zooey-sophia Donald Cried is an awkward and black comedy that reinterprets the formula for buddy films. It is a film that takes risks. And sometimes you'll be scratching your head and others you will be laughing at how clever and inventive the comedy and writing is. This movie really is the definition of indie films. Overall the film comes off a bit flimsy with not much leading anywhere as most of the characters receive only little development but it is worth a watch for the boldness of the director's vision.

travisbickle86 Three friends: Kris Avedisian, Kyle Espeleta and Jesse Wakeman felt the creative urge to expand Donald Cried from a short-film into an 85-minute feature. The whole backstory to the making of Donald, reflects other conscientious film-makers like John Cassavetes, who felt driven to make a film because they truly loved and believed in a project; wanting to share it with everybody, rather than the cynical need to debase cinema for financial gain or status. Shot almost entirely hand-held, in a documentary style; the colours and image quality for the video are surprisingly lush given the budget constraints. The framing of the local amenities and spots set in deep snow are also alluring. It may sound facetious, yet as a Brit, I found locations and atmosphere of Warwick, R.I, fascinating, even exotic. The film is reminiscent of other indie classics such as Buffalo '66 and Garden State, in that in makes the everyday and mundane seem architectural and beautiful. The excellent use of non- actors (friends and family) on screen, brings Cassavetes to mind again. Admittedly, at times, some of the camera work is shoddy and a bit amateur; yet it doesn't distract from the narrative which is engrossing throughout. What's most astounding about the film, is the 'almost too real' dynamics between the central characters. In 85-mins, we, as the viewer endure many all the tensions and emotions you'd experience between old friends. Its clear that Avedisian and Wakeman have known each other for a long time, and they brilliantly capitialise on their relationship in the film.'If the audience knew what they wanted then they wouldn't be the audience, they would be the artist.'There is space for the art in-amongst the endless Star Wars and Transformers reboots and sequels; alongside conscientious and personal films like these. It's our job as an audience to remind film cinema chains, film producers and studios executives of this; then we should leave the artists to do theirs.

Hellmant 'DONALD CRIED': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)An indie comedy, that I first heard about on Instagram (when they kept liking all of my pictures), directed by debut feature filmmaker Kristopher Avedisian. Avedisian also stars in the movie, as the title role, and he co-wrote the screenplay as well, with Kyle Espeleta and Jesse Wakeman (all debut feature screenwriters). The film costars Wakeman, Louisa Krause and Ted Arcidi. It tells the story of a man, named Peter, who returns to his small hometown when his grandmother dies, and runs into his old (very awkward) childhood friend Donald. The two spend the day together, when Donald agrees to do Peter a favor, and they recollect on many old memories together. The film premiered at the 2016 South by Southwest film festival, and it's now available for viewing on Netflix. I found it to be extremely awkward, and uncomfortable to watch, but it's also oddly true to life, and somewhat moving. Peter Latang (Wakeman) returns to his hometown, after being gone for many years, when his grandmother passes away. He's eager to take care of the funeral arrangements for her, and then leave town as quickly as possible. Peter realizes that he doesn't have access to any cash though. So he visits his old long lost childhood friend Donald (Wakeman), and asks him for help. Donald has been obsessively waiting for Peter to return, since he left, and he'll do anything to spend more time with him. So Peter reluctantly gets dragged around by Donald, for the entire day, being forced to revisit old memories that he desperately wants to forget. The movie is so awkward that it's painful to sit through at times. Donald is a very unique, quirky and sometimes very annoying character, but he's also an extremely sympathetic one too. We can tell that Peter used to be a pretty big jerk to Donald, at least at times, but Donald still cherished their friendship together (that Peter obviously didn't think very highly of). This is something I can really relate to, with some of my friends. In a lot of ways I can really relate to the Donald character in this movie, but I'd definitely say he's a far more exaggerated version of myself (at the very least). This is why I really liked this film. The two lead performances are fantastic, and they seem like genuine real people (as exaggerated as they might seem at times even). It's a really well made movie in that way, but it's perhaps just a little too dark, awkward and depressing at times too.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/SXjABrLbV7A

iquestionmarc Just watched Donald Cried on Netflix and really enjoyed it! Really down to earth characters. I think we all knew a Donald type character in high school and now as a 40 something; can also relate to some of the disappointments life sometimes brings. I would definitely look forward to seeing a sequel or even a prequel featuring these characters or any other offerings these talented filmmakers bring to the screen. Great job guys!Marc