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brendan-nagle
Reviews
Film Fest (2020)
A hilariously poignant look into the world of independent filmmaking
This should be required viewing in every undergrad film school right after Citizen Kane. Hopefully Film Fest will dissuade the weak to do math instead, though it will entertain many more along the way.
A perfect cast brings the eccentric characters of a seemingly mundane trip to life. Its sharp script elevates such an ordinary outing; a small crew trekking wide with shared hopes in a small town ceremonious celebration of cinema, and makes broken hearts warm again. It appears as a witty commentary on the nature of its own industry, but reaches wider and is equally telling of humanity and the times.
The heartbreaking reality of championing a small movie in the world of streaming studio giants truly makes filmmaking a work of art like never before. Film Fest tells that story and hits every mark along the way, but I don't want to fluff it too much.
The Essentials (2013)
A fun romp of the spy genre
A fun, semi-spoof in the vein of Naked Gun, featuring a Canadian drug-lord (who oddly resembles Donald Trump) trying to get society hooked on his maple syrup. Shows off a lot of nice production value for Upstate NY and the city of Rochester. Worth a watch for indie filmmakers and lovers of the genre. Fairly age appropriate, timeless and upbeat.