User Reviews

This is not your typical feel-good movie of the year. This is a realistic glimpse into a father's ability to parent after a dramatic loss. Misdirected grief takes you on a tragic journey that keeps you in a constant feeling of pain and struggle for the main character as you hope to see him hero his way out. Obsessed with the idea of learning to play tennis we see how other parts of life fade to the background. This story will have you playing sides on what is right or wrong.

This movie is by far the worst movie any human would experience. If you believe this is an exaggeration, just watch the movie!

This nuanced film really struck a chord with me. Without ruining a good review with spoilers, I do not think that it is not too much information to share that the film shows a man spiraling through the various emotional depths of his personal grieving process. At the start there is a scene that makes the viewer question (along with the protagonist and his best friend) whether or not there is a "right" way to grieve. We never really get an answer. Instead, this film produces an emotionally nuanced and character-driven plot that allows us as the audience understand the sometimes conflicting emotions that bubble-up within a person when grieving. Also, this film develops into a story about who and what we turn to, and turn into, as we are changed by the experience of deep loss. Robert Cannon's ability to portray the simultaneously conflicting emotions of sorrow, anger, despair, hope, love, and even at times joy in the midst of grief truly speaks to the complexities of the grieving experience. The best friend of the protagonist, and what I'm tempted to call the bro-with-a-heart-of-gold, is played by Mark Gagliardi. However, this sometimes comical "bro" character proves more complex than just a stereotype. The best friend character in this film is also a delightfully complicated character that provides several moments of comic relief throughout the film while never becoming the archetypal fool. By the end of the film viewers never really get an answer about whether or not there is a "right" way to grieve. Without giving away too many specifics of the plot, I must say that the ending of the film left me feeling both profoundly hopeful and uncomfortable. This is anything but a cliché sports film. Nor is it a typical love, loss, or family drama. This film truly calls to mind the subtleties of that old French phrase: C'est la vie.

High energy film, about a man who loses his wife in childbirth, with a baby left in his care, alone and bewildered. Kelly's husband emotes through his obsession with winning tennis tournaments, spins out of control to the brink of insanity. To succeed is to prove his love for her, if not to anyone, but himself. His attempt to win back her life through his success is his undoing. This film's abstract twist on grief and its overwhelming emotions explodes in the face of familial ties, enduring friendships, and professional advice. The lack of close bonding with an innocent infant, is the heart-wrenching counterpoint to the husband's wild obsession to win.

Good film for students, social networking groups, parents, and family therapists . . . it delves into the subconscious mind of grief; how closing off emotions can go crazily awry, and leave devastating consequences for everyone left behind.

"30-Love" is an unusually strong independent film from first time director Robert Cannon. The film chronicles the misguided effort of a man who loses his wife in childbirth to work out his grief in an obsessive attempt to win a tennis tournament. Strong acting and cinematography as well as a driving musical background all contribute to the overall effectiveness of the film. Although there are several slow spots along the way, the story ends on a creepy and almost horrific note of ambiguity and the viewer is left disturbed and unsettled.

This is a very well crafted story that hits the mark on several levels.It is very entertaining to watch. The acting is superb. Editing, cinematography, and music is excellent. The movie has a great balance between drama and humor. If you are looking for an entertaining movie, this is a great choice.

The real power behind this movie experience for me, though, was that it did not follow the typical Hollywood formulas. This film is a wild ride. The main character's flaws are there for all to see. It would be easy to hate him, yet you can't resist pulling for him as he struggles to cope with his crushing circumstances.

This is the kind of movie you will talk about for days, possibly weeks after watching it. Very well directed! An excellent film! I strongly recommend it!

In a world of Hollywood blockbusters, synthesized reboots and rehashed plots with a saccharinoid ending; it is really refreshing to see an independent feature unconstrained by these trappings. 30 Love is not going to make you happy, but perhaps that's the point. To make you think and feel the rest of the human experience instead.

It's gut punching in it's inescapable realism on the aspects of grief over losing a loved one and being saddled with a responsibility that you are not ready for and didn't sign up for. This of course leads you to be wary of the main character and perhaps that's a good thing. Life isn't always about happy endings and people don't always change. This film speaks to that eloquently and takes you along for the ride.

Sure, there's the usual indie film challenges with sound and filming on a micro budget, but the result is greater then the sum of its parts and well worth a look for anyone who wants to see some real indie-filmmaking instead of the usual studio schlock. It makes you think and feel and surprisingly doesn't disappoint except where it's supposed to.

I'm a fan of small indie movies and this is a good one. While is focuses on a man's obsession with succeeding in a sport, it certainly goes in a different direction from any sports movie you've seen. The main character's striving in tennis in his grief for his late wife, even as he neglects his infant child, is disturbing to watch. Though shot on a tiny budget, the film is stylishly directed, expertly photographed and edited, and features a terrific use of background music. It is also good to see Brenda Vaccaro back on the big screen in a key role in this film.

To be fair I only put this on cause I was looking for another tennis film to watch. The opening scene left me saying, this is terrible what is this. But gave it some time and was really surprised at how good it was. Very simple narrative told with a heart. Thoughtful, Funny and tight script not at all fluffy with very good performances all round. I was routing for the guy. And shot for just 30k. Well worth a watch.

I recently saw the film "30-Love". I was astounded at how powerful the movie was. It was realistic, thought provoking, and had me at on the edgeof my seat. The acting was superb and the story and character development both gripping and uniquely well done. I have recommended this movie to several friends who were similarly impressed. I would highly recommend this movie to any moviegoer wanting to experience a very unique, different and chilling experience!

Wow - what a really, really cool film. A hidden gem - even though there's quite a bit of tennis in the film, it's really not about the game. The music is eclectic and matches the scenes perfectly - I wish they had released a soundtrack. Production values and cinematography were top-notch too -- not your traditional Hollywood movie. Far from it. Instead, it's a film that's raw and honest. Felt very much like a Hal Ashby story. And, it was great to see Brenda Vaccaro again!

A must watch! Realistically gripping! The main character was so believable, that you want to hate him. You can feel his pain and his direction even though you may not agree with it. I appreciated the honesty in the writing, true to life. I'd like to see more writing like this.

This isn't your traditional Hollywood movie. As a small independent, it offers a psychological character study of how some people deal with loss and grief - in this case a not-so-nice guy. Some people may have difficulty rooting for the hero of the movie, since he's definitely not the most likable person. However, the story is compelling and well done with impressive production values for a small film. The cinematography and music are especially notable. And it was wonderful to see Brenda Vaccaro!

This indie drama begins like a soap opera--bereaved father of a newborn girl doesn't know how to deal with his emotions. But it soon moves into unusual psychological territory. instead of being transformed through loving his daughter, the father dedicates himself to tennis as a tribute to his dead wife, and soon playing tennis becomes addiction. Although there is no one to root for (except maybe the infant!) the film depicts a gradual and fascinating descent into dark obsession.

Maybe it was the simple fact that I felt caught off guard that appealed to me so much about this film. I highly enjoyed looking through another's raw and candid portrayal of tragedy, and how honestly and openly this was played. It makes you think and do so differently offering fresh insight and perspective. There's definitely something interesting to takeaway for everyone. Feeling uncomfortable was a welcome change to the usual. It was also funny, poignantly so. Enjoy.

For those unfamiliar with the tennis term "30 Love," it refers to being either two points ahead or two points behind in a game. It doesn't really matter though because this film is not really that much about tennis… even though much of what you see on screen takes place on the tennis court!

Confusing…yes but it all makes perfect sense when you see this charming and quirky film about a custody battle between a new father, his newborn daughter and his recently deceased wife's mother played brilliantly by Brenda Vaccaro.

The film showcases some terrific performances performances and expert cinematography by Dan Fischer which include scenes of old Los Angeles landmarks as backdrops. I also really liked the selection of music and how it fit well with the vibe of the film….especially in the high paced moments of hysteria.

If you are looking for someone to rescue the baby from two unprepared rival guardians, better stop looking because you won't find it in this movie. Also, don't look for a feel good ending either because there is none….but it begs for a sequel to let us in on how this story would progress.

This is a small film with a big heart. Having Ira Heffler on board as the co-writer was a very smart move on the part of first-time filmmaker, Robert Cannon. Directing and starring in the film is a challenge, but I think Mr. Cannon held his own quite well playing the the grieving husband of his wife who just died in childbirth. This is information that is given at the very beginning of the film s it's not a surprise. Brenda Vaccaro is touching as the Mother of his deceased wife. Writing about loss and grief is always challenging, and I think this film addresses it in a thoughtful way. The metaphor of tennis, of learning how to play the game well is a great idea and used very successfully in this film. I think all of the actors are quite strong - large and small roles. I would like to see more from Mr. Cannon and Mr. Heffler - and I always enjoy Ms. Vaccaro's work.

30-Love never goes where you think it will. And that's a good thing. At turns, very funny, very disturbing, very enjoyable, 30-Love offers a character study of an anti-hero much more in line with the great anti-heroes of the 1970's (think Jack Nicholson in FIVE EASY PIECES) than much of what we see in today's cinema.

The movie follows a grieving husband who has no idea how to deal with his grief at the loss of his wife or how to deal with the baby he now has to raise on his own. He decides to channel all his rage, confusion, sorrow into becoming a great tennis player within a year to fulfill a sports desire of his wife.

In the process, we see him fight with his in-laws, make some horrible parenting decisions, and become increasingly obsessive.

Filmmaker Robert Cannon, co-writer Ira Heffler, and the entire cast and crew really work to make a singular movie here. Very often the movie feels like it's going to fly off the rails with its tonal lurches left and right, from almost slapstick comedy to emotional darkness. But, forgive the pun here, the cast and crew definitely ace the serve.

The moviemakers clearly intended to mess with the expectations that come from a "ROCKY" type sports story. But they do it in a very smart, constantly unpredictable way that really makes you, sometimes against your will, acknowledge the flawed, complicated psychology that exists inside all of us.

This is definitely not your movie if you're looking for "Rudy"-like inspiration and "you can achieve anything if you believe in your dreams" type messaging. But if you're looking for an unpredictable movie, inspiring for how effective it is on such a low budget, this is a movie well worth checking out. You'll long remember it. It will stick with you in a rewarding way. And that's often the mark of a truly good picture.

Excellent movie - kept me enthralled throughout. A realistic take on someone responding to grief in his own unusual way. Shows how important it is for friends to keep in touch during grieving, especially when little ones involved. Very believable actors, intense at times. Great little baby!!

I embrace indie films with main characters who often are flawed ... and far from heroic. But they're honest and real! I've become fed up with Hollywood movies with characters who suddenly arc and grow. After all, it's very rare - if ever - when that transformation happens in real life. So, those movies are guilty of perpetuating that myth.

Is the main character in "30-Love" likeable? Nope. He's kind of a putz, and far from being a protagonist. But he's interesting and compelling ... and human.

People grieve in different ways. Well, this is his way. And this is his story. Warts and all. And if it makes you uneasy - and it will - then the film succeeded.

Robert Cannon, the main character (who is also the co-writer and director), gives a powerful performance. And he has surrounded himself with a strong supporting cast: his coach/trainer gives a very natural performance, and his close friend is also extremely good; his mother-in-law is played by veteran actress Brenda Vaccaro, and she still has her acting chops; and his father-in-law is played by Robert Craighead, whose character presents the calm voice of reason in the story ... and he does it very well.

The funniest scene in the movie is when another tennis player and the referee are chewing each other out. The actor who plays the ref is very familiar to me, I know I've seen him in other things.

As far as production values, the music is outstanding. It textures the scenes, and pops when it needs to. And the movie looks great! Both the cinematography and editing are very impressive.

The film is not perfect. Even though it's a gem, it's got a few minor flaws. And that's why I vacillated between giving it 5 or 4 stars. But - because it's got solid acting, impressive production values, and dares to be edgy, raw, and wonderfully unsettling - I decided to go with the 5.

The Los Angeles Times said the ending of "30-Love" is almost a horror movie. Yes, it is! It's quite disturbing. However, following the main character's trajectory, it's as honest and real as can be. Kudos to the filmmakers for not wimping out.