Abilene

"Abilene" is a stunningly beautiful film that is poignant and uplifting. Ernest Borgnine and Kim Hunter are achingly real (and Oscar worthy) as Hotis and Emmaline, two people who are coming to terms with their past. Supporting roles by Park Overall, and James Morrison parallel the lead parts and give the film depth and generational dimension.

Joe Camp III's screenplay is subtle, humorous, and true. It is a rare treat compared to the dull, exposition heavy, SFX reliant films that have become commonplace. Camp is also talented and promising as a new director. I am already anticipating his next film.

With the recent glut of soulless "evil teen" films, "Abilene" is a deeply gratifying and refreshing change. And one that will certainly be very well growing number of older people in the USA. However, distributors need not fear that the film is limited to the older market. I am 27 years old and I loved it, and I know that most of my friends will too. A great story like this has no age limit.

This is redundant, but the picture industry is overlooking the huge audience of nice people with gray hair. We are sentimental, nostalgic, love to shed a tear at a happy ending. We avoid obscenities, public nudity, abuse or addiction of any kind. Abilene is the essence of what our generation enjoys. I applaud those who assembled this beautiful, sensitive and modest motion picture.

This was a great movie with beautiful landscapes. Joe Camp did a tremendous job of capturing the everyday life in a small texas town. although somewhat sad the story was very touching and at times very funny. The acting was very good Kim Hunter and Ernest Borginines roles were terrific. The story begins when Ernest Borgnines character (Hotis) learns of his brother's (Jarvis) sudden illness and attempts to travel to see him. however he is too proud to get a ride from someone else and comes up with a humorous way of getting there. The movie is filled with wonderful shots of the texas countryside and although a sad story it leaves you with a happy ending.

Before my wife and I saw this movie, I read the review in the Austin Chronicle. As a result, I expected a pretty, but very slow - and probably boring - movie. However, I went because Abilene was being shown as a fundraiser for a local non-profit organization. It was a Good Cause.

Boy, were we surprised. Abilene is a gem. Perhaps even flawless. It's both lush and lean. Yes, the photography is gorgeous, but the characters are equally well-crafted. Every one of them is real and interesting. The dialogue is excellent, with no unnecessary verbiage. The relationships are authentic. The script is intelligent and has depth. Ernest Borgnine is at the top of his form, as is Kim Hunter. In fact, the entire cast was outstanding.

We liked this movie. A lot. And, of course, we cried.

Abilene touches the heart, soul, and conscience (hopefully) of the moviegoer. A refreshing tale about love and beauty told in the same manner as the Texas countryside itself -- unassuming, eloquent, simplistic, peculiar, and sometimes...forgiving. Joe Camp III has forged the aesthetic of movie making into a new realm upon which movie makers and viewers alike can reflect.