Shooter

What a relief it was to see Shooter after watching so many other disappointing shorts. This film had it all. A great story, superb directing, and a strong cast. 20 minutes is all you get. Its not easy. The filmmakers seemed to have put a lot of effort into their production values. Not once did I feel like I was watching something amateurish. At the same time, it wasn't overly slick. Mr. Jeffery did not say to the audience "okay you are in the ghetto now". He didn't have to. I feel that this director can do any genre. Most of all, I think I was relieved. I was relieved that it actually held my interest . I was totally engaged from the get-go. The filmmakers didn't toy with me or use a lot of gimmicks, which I guess is what the majority is doing these days.

Capturing true human emotion in only twenty minutes is not an easy task, but very much achieved in this film. This well directed film evokes a sense of realism with a somewhat documentary style that pulls you in from the very first frame. Most scenes seem to be shot on location, adding to the style of the project. The backdrop apparently is Los Angeles, but this is a story that could take place in any city and the filmmakers seem to go to great lengths to not give the specific area away. The lead actor, Jamie Burton Oare is an absolute standout and superbly supported by Monica Mallet, the very competent Cynda Williams (Mo Better Blues, One False Move) Shay Roundtree, (NBC's Kingpin, Drumline) and Ernest Harden Jr. (White Men Can't Jump and The Jeffersons