Not boring, only light 'B-vibes', honest effort, somewhat lighthearted and funny yet serious.
Exactly 6/10.
Exactly 6/10.
14 Reviews
Good watch
skykyiv18 April 2021
Kind of fun.
vklv20027 January 2024
It's kind of fun, but not profound. The movie has some pretty fun performers, while some of the cast are less exciting. Allison Dunbar, Brendan Schaub, Dana Powell, Ellen Wong, Joe Raffa, Patty Guggenheim, Rachael Leigh Cook, Sara Rue, Shannon Dang, and Will Sasso are all great in this movie! The rest of the cast are a little tedious to watch. Much like How I Met Your Mother, the main actor is just unbearable. If they could have had anyone else in that lead role, the movie would have been better.
The story is fun, and definitely worth watching - especially for industry insiders, which I am not. I do run my own business, and I spent a lot of my career working with startup companies. The main character's cynical attitude was annoying; being positive is necessary for success. Some startup companies fail because they want to be billionaires overnight, and they think the small gig is beneath them. A small festival, a small award, a tiny bit of exposure - these are all valuable. The next project isn't a chore; it's the reason we came here.
The story is fun, and definitely worth watching - especially for industry insiders, which I am not. I do run my own business, and I spent a lot of my career working with startup companies. The main character's cynical attitude was annoying; being positive is necessary for success. Some startup companies fail because they want to be billionaires overnight, and they think the small gig is beneath them. A small festival, a small award, a tiny bit of exposure - these are all valuable. The next project isn't a chore; it's the reason we came here.
Good main actors, wasted on a "rough draft"/"needs a lot more punching up" feel of a script
jackonflickr28 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
There were a few amusing points, and Matt Cook, Diona Reasonover and Will Sasso were all great in their roles, but they deserve better material. The film felt like a pretty "by the numbers" sit-com stretched out to 90 minutes, with cliche things like the girlfriend not coming, the boyfriend then deciding to cheat, and then SURPRISE the girlfriend shows and walks over right as the "other woman" is basically spilling the beans. And then the BIG WINK of the final scene/line about no one wanting to see a movie about a trip to a film festival.
For a funnier, more entertaining look at making a small budget movie, I would recommend the 2019 graphic novel "Penny Nichols" by MK Reed and Greg Means.
For a funnier, more entertaining look at making a small budget movie, I would recommend the 2019 graphic novel "Penny Nichols" by MK Reed and Greg Means.
Sideways at the Film Festival Not
dzinor4 November 2021
The best scene in this independent film about the auteur as main character, is the touching scene between the director/auteur and his producer in which the producer confesses she has charged up her credit cards to finance the making of their film.
This is a film about pretentious people who hope to sell their products at a shady film festival held in some redneck town. It is a film for filmmakers - depressing in places and insightful in others.
It is not another "Sideways". It is not even another "Little Miss Sunshine". Nevertheless, if you aspire to be dedicated to the subject craft, watch it. You will see yourself and your peeps. I hope.
This is a film about pretentious people who hope to sell their products at a shady film festival held in some redneck town. It is a film for filmmakers - depressing in places and insightful in others.
It is not another "Sideways". It is not even another "Little Miss Sunshine". Nevertheless, if you aspire to be dedicated to the subject craft, watch it. You will see yourself and your peeps. I hope.
Nice Indie Film about Indie Film
jordan224014 April 2022
As others have noted, the low rating seems way out of place here. This is an enjoyable little film with some excellent performances. It's not side-splitting, but it has some chuckles as well as some captivating drama. And Will Sasso steels the show with his performance. One of the better movies I've come across on the streaming platforms recently.
Brilliant breakdown of the Indie Film world; terrific cast and performances
steele-697-60231317 February 2021
Film Fest is a 90s throwback film about a guy who makes a 90s throwback film in 2020, only to discover that no one cares...except in the out-of-touch land of The Hollywilde International Film Festival of Cinema, where a flamboyant, washed-up filmmaker turned festival director provides a welcoming platform for all manner of Sundance rejects and experimental auteurs.
The movie gives a mockingly accurate breakdown of the current state of the indie film industry and makes fun of everyone in it. Filmmakers and those who aspire to be filmmakers, along with their loved ones, should see it for that reason. It also artfully weaves in various elements of the 90s coming of age movies, complete with a dose of Rachael Leigh Cook, who plays herself in the film.
Matt Cook (CBS's Man With A Plan) plays the hero of the story...well, he thinks he's the hero... insecure everyman, artist, Logan. Spoiler Alert: The adorable Diona Reasonover (NCIS) plays Alex, the actual hero - I think. There's some debate, as the characters have a habit of discussing their own situation in terms of plot and story elements and they disagree on this point.
Will Sasso (Mad TV, The Three Stooges, etc.) brilliantly plays the benevolent legend (in his own mind), Montgomery Nash.
Fans of The Groundlings Comedy Troupe will notice that the film is loaded with its players, in addition to Matt Cook, most notably Laird MacIntosh (Saving Private Ryan) and Allison Dunbar (Startup) in supporting roles, and some hilarious show stealing moments by Patty Guggenheim, Greg Worswick and Michael Croner.
Jason Genao (On My Block, The Get Down, etc.) plays a pre-pubescent disruptor who is wonderfully pitted against MacIntosh's veteran cinematographer in a nerd clash for the ages.
Brendan Schaub, MMA fighter turned comic and podcaster, plays the perfect parody of a movie bully, who, in one of the film's more meta moments, is made fun of for being too "on the nose" to be a movie bully.
Ellen Wong (GLOW, Scott Pilgrim, etc.) turns in a terrific performance as Logan's longsuffering - but not quite infinitely longsuffering - girlfriend. CJ Vana plays a lowly Production Assistant, Kyle the P.A. (so lowly he doesn't get a last name) who comes of age in pure 90s fashion as the story unfolds.
Anyone who works in the film industry, anyone who's ever made a film or knows an aspiring filmmaker, or who's ever been to a film festival will recognize the characters in this film. Those depictions are spot on. But movie lovers of all stripes will enjoy Film Fest and its simple message: be the hero of your own story.
The movie gives a mockingly accurate breakdown of the current state of the indie film industry and makes fun of everyone in it. Filmmakers and those who aspire to be filmmakers, along with their loved ones, should see it for that reason. It also artfully weaves in various elements of the 90s coming of age movies, complete with a dose of Rachael Leigh Cook, who plays herself in the film.
Matt Cook (CBS's Man With A Plan) plays the hero of the story...well, he thinks he's the hero... insecure everyman, artist, Logan. Spoiler Alert: The adorable Diona Reasonover (NCIS) plays Alex, the actual hero - I think. There's some debate, as the characters have a habit of discussing their own situation in terms of plot and story elements and they disagree on this point.
Will Sasso (Mad TV, The Three Stooges, etc.) brilliantly plays the benevolent legend (in his own mind), Montgomery Nash.
Fans of The Groundlings Comedy Troupe will notice that the film is loaded with its players, in addition to Matt Cook, most notably Laird MacIntosh (Saving Private Ryan) and Allison Dunbar (Startup) in supporting roles, and some hilarious show stealing moments by Patty Guggenheim, Greg Worswick and Michael Croner.
Jason Genao (On My Block, The Get Down, etc.) plays a pre-pubescent disruptor who is wonderfully pitted against MacIntosh's veteran cinematographer in a nerd clash for the ages.
Brendan Schaub, MMA fighter turned comic and podcaster, plays the perfect parody of a movie bully, who, in one of the film's more meta moments, is made fun of for being too "on the nose" to be a movie bully.
Ellen Wong (GLOW, Scott Pilgrim, etc.) turns in a terrific performance as Logan's longsuffering - but not quite infinitely longsuffering - girlfriend. CJ Vana plays a lowly Production Assistant, Kyle the P.A. (so lowly he doesn't get a last name) who comes of age in pure 90s fashion as the story unfolds.
Anyone who works in the film industry, anyone who's ever made a film or knows an aspiring filmmaker, or who's ever been to a film festival will recognize the characters in this film. Those depictions are spot on. But movie lovers of all stripes will enjoy Film Fest and its simple message: be the hero of your own story.
indies next leading man?
breakfastkidsmusicnj15 March 2022
It's hard to top a will sasso performance but matt cook was diverse and convincing. I have seen him before in man with a plan and was pleasantly surprised once i realized where i recognized him from since it took me a minute he was able to portray someone extremely distinguishable from how i formerly knew him. Still just as funny tho! I must sing his praises because i remember watching this guy from his former TV series and thinking that this dude is an absolute typecast and this is my public apology to you Matt Cook! Completely proved me wrong and you gained a huge fan who will be looking out for your future films.
Raw realistic indie film experience
butravi10 June 2021
It's an indie film about indie films and an unknown festival. All the trappings of Indies can be seen, cliches, stereotypes, ego, lack of awareness etc.. basically contradictory human nature.
But the movie takes you on a journey, where the viewer can become part of this whole indie film fest. The cringe moments are very much there, and often minutes rather than a moment.
A new film creator and his first film fest, process of him and his team breaking through their indie virginity is well captured. Decent acting and lines, tolerable production values even for a commercial movie viewer.. especially recommended for lockdown times.
If you've seen a movie based on Edinburgh festival (performance fest), called"festival", and liked it, then definitely go for this one as well. Even if not, it's worth a look.
But the movie takes you on a journey, where the viewer can become part of this whole indie film fest. The cringe moments are very much there, and often minutes rather than a moment.
A new film creator and his first film fest, process of him and his team breaking through their indie virginity is well captured. Decent acting and lines, tolerable production values even for a commercial movie viewer.. especially recommended for lockdown times.
If you've seen a movie based on Edinburgh festival (performance fest), called"festival", and liked it, then definitely go for this one as well. Even if not, it's worth a look.
I honestly don't understand the low score
zane_ibrahim15 July 2021
Seriously, 5/10 as at July, 2021. Wtf?
I don't recall who recommended this film to me, and I had no expectations whatsoever.
I was captivated by it from the get go. I was so enthralled by the plot and performances, the balance of comedy and drama - yet I wouldn't call it a dramedy.
I think it was such a simple premise, magnicifently crafted and with some great acting. The emotional turmoil of getting their film off the ground; these flawed characters who strove for perfection in their art... it all spoke volumes to me.
I'm sure the low ratings must have been left by viewers who had a different expectation of the film, or just didn't connect with it for whatever reason. But that's their loss.
I'll definitely watch it again.
I don't recall who recommended this film to me, and I had no expectations whatsoever.
I was captivated by it from the get go. I was so enthralled by the plot and performances, the balance of comedy and drama - yet I wouldn't call it a dramedy.
I think it was such a simple premise, magnicifently crafted and with some great acting. The emotional turmoil of getting their film off the ground; these flawed characters who strove for perfection in their art... it all spoke volumes to me.
I'm sure the low ratings must have been left by viewers who had a different expectation of the film, or just didn't connect with it for whatever reason. But that's their loss.
I'll definitely watch it again.
Very entertaining
dpmccandless15 March 2022
One cool film.
tocanepauli19 March 2021
A hilariously poignant look into the world of independent filmmaking
brendan-nagle20 March 2021
This should be required viewing in every undergrad film school right after Citizen Kane. Hopefully Film Fest will dissuade the weak to do math instead, though it will entertain many more along the way.
A perfect cast brings the eccentric characters of a seemingly mundane trip to life. Its sharp script elevates such an ordinary outing; a small crew trekking wide with shared hopes in a small town ceremonious celebration of cinema, and makes broken hearts warm again. It appears as a witty commentary on the nature of its own industry, but reaches wider and is equally telling of humanity and the times.
The heartbreaking reality of championing a small movie in the world of streaming studio giants truly makes filmmaking a work of art like never before. Film Fest tells that story and hits every mark along the way, but I don't want to fluff it too much.
A perfect cast brings the eccentric characters of a seemingly mundane trip to life. Its sharp script elevates such an ordinary outing; a small crew trekking wide with shared hopes in a small town ceremonious celebration of cinema, and makes broken hearts warm again. It appears as a witty commentary on the nature of its own industry, but reaches wider and is equally telling of humanity and the times.
The heartbreaking reality of championing a small movie in the world of streaming studio giants truly makes filmmaking a work of art like never before. Film Fest tells that story and hits every mark along the way, but I don't want to fluff it too much.
Brilliant comedy
brooklynboymike4 July 2021
Film Fest is a beautifully crafted comedy that pokes fun at the world of ..yes...film feats.
On point writing, directing and acting by all involved. Without the frantic over the top attempts by many of today's comedies, Film Fest manages to create real characters in a surreal situation.
The great actor Lawrence Olivier is credit with saying that drama is easy, comedy is hard. Matthew Cooks screenplay and direction makes his comedy look effortless, something many comedy writers and directors today would be well advised to watch and learn from.
On point writing, directing and acting by all involved. Without the frantic over the top attempts by many of today's comedies, Film Fest manages to create real characters in a surreal situation.
The great actor Lawrence Olivier is credit with saying that drama is easy, comedy is hard. Matthew Cooks screenplay and direction makes his comedy look effortless, something many comedy writers and directors today would be well advised to watch and learn from.
"It's Indie comedy, it's not really laugh driven though." "No laughs?"
vincent_stalba26 September 2021
No name director and team head to small festival to feed ego and loses what's important.
Fun indie film about indie films and film festivals. It's really well cast, everyone's chemistry is electric and performances are out of control. Writing/improv has some memorable gems "He's so talented right he can play every race". Truthful, sincere, and fun.
Fun indie film about indie films and film festivals. It's really well cast, everyone's chemistry is electric and performances are out of control. Writing/improv has some memorable gems "He's so talented right he can play every race". Truthful, sincere, and fun.
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