Reviews

Leaving Limbo, written and directed by Sandy Boikan, is a charming, poignant, funny, and thought-provoking film that isn't quite a fairy tale, but only because it is more in-depth. Based on Boikan's play, My Wonderful Coma, the film touches on topics like forgiveness, regrets, guilt, redemption, restoration, and wasted years. The running theme, based on Joel 2:25, reminds us of God's promise that there is hope for our future.

Mandy Brown, as Monica Wyatt, is fascinating to watch as she goes through every range of emotion as a young woman who awakens to find herself nearing 40 and having slept away half of her life. Trying to come to terms with things that were not common in the 80s brings moments of comedy...and nostalgia. She gives an outstanding performance as a woman who emotionally is still on the brink of adulthood yet has suddenly been propelled into a world that must feel like she is living in a dream. As former fiancée, Ben, Elias Cecil gives a great portrayal of one who has given up his dreams and grown up to be a serious, overly-protective father who has lost much of the joy of life he had as a teen with a promising future.

Owen Williams (Wallace) does not get as much screen time as some of the others in the film, but his character is one of the more fascinating ones. As the driver of the car, he has spent 19 years living with the guilt of his actions. He reminds me a lot of Jim Carrey as a comedic actor, but both actors are also incredible in dramas.

The remaining major cast members all give strong performances. Noelle Perris is Tuesday, Monica's best friend, who also married (and divorced) Ben as Monica lay sleeping. David Fruechting gives a tremendous performance as the father who never gave up hope, and used his experience to share his faith and hope to others in a crisis situation. Lauren Montgomery as the niece who was a child in 1989, but now a woman who is in many ways more mature than her aunt is like the "voice of reason" as Monica struggles to reconcile her past life with her current one. The comic relief is Amy Mathieson as Rosa, the British nurse who has spent over a decade caring for her comatose patient and still thinks of Monica as her closest confidante.

There is so much to say about the film, but I don't want to risk giving away any plot points. Some of the things that seem illogical to me all make sense as the film adds different layers and twists to the story. There were a couple of times when things did not quite add up for me, but not to the point that it took away my enjoyment. Leaving Limbo is one of those films that can carry heavy subject matter, but does so with a compelling story, a lot of fun references to the 80s, and a satisfying ending. It is a faith-based film, but it is a natural part of the character's lives. This movie is one that can be enjoyed by all. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend others to pick up a copy.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this DVD from the director of the film in order to write this review. No promises were made of a positive review.

(I don't think there are any spoilers, but not positive.)

After losing his job, David (Joe Boyd) is pushed by his roommate (Benjamin Keller)to hire a life coach (Joyce) to motivate him. When Joyce (Rebecca St.James) invites David to join the volunteer group that she takes to a retirement home, David discovers his manipulative ex-boss, William(Hunter Shepard), is part of the group. The retirees, noticing that both new volunteers are interested in Joyce, decide to add to the drama by deliberately pushing the rivalry to a higher level. The competition goes extreme and ultimately leads David on a journey that may mean he loses all he hoped to find. Written and directed by Brad Wise, A Strange Brand Of Happy is a Rebel Pilgrim Production.

My Review: A Strange Brand Of Happy is not what many think of when they think "Christian film", but is more of a faith-friendly type film. I think of it as a quirky, romantic comedy. It's not a film for children, although they will not see or hear anything inappropriate. It is probably more along the lines of a PG film. It made me laugh as I watched and I got a bit teary-eyed during one scene (unusual for me). It is a fun film for "date night" or to see with a group of friends. I don't want to give away too much, so I will just summarize a bit below.

David lost his job, albeit one he hated, but doesn't know what direction he should take to find meaning in his life. Can he find fulfillment in a new career or is there more to being happy? His friend, Ben, believes a "life coach" is the answer and sets his friend up with one who is also very attractive. David is unemployed, unfocused, a bit immature, and never really thinks about God. Joyce finds joy in her life and believes God finds joy in her when she uses the talents He has given her. Will their professional relationship stand in the way of a personal one? Joyce believes one of the best ways to help yourself is by serving others, and convinces David to volunteer at a retirement home. The residents (Shirley Jones, Marty Ingels, Venida Evans, Bobby Rodgers) quickly involve themselves in the lives of these volunteers and their manipulations are hilarious. Yet, they also provide the help and guidance David needs to get his life heading toward a happy future after decisions made nearly cause him to lose everything.

I called this a romantic comedy, but it is more than just boy meets girl, they flirt, they fight, and love conquers all. This is also about finding the gifts God has given you and using them. You will find God when you seek Him, but sometimes you just have to know where to look.

How does a flyer, a landlady (Bekka Prewitt) with a crush, a poet (Anis Mojgani), and a knight in paint-splattered armor fit in this story? You will have to see the film to get those answers!! *I was shown an advanced screening of this film in order to write a review. I was not required to write a positive review, but only for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed the film! It was a sweet love story with comedic overtones I found appealing; perhaps you would even call it a fairy tale with a twist. This isn't my favorite genre, however I liked it more than I do many others in this category. Brittany Joyner & Donny Boaz are both wonderful in their roles as Clara & Rick and you find yourself cheering them on as the romance unfolds. Stephen Brodie, as Clara's 'husband' Marty, is a funny, vulnerable, charming character who doesn't appear to be a responsible adult, but has a loyal & loving nature that makes it nearly impossible not to like him. Benjamin Dane is Jack---Rick's party-loving best friend---who must work hard since he obviously plays hard, too. His efforts to push Rick to pursue the wild life are determined yet he made me laugh when he reluctantly accepts defeat. And, of course, the 3 'old biddies' (Sammie Portman, Theressa Railsback, and Morgana Shaw) are interfering albeit well-intentioned busybodies who genuinely care about Clara. This trio made me smile, and reminded me of a few of my own family members.