Sold Out (I) (2021) User Reviews

As a fan of well done romcoms, I liked it.

[baccaruda1 · 7/10 · 30 April 2022]

I was immersed in this one. As a musician and singer myself, I felt that I knew these people. I was invested in the characters throughout. Well done indie.

Enjoyable indie

[thesnarkascending · 9/10 · 11 August 2022]

Lovely work here - a well-made indie drama and a story we wouldn't normally see in mainstream film. The musical elements and soundtrack are very well done. Kudos to director Tim Dahlseid, writer Susan Brightbill, and team for bringing Sold Out to life.

Talentless and dull

[MTNmovieMan · 24 November 2021]

Seriously amazingly bad and so bad it's not good. The music is bland, characters cliché and some seriously low budget shots. As a musician I stuck threw it based but just for a good laugh

Even the dog couldn't act.

how about an honest review for a change? I only see one, not including mine

[mumooshka · 2/10 · 20 January 2022]

I see so many 9s and 10s here in only 10 reviews, so to me it's obvious the ones gushing here calling it an excellent movie well - one has to suspect that they are somehow involved directly or indirectly with the movie's creation - or they have a financial stake in it's existence

The movie is mediocre at best - bad quality filming, bad sound etc..and less than good acting. I think that it's a vehicle for promoting the artists in this movie. Nothing special about these artists - some singing is a little flat and the songs are middling to average.

A way to pass Covid boredom.

A terrific film

[craigahrens · 8/10 · 30 June 2022]

This movie was flat out good from beginning to end! A wonderful story with top-notch acting! I found no flat spots! Good job folks! I give this one a "thumbs up".

Hallmark while still in film school

[scottreppert-37932 · 4/10 · 30 January 2022]

I expect that anyone associated with this film has acted in a high school play and maybe had voice lesson. Any further training or experience does not show up on the screen. The bottom dollar budget is apparent as is the cast's enthusiasm. Please do better next time.

For all those who have big dreams!

[laproduccion · 9/10 · 21 February 2022]

An excellent script that gives a lot of agility to this film and grabs your attention from start to finish. Accompanied by two very talented main characters that take the viewer by the hand during the unfolding of this moving story.

The music is one of the main characters and a powerful tool the director knows how to use.

Highly recommended for all those who have big dreams.

A Disaster

[kcterrell-25046 · 1/10 · 18 January 2022]

Bad editing, sixth grade direction, poor acting, and God awful audio make this film a train wreck from beginning to end. I kept watching for the story that would make my misery worthwhile, and after 75 minutes realized it wasn't coming. No plot synopsis here because the one sentence description is all that it's about. If you enjoy suffering, this movie was made for you. As for me, I'd rather watch an old Bullwinkle and Rocky cartoon than this tripe.

Solid Engaging Movie. Pleasantly Surprised.

[gilbert-07919 · 10/10 · 14 January 2022]

I really enjoyed this movie. I recommend it. It has a nice indie feel to it but does a beautiful job of rising to the level of top-talent filmmaking. A solid plot, excellent acting, and good music scene vibes. I especially liked that it had some distant kinship with A Star is Born but is an entirely different plot which allows both musicians to transcend their demons.

Rythmic Heartbeat of the American Dream

[thejhorton · 14 September 2023]

Man, oh man! "SOLD OUT" is the rhythmic heartbeat of the American Dream set to the passionate tempo of raw musical talent. It's the wild howl of the lone wolf on a moonlit night and the gentle whisper of dreams deferred, all woven into a tapestry of melodies and the age-old struggle for recognition.

There's a spirit in this film, much like the unyielding spirit of the open road. A female talent scout, with an ear as finely tuned as a '56 Chevy radio, hears not just the voice, but the soul of a man, buried beneath the debris of construction sites and the weight of everyday existence. This ain't just a story of fame, fortune, or the shimmering lights of the stage; it's a tale of rebirth, of the phoenix that rises from the sawdust, with a guitar in hand and a song in his heart.

The film dances, swings, and sways to the unpredictable beat of life. Our songbird from the construction site is everyman, everywoman, anyone who's ever felt the blues, but also the intoxicating rush of a dream being realized. Their journey together, mentor and mentee, is a duet of hopes and fears, set against the vast backdrop of city skylines and smoky bars, echoing with the cadence of Kerouac's own adventures.

"SOLD OUT" isn't just another tale in the vast ocean of music dramas; it's a lyrical journey of self-discovery, of finding one's true calling amidst the cacophony of life. It's a symphony of ambition, resilience, and the eternal quest for something more. The rawness, the honesty, the sheer poetic beauty of it all resonates with anyone who's ever dared to dream beyond their station.

To the makers of "SOLD OUT", I say, you've captured the very essence of the beat generation and translated it to the world of song. This film is jazz, rock 'n' roll, blues, and gospel, all rolled into a cinematic masterpiece. Bravo!

Here's to "SOLD OUT", a movie that reminds us that even when life's notes seem discordant, there's always a song waiting to be sung, if only we dare to listen.

I'd shoot this

[Nick-269 · 4/10 · 12 February 2022]

It's an excellent demo pitch for a real movie. Not sure how a demo got nominated for an award, but it was fun to see the effort put into pitching it. Hope somebody does make it someday.

Captures the Midwest perfectly

[HeadMirror · 9/10 · 9 January 2022]

A Faustian tale. Sold Out is a worthy, heartfelt effort that uses music as a metaphor without being a musical. Thoughts that are incomplete or are too difficult to say aloud are conveyed in lyrics. The filmmakers respect the audience so much that the future is foretold in a shot so quickly rendered, it almost disappears.

There is some clever camera work and the outdoor scenes are classic upper Midwest.

There are times when scenes don't line up (head tilts or hand positions differ between frontal and profile views, for example). Some of the early dialogue is a bit clunky and expository. A goofy couple inexplicably disappears. Even still, I would gladly watch another offering by this team.

Fire the sound guy

[philmooreast · 4/10 · 26 February 2022]

In a movie about music and songwriting the sound on this movie is terrible. In some scenes I have to turn it up to 30 (normal is 12) just to hear what they're saying. Movie drags at times but it has some good parts.

Loved it!

[peggysue422 · 10/10 · 16 February 2022]

Finally something different than the usual "love story." I was so hoping to hear Kelsey sing and I was NOT disappointed!! It just felt real and natural, more like a documentary than a movie, which is what made it so perfect!

It's just bad.

[ciscorolltide · 2/10 · 13 March 2022]

Honestly don't understand all the 9 and 10 stars from other reviewers. A for effort from the actors but it's a predictable story. It's just bad. Would be good for the Hallmark channel.

Romantic and Touching

[briandilorenzofilm · 9/10 · 24 June 2022]

I was very touched by Tim Dahlseid's "Sold Out," a sharp, funny, insightful commentary on the music industry. Sam Bardwell as John and Kelsey McMahon as Kat give beautiful performances.

The tension between Kat and John when she tries convincing him to join her on the road was really interesting. The interplay between them, as John pulls away from his everyday life, feels realistic and grounded, the stakes extremely high, the longer he spends away from home. It also functions as a great road trip movie, powered by a country-tinged soundtrack. Sam Bardwell and Kelsey McMahon have terrific chemistry together and is evident in every scene. The ending really comes together when John gets the nerve to get back on stage.

A big, fat disappointment

[crosslightcourage · 1/10 · 10 July 2022]

Cringey.

Is that a word? No matter, because Sold Out doesn't seem to set any standard for quality, let alone authenticity.

After struggling through a miserably low budget student film feel, the annoying lack of distinction between the plot and anything remotely interesting got to me.

I turned it off. Don't torture yourself with trying to prop this movie up. It's as flat as last year's Dr. Thunder in a plastic sippy cup.

I admit I'm a sucker for a well-written love story, especially if it involves the music industry!

[kenmcarthurprivate · 10/10 · 14 May 2022]

I have to admit, I love a good love story and romantic movies that aren't cliché are hard to find. I loved Susan Brightbill's well-crafted script. She's a seasoned pro, but this story reads like she put her heart into it.

Sam Bardwell has impressive talent, but Kelsey McMahon really nailed it in the build to the finale with her one musical performance. I spent a decade and a half in the music industry and the artist's journey still moves me. Thanks to Susan Brightbill for telling that journey so well.

There's a genuine ring of authenticity to this story and it's a keeper. Yes, they saved the best song for the end, but the music throughout is excellent. The ending is touching and hopeful, but real.

If you love a well-told romance that feels real or just want to feel what it's like to live a creative life, watch this movie for sure!

Shockingly bad

[daisyloucharles · 1/10 · 18 June 2023]

Awful camera work, bad acting, bad writing and simply a huge waste of time like really?? The people giving it 10/10 are just saying it's good cuz it's 'indie' no it isn't. Don't waste your time please. And this is not meant to cause offence but come on really? Just because it's indie and 'different' doesn't make it unique and a cool experience? It's so shockingly bad I found not believe I had wasted 75 minutes of my life watching such a shoddy and terribly put together film. Every single thing about it was bad except maybe the leading female actress. I believe she was just in a poor environment leading her to do a poor performance. Enjoy your lives, don't watch this pile of.

I liked it

[MaisOuEtDoncOrNiCar · 9/10 · 15 February 2022]

It was cute. Bit slow at the start but eventually we get into the story and it then make sense to get slowly into it.

Love music and to get a bit of country music was so good. It's simple, raw, emotional and good.

Yes it's not a Hollywood movie but at least it does make you feel close to you.

Heartfelt and Feel Good Film

[AboutFaceMediaAFM · 10/10 · 15 October 2022]

How many times in life have you look back and thought oh it is too late? Too often we give up before we really had the opportunity to get started. This movie is about having that second chance at following your passion.

I am always one who routes for the underdog so this film had me at the trailer. I not only enjoyed the backstory of the musician but the relationship with the daughter. As a creative I know what it is like to have thoughts in your head or in this case tunes that you can't get out. It doesn't mean that we will all be famous, but that we should at least follow our hearts.

I look forward to seeing more from this director.

Honest & Heartfelt Indie Music/Love Story

[abbynunces · 9/10 · 2 April 2024]

I really enjoyed and connected with this movie. Music Scout Kat Revere stumbles upon construction worker/folk singer/songwriter John, sees his innate talent and decides to take him under her wing. Thus begins a compelling and believable journey into the world of indie hit-making. Movie features a stand-out performance by actress Kelsey McMahon, who brings just the right amount of toughness, lovability and cool to her character. Sam Bardwell as her protege brings chemistry and warmth. The script by Susan Brightbill is tight and well-developed. No character is wasted. Has a really nice payoff at the end. Framed against the cold snows of midwestern winter. You'll definitely walk away feeling better at the end than when you started!

Truly Enjoyable

[jim-thalman · 8/10 · 17 October 2022]

Good Music, characters that I could care about, that felt like like human beings.... Some beautiful moments that are us, just regular people living a life torn between, family obligations and chasing your dreams. Most of us can relate to this. Life is not easy, the older we get the tougher the choices become. Especially with kids in the picture, no pun intended I definitely recommend it for any audience that wants a taste of a different world. That wants to feel something other than spectacle..... The Music is fresh and original, keeps you humming along after the movie ends and it feels good.

Most Worthy of your time.

A great music journey!!

[bob_rose · 10/10 · 14 September 2023]

"Sold Out" is a triumph in music-based cinema. Tim Dahlseid's direction, combined with exceptional cinematography and stellar performances, creates a film that strikes a chord with its audience on a deeply emotional level. The storyline weaves a captivating tale of redemption and self-discovery, as a talented female talent scout mentors a struggling construction worker on his journey to become a singer/songwriter. The narrative unfolds with genuine heart, resonating deeply with its audience. It's a story of hope, of second chances, and of the unbreakable human spirit. For anyone who loves music, believes in the power of transformation, or simply enjoys a brilliantly crafted film, "Sold Out" is an absolute must-see. This is a cinematic experience that will leave you humming its tunes and reflecting on its powerful message long after the final note.

Whoever made this -- thank you!

[rubygallagher-16716 · 10/10 · 14 September 2023]

Well, this indie caught me by surprise. I was laughing. And then I was crying. And ultimately, I thought a lot about all the creative people I know and how they've dedicated their lives to give the rest of us art. We owe them a debt of gratitude. It can't be easy, being an artist.

I don't know who these actors are, but they won me over and took me on a journey. I felt like I knew them. Sometime I wanted to slap them, but only because I cared about the choices (sometimes bad) that they were making.

And I loved the music, too. I guess I have to see if the soundtrack is on Spotify. Does anyone know?

This was worth way more than $2.99.