dkoltermanjp Reviews

Follow Her (2022)

Twists and Turns Throughout

[9/10 · 4 June 2023]

Was thrilled to watch this on release weekend as part of a watch party with some of the creators of the film. I have been following this film since the beginning of production, so the suspense and anticipation had certainly built up and the film really delivered.

I knew the premise, but did not expect the multiple twists that were very effectively woven in throughout the film. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, there was yet another layer exposed.

The psychological elements of cat and mouse and the claustrophobic barn setting felt like a nod to 1982's Deathtrap and certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.

The entire production was very well done - great acting, music, and cinematography all brought the well-written story to life in a scary, but totally realistic, cautionary tale exploring the boundaries of the voyeuristic world we live in today.

Egghead & Twinkie (2023)

A road trip worth taking!

[10/10 · 12 March 2023]

What a fun and creative road trip film! A wonderful blend of heart, comedy, and relatable quirkiness while addressing the weighty issues of finding one's identity, becoming comfortable and confident with it, teenage friendships, and family relationships. Portrayed with just the right blend of humor to take the edge off the seriousness, this modern-day coming-of-age and coming out story was a blast to watch.

A delightful debut feature from the extremely talented Sarah Kambe Holland! While clearly not a member of the represented audience (unless you count Twinkie's parents), her story and character development made it so easy to relate to and appreciate Twinkie as she and Egghead undertook their adventure of self-discovery.

Scrap (II) (2022)

Poignant and relatable portrait of not-often-discussed issues

[10/10 · 12 March 2023]

Hard to believe this is the debut feature for writer, director, and actor Vivian Kerr and her producing partner, Rachel Stander. A beautifully told story of personal struggles and confronting the painful curveballs that life can throw at us. The portrait of Beth initially avoiding, but ultimately acknowledging the reality of her situation and accepting the help of those closest to her to overcome her setbacks was extremely realistic and relatable. The entire cast was fantastic. And the music - just wow! What an unexpected treat and such a critical underlying element to the family's story. All the elements of a great film delivered as close to perfection as one could hope for. Just like Beth's preparations for her new home with Birdy.

Death's Diner (2022)

Amazing! Just the comfort food to get you through the night

[10/10 · 18 September 2022]

A thought-provoking contemplation on death, what comes next, and how everyone comes to terms with their own mortality. An enchanting musical score sets the mood throughout this wonderfully written, beautifully shot, and well-acted short film. A great ensemble portrays the full range of emotions one would expect to face on all sides of life's most significant transition - from the two "new" diners to the host/waiter and proprietor. While the experience is unique for the two patrons as each comes to understand and accept their new reality, the friendliness and familiarity of the diner is the perfect setting to welcome them and provide comfort as they take the next step into the unknown. Yoshi Sudarso strikes the perfect balance between seriousness and playful irreverence in his role as the host we should all hope to have - whether just hitting a diner for some midnight comfort food or actually sitting down for our last meal.

See You Then (2021)

Powerful and moving stroll down memory lane

[10/10 · 26 March 2022]

A beautifully written and powerful character-driven film that starts off with Kris and Naomi, former college sweethearts, going down memory lane, but quickly veers into an emotion-packed exploration of everything that went unsaid when they broke up and the divergent paths of their lives over the ensuing decade. Wonderful cinematography allows the audience to unintrusively participate in the intimacy of their reunion night where they share the ups and downs of their lives over the last decade. As the night progresses and the motivations behind, and consequences of, their breakup come to light during an impassioned argument, they are both left to deal with the truths that have finally shared and find their own paths toward closure.

Go Back to China (2019)

Thought-provoking, yet comedic portrait of a Chinese family

[10/10 · 25 July 2020]

A truly enjoyable film portraying the quirky life of a modern Chinese family and growing up on both sides of the Pacific. Sasha thinks she's all grown up living in the States, but after her trust fund is cut off and she is forced to Go Back to China, we get to witness her actually grow up while spending a year in the family business and connecting with a family she never knew. While there are plenty of comedic moments, the story is well balanced with serious commentary on economic inequality, the benefits of stepping outside of your comfort zone to learn and grow while embracing new experiences and ultimately, the importance and value of family - whatever that may look like. An amazing cast - some legends and some new stars - made this story all the more fun to watch.