreamed of simply writing a script, this is for you. A radiant performance by Brandi Nicole-Payne as the young wanna-be filmmaker. Twists and turns as the thriller and kidnapping turns out to be anything but what at first appears.
suspense, comedy and some dark twists
williamgway6 May 2020
Wow. This film will keep you entertained. It is a roller coast ride of a script that takes some chances and by enlarge succeeds. It is many things, but not predictable. And that is it's strength. At times dark, at times funny, at times confusing, but delivers when it counts most. Worth a watch. Give it a chance
Artistic desperation goes to absurdist extremes
alan-103524 April 2020
Moez Solis's first feature is a sort of madcap take on how filmmaking itself can go to ridiculous extremes (starting with kidnapping). While it plays somewhat like an insider piece to the multitudes within the greater industry, THE MENTOR showcases Solis's ability to deliver a solid story and sustain intrigue through twists and turns that don't stop until the conclusion, and thus can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys a dark comedy. The lead cast delivers solid performances (Brandi Nicole Payne and Mike Bash especially), which are wacky-enhanced by the fact that the majority of them wear bird masks while running around Oakland throughout the movie.
Ethics and art?
damianjohnharper3 May 2020
A Rollicking Good TIme
tassimos3 May 2020
A nice little Indie flick that was greatly entertaining from start to finish. The acting was strong, especially the two female leads, and there were more twists and turns than a mountain road, It never got stale, drawn out or boring. Action packed and a strong outing from the writer and director of the film. Great fun that is highly recommended,
Quirky Indie film
diamondintheroughfilms23 April 2020
Here's a fun little indie film that goes in a bunch of unexpected directions. Loved the location shots in Oakland and the lead girl is very likable. It's original and worth checking out. Especially if you're an aspiring filmmaker.
Movie Biz Caper
gregwolk5 May 2020
It's rare for me to enjoy a movie about the film business, as they're often too self-indulgent, but "The Mentor" is original and insightful. The film biz is simply a backdrop, although being familiar with the industry will aid in understanding terminology, motivation, and plot. On the other hand, if you don't know about the film business, it's a way to learn about it while you enjoy a well-written, and wonderfully-acted caper film. Great job.
Create, Original and Unique
danjrizzuto28 April 2020
I don't know why people hate on indie films so much. This is the arena that a filmmaker gets to play, not shoot something safe and follow the normal boring flow of Hollywood. The Mentor is a create fun film, watching for me made it feel mroe like an art piece than a run of the mill film experince. It's a really enjoyable film that is definitely worth your time. Sit back, grab a glass of wine and enjoy! I love the masks, the cinematography, the clever script. Nice work done by all!
A really fun and entertaining film about the creative process with a twist!
evelyne-86 May 2020
A really fun and entertaining film about the creative process and authenticity in filmmaking. The Mentor has a fun premise and yet all is very suspenseful. I was really engaged by the twists and turns, really well filmed and well-acted. For film lovers, you will really love this film if you're in the business.
Dark Comedy Thriller That Has it All
thewildestone24 April 2020
A work from the heart, this dark comedy thriller is writer/director Moez Solis' first feature film. An art house vibe, this film has a witty dialogue and engaging performances while remaining a fun, wild ride. The story itself has something for everyone with a meta look at the struggle of artists working to break into the elite world of filmmaking is totally enjoyable on the level of adventurous comedic thriller. It's hard to classify. This film will stay with you long after it's over.
An excellent dark comedy
ismagom725 April 2020
I was very surprised with this indie dark comedy. It is definitely a thrilling experience with a great script and marvelous performances,. The characters were fun to watch while their journeys took plenty of twists and turns along the way that will surely leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
Unexpected and fresh
Phil_Chester14 May 2020
A different tale that all fresh film industry peeps want to tell.
rankthelion10 June 2021
The idea that you must do anything to get your film made. Including all the hardships between the producers, directors, crew members, and actors. Using what seems to be gibberish but for all of the that understand even the littlest bit of film mumbo jumbo then you can understand most of what they are getting at in this film.
Reminds me of a film called Man Under Table, where the film is all about a person's view on the indie film industry in LA. This feels like the same type of commentary but less about the surrealism. I would love to have other film students watch this and see what they think.
Reminds me of a film called Man Under Table, where the film is all about a person's view on the indie film industry in LA. This feels like the same type of commentary but less about the surrealism. I would love to have other film students watch this and see what they think.
Clever, fresh, thought-provoking
JCanni6828 April 2020
An insightful exploration of the creative process and the pursuit of authenticity in filmmaking. Creative-types, filmmakers and cinephiles will gain the most from this film as they will get the film references and understand the lengths artists go to find their voice (while also having to deal with time and budget constraints.) The story unfolds cleverly with plenty of twists and fun moments, and builds up to a really satisfying ending.
A Twisty Enjoyable Comedy
abuckeye-9363210 May 2020
It's Strange Mildly entertaining I'm not sure I understood it (what did I watch ?)
JonnyEB22 September 2020
It's Strange I'm not sure I understood it
Basically there's and aspiring writer /Director who looks up to to another director and asks if she can be her mentor and all of a sudden they get Kidnapped who knows why ?
It seemed to play with time a bit cutting to previous scenes it's well filmed and put together but I think when I watched I was missing something a piece of the plot or something that I was waiting for the end to reveal itself But it didn't it just got stranger as it went on maybe I need to watch again .
It keeps the story moving and is decent quality and it's good short length . But After I watched it I did think what did I just watch
It seemed to play with time a bit cutting to previous scenes it's well filmed and put together but I think when I watched I was missing something a piece of the plot or something that I was waiting for the end to reveal itself But it didn't it just got stranger as it went on maybe I need to watch again .
It keeps the story moving and is decent quality and it's good short length . But After I watched it I did think what did I just watch
Fun! Especially for lovers of film
directortim20126 May 2020
You'll get the most out of this film if you're a bit of a cinephile like me. Into films, filmmaking, film history. But even if you're just a passing movie fan, there's enough dark laughs and suspense here to keep you happily engaged. It's a wild plot, with a young director, her hoped for mentor and a crazy kidnapping. I loved the Oakland setting (great city!), the fine acting and the sure handed direction. A very solid indie.
A darkly satirical abstract look at what it takes to make a feature film
jimlewisjr7 May 2020
A darkly satirical abstract look at what it takes to make a feature film. The Mentor is to movie making as Clockwork Orange is to human nature and instincts. Clever script with some great dialog that at times really funny, especially if you have been involved with any part of making a motion picture. Truly an original.
Bizarre Film school nightmare
beemtoaustin11 November 2020
All the references and swipes at Werner Herzog aside, this film school nightmare appears to have been inspired more by David Mamet, a favorite of mine. True to indie form, The Mentor is minimalist start to finish, and perfectly scaled to both subject matter and lifestyles of wannabe writers and directors, a world not foreign to me. Standout performances and dialogue kept me engaged throughout. Just glad I'm not in film school anymore. Watch this and you can save yourself the expense.
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