Automatic

there's no such thing as a low budget film anymore, so to see an actual independent film (without big names or fancy special effects) that doesn't look like it was shot on a camcorder in someone's basement is pretty refreshing. the acting is, at times, uncomfortably intimate (in a good way) and at times somewhat forced, but either way, you get the idea that you're watching actors who know what they're doing and who've actually thought their way through the process. most notably, travis schuldt, jay thames, and brandi howard. there was a sense of ease with them, that makes one feel as if they were totally unaware of the camera, which doesn't always happen when dealing with guerrilla style film making. watching this film made me long for the days of 'sex, lies, and videotape' and all the eric stoltz films of the 90's -- back when there was still such a thing as an art house film.

Saw this film at the Denver International Film Festival thought it was cool. It's a character driven story, no crazy action or gimmicks, thought the actors did a great job and the story presented a interesting view of life's up and downs. Reminds me a little of "Sex, Lies, and Video Tape." What I liked about it was that each character had this ideal idea of themselves that had disappeared and they'd lost track of. It's like their youth is fading and they can't/won't accept it. They really haven't grown as people but they are adults so they have to deal with adult situations. It reminds me of indie films in the early 90's, pre-Sept. 11, when people were focusing on themselves and not anything else but after that tragic event we have this desperation for those days long lost when we didn't have to care about anything but ourselves. That's what makes me think of "Sex, Lies, and Video Tape" because those characters longed for something they had lost too.

i don't understand whats going on with this film? i loved it as almost everyone else in the audience did. and portland is not a big film town. but they applauded at the end. i was one of them. and then i see if its playing anywhere else and i cant find it anywhere. i would definitely recommend it to people. the oregonian review called it better than crash. high praise. i would agree. and then i websearch and see it on this site and the voting score is so low. why does it have such a low score when everyone seems to like it? i thought it was a real visionary piece. got to give props to the director. unreal. i guess the guy can do it all.

Thoughtfully written and well acted, it is an interesting depiction of a group of people, some of whom we come to care about. Eventually we are disappointed that they do not move forward and away from their problems, but, that's real life. Every character seems to suffer from a persistent self involvement and basic disregard for others. We see rare glimpses of compassion. One cannot help but think that if these people really put themselves in the others' shoes, they would do better in life. All in all it is very realistic and natural and the actors leave us wanting to know more. It was shot in Houston, but it feels like it could be anywhere. The music is good, too.

Say hello to dysfunction. I was almost relieved when this film ended because I went to the theater with a group of friends that were so similar to the people on screen it made me feel uncomfortable. Needless to say the dinner discussion consisted of which character we identified with the most, and each of my friends painfully avoiding their obvious duplicates on the screen. Surprisingly funny at times, it's real life and it's REAL COMPLICATED. I was hoping some relationship elements were not going to happen, but sure enough...they happened. I can't remember the last time I heard someone talk to the screen in a clear moment of identification. Jarred me. I guess it jarred him too. I would see this one at home, alone. If you go with someone on a date, you might not see them again. A very strong introduction to Mr. Walls and the filmmakers that were involved. Whew.