2010 Sundance Film Festival

Burns did a great job of setting the period for this film, the 80's. No question you knew where you were with the soundtrack (all songs from 82-84), TV shots (old school MTV commercial) and skating (gotta be the 80s). However even though you are there, nothing happens. There is one dramatic scene in the film and you wonder if the first 2/3 of the film were there to set this up, but nothing really comes of it but a little crying from some characters. The Ritchie character has a fight with his love interest that eventually makes them never speak again, but it almost happens behind closed doors and you wonder why it was such a big deal. Ritchie was also clearly defined as some type of scholar and his little sister wanted him to go to college, but the story really doesn't feed the whole "go on, get out of this small town and make something of yourself", concept. One good thing, if you grew up in the 80s, you will LOVE this sound track. Get your 'Shazam' app ready and enjoy the tunes. But maybe thats all.

Josh Radnor did a pretty decent job with this film for a first time director. You could tell he was experimenting with different filters and washed out backlit shots to try to find his style. The other actors did a decent enough job in the film and music was really its own character. However, there is a rather crucial plot line in this story which was a bit distracting in its implausibility. I'm pretty sure a grown man cannot take some kid off the subway and keep him in his home. If you saw "Keane" in 2004 at the fest, then you would know that same act is considered psychotic and criminal. In this film it was made to be campy and cute. Beyond that, you might find certain dialog a bit insulting if you live in Los Angeles.

Director Derek Cianfrance comes back to Sundance after a 12 year absence with the help from Executive Producers and stars, Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling. This is a backwards love story showing a couple who are going through tough times. Their tale is told through interesting flash back segments showing the earlier, more promising parts of their relationship. The cinematography is wonderful as this film takes place somewhere in Pennsylvania and the actors had so much chemistry that you walk away wondering if they are a real life couple. In reality they had spent a month in a house together working on the dynamic of their characters in order to prep for this film. The story might be a sad one, but maybe only if you can relate to it too well. Good star power and great chemistry. But ladies, you may want to see it just for Ryan Gosling...but you might be questioning his hairline on your way out. Me thinks it was makeup.