L.A. Twister

LA Twister, with it's look at a pair of Hollywood dreamers trying to make it in LA, appeals well to the dreamer in all of us.

Zach Ward does a phenomenal job in the leading role of Lenny. He proves himself to be a unique actor with a unique look that easily retains an audience's interest for an entire feature. And I would say the same for his romantic co-star, Jennifer Aspen. These two are both rising stars to watch out for.

Tony Daly at Ethan (the best friend who helps Lenny reach his dream), however, falls short of his fellow actors' performances. At times overly optimistic or overly dramatic, he sometimes reads as two-dimensional.

Wendy Worthington is hilarious as the Hollywood Powerhouse, Marilyn. I found myself taken in most when she graced the screen. Wendy's sense of comic timing and expression had me laughing out loud time and time again. She alone is a great reason to see this movie. Hollywood veteran, Susan Blakely, also gave a fantastic performance as Vivian.

Surprisingly a first feature for director, Sven Pape, I felt that LA Twister as a whole was a great indie movie with a production value far exceeding it's contemporaries. Thumbs up!

Overall Grade: B+ Story: B Acting: B Direction: B+ Visuals: B+ i will no doubt shortchange this well thought out, visually entertaining and memorable film. i thought the direction was OUTSTANDING and the film moved along well BRAVO mr pape has a good eye. The main actors were well chosen, the actors who appear overacting are obviously supposed to (the casting director for example). I loved the hanging-it took my breath away (that sounds sick as i read it back!), I loved one actor (from the yummy LE DIP on ventura blvd?), he sounded just how frustrated my dad would sound after relenting and calling the plumber.

I enjoyed being surprised mainly by thinking like they did and then poof something entirely different happens (for example when they meet their neighbors and go for dinner, and when we see where the friend "who knows people" actually works) kept us on our toes the entire time any put down of this film is truly unwarranted.

DO NOT wait for cable DO NOT wait for it to be out on video go, get some popcorn and enjoy it.

Sven Pape has proved himself genius with this distinctly unique artwork. Covering all aspects of the "Hollywood scene," Pape holds nothing back while unveiling the beast behind the Hollywood mask. Zack Ward commands a stellar lead, and is supported by a very talented and inventive cast and crew. Pape has created a work that will appeal to the viewer at every emotional level, and leave his audience hungry for more of his work. L.A. Twister should be a huge stepping-stone in the career of Sven Pape, and will definitely be a mile marker of remembrance. In an era where the public is bombarded by senseless and unmeaning media which Hollywood dubs as "entertainment," it is encouraging and refreshing to view a work of art such as L.A. Twister.

The critics are ALL WRONG!!! 2 out of 5 stars is the biggest understatement since the criticisms on Fight Club. This movie contains all the necessary elements; laughter, drama, suspense. IMDb has a more accurate picture with its current 7.8 out of 10 stars.

Sven mentions Magnolia being a masterpiece, this movie is in the same category on a smaller scale. It is one not to be missed nor forgotten (given its unique plot). Take it from someone who lives in L.A.

There are twists of a roller coaster, the audience being pushed every which way possible. The actors for the main characters seem "unfit" for the role at first, however, later you see how there could not be two more fitting actors for the roles. The story is pure genius by making you feel at one with the struggles emphasized throughout the film. Sven Pape's future films will peak a curiosity from me just based on his name alone, which will always bring me back to this film.

Big props to the 2 main actors, Tony Daly and Zack Ward. To be honest, I didn't recognize either of them in their past movies, but they did surprisingly good in this movie. Though being put in the "independent movie" box, I would put this one a few boxes higher: The well known story of 2 "losers" making it in the big city (aka American Dream, The) got spiced up with funny dialogs, action sequences and well chosen locations ... the story does not get in the background, but focusing on the characters of Ethan and Lenny instead of their actions helps the movie staying interesting to the end.

The movie gets to you from the beginning, I can highly recommend it.