Living with Uncle Ray (2006) Poster

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10/10
Many Thumbs Up!
jayeff_20007 May 2008
A very well done and heartfelt story that has no doubt been played out in real life over and over.

It gives an inside glimpse of some of the battles our vets face when they return home. The struggle to re-adjust, and the all too real memories that haunt and overwhelm their very sanity.

The film was both lighthearted and serious by providing a warm background while tackling a very real and often forgotten issue that many have and still do face.

Uncle Ray sports an excellent and lovable cast of characters who provide a inviting and down to earth portrayal of family life, the human condition, and the awkwardness associated with it.

Gene Duffy, was great as the dark, and disturbed, Uncle Ray.

"Living With Uncle Ray" is a very enjoyable and well conveyed warm story that will make you laugh while it yanks a little at your heartstrings.

****************Highly Recommended by JF!!******************
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8/10
Uncle Ray is a great character study
macklen42122 March 2008
With an imaginative script and very skilled acting, "Living with Uncle Ray" exudes simplicity and heart. If you want snappy dialogue, pratfalls, and cookie-cutter subplots, look elsewhere. But, if you're in the mood for a substantive character study about the human condition and familial relationships, Uncle Ray deserves your viewership.

Gene Duffy shines in the title role and his performance alone raises my overall rating from a 7 to an 8. His lines aren't plentiful, but he more than compensates with very expressive close-ups and extremely specific physical choices.

The movie is quirky and fun. Even the somber-toned ending isn't immune to the film's unique sense of humor. Laughs permeate at the most unexpected times, and that is what makes the movie a winner. I would definitely watch Uncle Ray again....I just wouldn't want him living with me!
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8/10
A good dark comedy flick I would watch again
olympian8421 March 2008
This is a very good movie that I wish could have been out in the mainstream long ago. I've seen the trailers and had to wait far too long for it. It has everything: Humor, a serious side, compassion (at times), heartache, and it ties all of them together nicely. Mr. Duffy and Ms. Corinna need to be allowed the opportunity to expand on their talents as writers/directors with some back-up from the Hollywood community. Frank Payne, Kipleigh Brown and Gene Duffy all stand out as well as Steven Christopher Parker as Jimmy. It basically shows the struggles of recent Vet Ray who has a sister and 3 kids and the constant struggles for Ray to adapt to civilian life, as well as living with his past. Oh, that poor next door rooster. Do me a favor, watch the flick, then watch it again...I missed a lot of good stuff the first time around because they are so in-depth at telling the story of Uncle Ray. He ... and the movie, deserve better.
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Comments on "Living with Uncle Ray"
DonCurtisFilms30 March 2006
I was fully entertained by Jennifer Corinna and Gene Duffy's, "Living with Uncle Ray." I was especially impressed by their casting and direction. The performances are natural and believable under the facile direction of Ms. Corinna and Mr. Duffy. Especially noteworthy were Frank Payne as Manny and Steven Christopher Parker as Jimmy. Gene Duffy's portrayal of Uncle Ray is excellent, believable and a real stretch for Mr. Duffy who, in real life, is a Hollywood hunk. Although Mr. Duffy gave a very credible performance, in future films, I would hope to see him take advantage of His God-given attributes as a leading man rather than hide behind the mask of a character, no matter how skillfully portrayed. As he ages, there'll be plenty of time for character roles. With what I surmise as a limited budget, these film makers have filled the screen with an entertaining film with fine acting and production value. It all starts with the story, and I believe Mr. Duffy has many more stories to share with us. Following in the footsteps of so many writer/actor/directors that preceded him, I believe we'll be seeing much more of Mr. Duffy's talents in the future. My hat goes off to Corinna and Duffy for their first film which is the beginning of many more to come.
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10/10
War Veteran Returns and needs to adjust to todays life.
rifkatree19 April 2006
Living with Uncle Ray shows how difficult it is for a veteran to return from a war to his family especially where there are children and to adjust to todays world and all the different things that came to be since he went away. Nostalgia is a key in this film and so is understanding and patience from adults and children.

The film was well done and it is also a family film. The children in this film were excellent performers as well as Uncle Ray. The interaction was well orchestrated. Bringing in the TV shows of yesteryear and Uncle Ray only wanting to hear about the News showed how many people react today as well.
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10/10
Very funny independent movie!!!!!
rozalia67794 June 2008
When I bought this movie, I really didn't know what to expect. I like to support independent artists, so I took my friends advice and bought it. And I have to say, it was a very funny little movie. I found myself laughing at the oddest times. The guy who plays Ray is at times creepy and at times hysterical. The rest of the cast is outstanding. Especially the kids. And the television really adds an interesting dynamic to the story. I watch a lot of independent movies and although this movie was obviously low budget or somewhat low budget, it had a real professional quality to it. I wonder why it is not available on Netflix or at Blockbuster? Anyway, if you get a chance, check it out.
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10/10
touching and funny - and a few lessons thrown in
jayjrichards26 March 2006
I had a great time watching this, especially as it was shown through the eyes of the youth, the young ones involved in the story who gave it a quirky fun flavor. You never really knew if and when "Uncle Ray" would snap, then in the end, you get to appreciate what he went through. The children in the film did a great job, and added to the humor, as did the sister-watching as she tries to keep a level head after bringing this character, uncle Ray, into her home, and into her kids lives.

Using the T.V. as a main focal point was clever and pulled the story through well, adding clues to what lies behind those beady wild eyes of "Uncle Ray".

-J.R.
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8/10
What a movie!!!
nathan_wilson37 April 2006
One of the great independent movies of the year. Finally, a movie with some heart that involves real issues. A fun and interesting view of the post Vietnam war. Living With Uncle Ray is hysterical movie with wonderful moments throughout the entire film. Great writing with acting to boot. Uncle Ray was a man to be reckoned with. The children have to deal with the likings of Ray and did they ever. He reminds me of my Uncle with a twist. The acting is top notch. Which is nice to see in an independent movie. A great story for all ages to see. I loved every minute of Living With Uncle Ray. A film to watch over and over again. Check it out for yourself.
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10/10
Living With Uncle Ray
bmcginley4104 May 2008
Living with Uncle Ray was both hysterical and entertaining. Although you can feel for Ray's discomfort with being a Vietnam veteran and having to adapt to a family life, the situation quickly becomes extremely comical. With Ray's niece and nephews irritated with his constant control over the television, they concoct a few plans to distract him while they attempt to regain possession of their coveted television. The scene where Ray gets a new "motorcycle" is hilarious. I won't forget the line, "She's some piece of machinery right there." Of course, once you throw the Humphries and their aggravating pet rooster into the mix, things become even more comical. And then another twist...Ray's sons? You'll just have to watch to see where this tale ends up going and what becomes of its beloved characters.
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10/10
The story of a Vietnam Vet returning to his family to reconnect with his life.
denmangirl15 May 2008
I loved this movie. It was really a heartwarming story of a dysfunctional family and the love that they have for each other. The characters are well defined, original and brilliant in their performances. The storyline was excellent, with drama, humor, tragedy and redemption. Uncle Ray did an excellent job in portraying a Vietnam Vet who is attempting to reconnect with his life after returning from the war. Uncle Ray's sister and her children find inventive and sometimes humorous ways to cope with their situation. The dysfunctional neighbors bring a colorful, heartwarming and tragic touch to this story. This is a gritty, real life story that packs an emotional punch. I purchased this movie online so that I could watch it again. Try it out, I think you will be surprised.
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10/10
Finally another good comedy comes along...The gods have answered.
FreddieP6 March 2006
I got a chance to see this past summer and it is SO hilarious! I recommend it, that is if you like funny characters and clever plots. The movie keeps on adding great bits all throughout. Frank Payne is a RIOT by the way. And the kid who played his son was perfectly awkward! The guy who plays Ray gives a rad comic performance/interpretation on such a deep and affected character. I really felt for Ray's sister who takes him in. I realize that she needed a man in the household but Ray probably wasn't the best choice. I may have wet myself a little when Ray's estranged sons show up. It was fun to watch how Ray would deal with all the stuff that was thrown into his life. Although this is a comedy, for me it raises the serious question of the proper treatment of veterans and how they can be integrated into society once again. Thanks Living With Uncle Ray. You genuinely give me hope for great comedies!!!
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I wholeheartedly enjoyed this film
trulymagyar7 March 2006
I found this film a quirky and endearing trip through the experiences of a handful of individuals whose lives overlap- at moments quite intensely. There was a great deal of very unique humor carried on with the dialog, as well as the characters' interactions, including ones bordering on the fictitious, like Ray's communications with the news anchors through the television. I liked how it illustrated his mind's slipping into and out of reality, but without setting a dream sequence or some "now we are in Ray's mind" convention of some kind. I was very impressed with the cast of dysfunctional neighbors- a hysterical group of talents whose relationships are fascinating- at times to pitied, and at others, a warmth to be envied. The neighbor's son is played with a truth that constantly made me question whether he was actually an actor acting. Overall, I thought the story was sweet and sad (and laugh out loud funny)- and all of the performances were very real and engaging. I also particularly enjoyed Uncle Ray's way of interacting (or avoiding interaction) with his sister's children- who come up with wonderfully entertaining ways of approaching him and trying to figure out how to penetrate this imaginary wall he dwells behind. It was an original blending of a rather tragic and almost depressing situation with a spontaneous, youthful environment- a super formula for a ride through the unexpected. And again, the situations with the neighbors added a flavorful accompaniment to the main storyline. I can honestly say that I cared about all of the characters involved and what happened to them- a success for any storyteller.
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