Teddy Bears

OK, the three adjectives above are the first three that come to mind when thinking about describing this film. Another one is "surprising" because I was expecting a comedy. Optimum on Demand describes it as a dark comedy and lists it under comedy in its genre lists. Actually, this is not only surprising, it's horrifying, to think that anyone would categorize this film as a comedy. At least IMDb adds "drama" to it. Granted it has its comedic moments, that one might think of as "droll" or "dark humor" but overall it's a film that takes on some heavy issues, and its main character is going through some deep stuff with intense feelings, including pain and suffering. The people out there who may think how he responds to his dilemmas as humorous, well, I hope I never meet them, because I know I will hate them. Anyway, I did not hate this movie. In fact, by the end I liked it much more than I thought I would. And, I think it's worth a second viewing because it's the kind of film in which one might miss stuff the first go around.

Heavyzine, I saw this film at the Seattle International Film Festival with an enthusiastic crowd of three hundred attendees. It is clear from your review that you haven't seen it all, and are instead using this forum to vent a very particular personal prejudice. Normally I wouldn't bother with a post like yours, they are legion on the internet, the product of disturbed, jealous, damaged people. But in this case you're attacking a really well thought, well made film. One that you would actually enjoy if you saw it. And people need to see it so we can have more like it, and so the producer and director and writer can be rewarded for their hard work. If you imagine there is a trace of misogyny in "The Big Ask." You should've been at SIFF. You could've seen the actors and actresses praise the film, and you would heard the audience go wild because we knew we'd all just discovered something really good. That's what film festivals are all about! Please, everybody reading this, support your local festivals! And Heavyzine, just go watch the damn thing. Okay? It's heartfelt, it's sensitive, it pretty sexy, and it's funny as hell. You'll like it. It's good.

I love The Big Ask!!!. Thomas Beatty's screenplay, his and co-director Rebecca Fishman's visual realization of it, and the performances throughout combine to make a haunting, touching, and hilariously human experience. It's about grief, courage, the crazy places loss and depression can take us, and the healing nature of friendship and love. I laughed my ass off, and then I cried. I've already watched the film twice, and can't wait to see it again. David Krumholtz gives one of the bravest performances I've ever seen. He's willing to let you almost hate him, until at the last possible moment, he redeems himself, and brought this viewer, at least, to tears. I also love that the filmmakers and actors are not afraid to play with the idea that subjects like death and sex and intimacy and, well, life are both uncomfortable, and funny as hell. The desert landscape and haunting score (also love the Deer Tick song, and final song - don't know who sings it ,but it's great) really enhance the experience. I so seldom find that a movie sticks with me, but this one did. Can't wait to see what Beatty and Fishman do next.

Why are these Individuals of the same species friends ? Showing that they are caring Individuals for the pat on the back or the hug of warm moistness against hard trembling loins that require some kind of fulfillment as caring Ego's? This has to be produced by a pimp or a porn producer, or perhaps those In power, or are the all the same ?Children watch this SHITE and base what life Is about by It!, It's a commentary on the State, Progress and Evolution of our Kind !......You need to flock? Beat off, or visit a Professional Poor Soul !This Isn't a comedy or drama!, It's a farce!, And we're all the king of France! The Comedy of life Is Hilarious!, THIS IS DRECK !

Despite its high-concept, almost absurdist premise, The Big Ask is grounded in a very real set of emotions. A man dealing with extreme grief finds himself in need of a tremendous (and unreasonable) outpouring of love. His loved ones are eager to help but feel frustrated and exhausted by just how needy he can be. Anyone who has experienced loss or tried to love someone through loss has dealt with some form of these issues.

The directors elicit commanding performances from their stellar ensemble cast. The film looks great and most of all the script is authentic, funny, and really quite moving. A fine, fine film.