futuredjchic2000
I am such a fan of musicals and romance movies with a happy ending. This movie appeals directly to the hopeless romantic in me. I won't give away much of the movie, but what I will tell you is that our heroine is beautiful and talented and not in the way that Hollywood demands. She's got a wonderful figure without being anorexic thin. And the men are not soap opera hunks (thank god!). This movie is not just a love story, but also encourages you to follow your dreams. It's a heartwarming story told in a very timeless way. The dream sequences are fun, and the songs classic. If you are looking for a movie for a girl's night, or something to cuddle up to your honey with on a rainy day this is most definitely your movie.
florafairy
At some movie theatres lately, you have the choice of seeing "Love Actually" or "Anything But Love"; ironically, the titles are the exact opposite of what these films are really about. After the depressing fairy-tales of "Love Actually" it was so refreshing to see a film that may not have had the advantages of a big budget or top-name talent, but makes up for it with sincerity. For Billie Golden, the first love in her life is her music, and she finds love with a man who has the same philosophy. How reassuring to find a film that doesn't glorify materialism and appearances and subjugates the love story to the more important life journey of finding one's passion. Miss Isabel Rose certainly looks and acts the part and has a nice little voice; Andrew McCarthy, as already noted, is perfect as the sclubby pianist. The rest of the cast is serviceable (Cameron Bancroft, I thought, was the weakest link). Costumes (particularly Billie's glorious retro fashions) were great and although there is a heck of a lot of distractingly bad ADR, there are some great NYC locations that make this one of the great movie valentines to the Big Apple, along the lines of "Annie Hall." The Technicolor dream sequence was a nice touch. Some interesting, not-oft-heard standards are to be found in the score. The script was awkward at times, particularly in the ending, but overall this is a fine little movie and a great holiday treat.
KierZ
Just happened to catch the Canadian Premiere of 'Standard Time' at our local indie film festival. What a surprise! My fiancee and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this wonderfully charming film. The star, Isabel Rose, introduced the film, and it was great to see how much of herself she put into it. A lot of understanding and research of the Musical heyday was required to make this film authentic and Ms. Rose has a look that brings the experience together and makes it work.Unlike a lot of other referential films, the 40's musical aspect of the film does not bog it down with obscure references, instead making the film a treat for the experienced and newbie alike. The narrative is compelling and in contrast to the films of the period in which our protagonist 'dreams', progressive as well, far more so than many of the other romance/comedy/marriage films of today. I must mention that Andrew McCarthy does a wonderful turn as the piano teacher, probably a note better even than New Waterford Girl, showing far better chops and charm than he ever did in 'Pretty in Pink'. Overall, an amazing debut effort that deserves a turn on the distribution merry go round; it just might pick up as much steam as that 'Ethnic Wedding' film.
elizabeth-blust
This film made its debut at the 2002 San Diego Film Festival to an enthusiastic audience. This unique story about a cabaret singer trying to break away from the airport lounge circuit while looking for love and fulfillment is a perfect escape from the bikinis and explosions found in most movies these days. Shot with great color, filled with wonderful old standard songs, and written with the soul of experience by star Isabel Rose and director/choreographer Robert Cary, this is a film that any music lover would enjoy. It's not a musical, but it is full of music. Andrew McCarthy and Eartha Kitt are fabulous, and Isabel Rose won Best Up and Coming Actress at the San Diego Film Festival.
AD
