jesse3
I know David Morgan and Cora Benesh. They are friends of mine. I rarely go to my friends screenings, because it is not healthy for our friendship 19 out of 20 times. (Not kidding about this) This was the one exception. This film is a small indie that is actually about something; it actually has a storyline that is both comic and poignant -- and it's well told by the writer/director, David Morgan. This film parades Portland talent like no other. The casting by the producers, including Timothy Whitcomb, was exceptional. I am a voting member of the Academy and am sent all the top films every year, so I watch films until I am blue in the face -- but this one worked. I have seen it twice now. No car chases, no slashing, no zombies or vampires, just astute minds at work. Take a look, if you like small indie films without name talent that soars high above the usual crap that is out there. If you aspire to make a good film with a small budget that is actually distributed, let this film be a source of support. It can be done.
cfelipe44
For the most part I agree with some of the others, just maybe not as harsh. The main criticism I have is that the movie looks a whole lot better than it is. Thirty years ago a film like this one would have been made with a super eight camera or even on home video, but today, because of the easy access to Canons and Red and Epic cameras, it's fairly easy for even the greenest of new filmmakers to make a movie that looks pretty good if only on the surface. Bottom line, there's way too much attention given here to composing a slick look and not enough to imagining a passionate story with convincing, memorable performances. The music helps you get through it.
petrinacarlos
As US Indies go, this one's cup is certainly more half empty than full. Sure, not a terrible first effort, but really nothing here you won't see much better in many a student film. The problems really begin with the lead actor, the very beautiful but completely underwhelming Cora Benesh. A performance so lame you have to wonder what the director was thinking in casting her. Are people in Portland really this mindless or is she just someone David Morgan managed to get within his meager budget. And then there's the meandering story without any substance whatsoever. It leaves you wondering what the point was in making the movie. I saw City Baby at Dances with Films in Los Angeles. It didn't catch much fire there either, but I guess it will need to screen at more established festivals before it finds its way or not.
feelsgoodalot
I just witnessed this gem at a local theater in Portland, OR, where this movie is staged. Having gone to many independent films in the local area, I was actually a bit skeptical and my expectations were low going into it, due to having seen many recent duds. But boy, from the very beginning of the screen roll, I fell in love with this movie! The directing and shooting were stellar - I was truly blown away by the artsy yet purposeful way in which it was shot (at one point, there is a "rainbow" lens flare that protrudes subtly across the screen during a scene that was masterfully done - I wondered: was this a brilliant mistake or done on purpose? But then decided it didn't even matter, because it just made sense with the rest of the film and coincided with the hilarious "play within a play"). But digressions aside, it was also the acting that truly carries this film. Cora Benesh is so damn sweet and natural in her lead performance that you want to just watch her all day long. Jillian Leigh is stunning in a multi-faceted role. Andrew Harris brings us a complex portrayal of a seemingly dark douche bag, and Richard Keith and Dustin Rush knock it out of the park with their suave and fantastic performances as well. Great job, I'm a big fan! Three words: See. This. Movie.
AD
