Thursday, January 26, 2012

GREENCASTLE review


Since our films Look At MeAgain and Snatch 'N'Grab began their festival runs a year ago, I've seen hundreds of independent films. Some were good. Some were great. Most of the films were covered with the blood, sweat and tears of their filmmakers who put everything into their project. Some not so much. A few of the films stuck with me after the screening. One such film was Greencastle.  We were fortunate to be at the premiere of this film at the Idyllwild International Festival Of Cinema.

Set in Greencastle, PA, this film takes on a number of heavy topics. It covers issues dealing with single fatherhood, moving on after the loss of a spouse and how to grab a hold of your life's dreams while struggling with racial identity. It handles these issues with subtlety and delicacy, couching the story in a tale of love and forgiveness.
The film features a great cast that really brought a human face to the difficult challenges the story presented. Writer/Director Koran Dunbar plays Poitier Dunning, a widower whose life is slowing passing by. He struggles with keeping the momentum of his life going while trying to raise his son Julian, played by real life son Aurelius. These two have great chemistry on screen with Julian providing an emotion touchtone for Poitier. Both Koran and Aurelius create vivid characters that really allow the audience to connect with their struggle. Nikki Estridge's Leslie enters the story as a wounded woman running from her past and becomes a glimmer of a hopeful future for Julian and Poitier. Her naked portrayal of a woman just trying to get a new start is frank and touching. The film benefits from an amazing cast of supporting actors as well. Ralph Mauriello as Rocco is a breath of fresh air, the hardened, tough talking boss who really wants the best for Poitier. Christopher James stole every scene he was in as the Bradley Cooper-esque Rick.

The cast, combined with the honest simplicity of the story created a film that was impossible not to connect with. I was honored to be in the audience and I look forward to watching the audience of Greencastle grow. Any one complaining about reboots or remakes in Hollywood need to check out this film and others like it. The originality and honesty of our film culture is out there. We just need to find it. And the journey can begin with films like Greencastle.  And it can continue with films from the likes of Gary C. WarrenGothic Films, Sharon Wright, Mike Donis, Janet Mayson Marc Wasserman, Ford Austin and Underdogs.com.  They make movies with nothing but a love of film and desire to tell a story.  Or, all that you need.

James Christopher
President, Twitchy Dolphin Flix