Broken Gardenias

This film lacks three main components: good acting, a good script, and cohesive direction. On paper, the main character has a compelling story, but the actor portraying her is more childish than child-like. The character of Sam was pretty much the only memorable and well played one in the bunch. The plot and characters are contrived and cartoon-ish. Plot points are dropped while others are used to smash the audience on the head over and over again. Specifically, two useless characters keep showing up and, although the audience would have to be brain-dead to not know what was coming up, I know I lost any interest in the ending long before it arrived.

Jenni is described as a 'super nerd' and a bit of a doormat. She has got hold of the wrong end of the stick in the life's fortune game and has had a life that few would envy. So in desperation she attempts to end her life. Enter Sam who is feisty, street wise and has a heart. She decides to help her newly acquired friend and so they head off to find Jenni's long lost father – along the way a bond grows between them.

Now this is a sweet movie and some of the scenes are borderline brilliant, but it can be a bit slow in places too and to be honest it ain't that funny. However it is one that will stay with you for the right reasons. The acting is all more than solid and it is also quite touching in places.

It is an independent effort and has had mixed reviews but most being positive – especially amongst younger women on IMDb. I am a man and I actually thought this had a really positive message and I quite enjoyed it – hence my rating which is me being generous but I like to encourage indie film makers.

I've seen a lot of queer movies, and this is by far the worst. The writing, acting, and directing are all painfully awful. In response to the positive reviews on this site (which I suspect may be from people connected to the film), I do not expect a high budget from queer indie films. I don't expect them to be perfect, but I do expect a compelling story with characters I care about. The main character is painfully awkward, not awkward in an adorkable way, so much so that my friend and I cringed whenever she spoke. The chemistry between she and the other lead is ambiguous and confusing. Why is the butch one interested? It doesn't make sense. During the screening I watched at a LGBT film festival, 9 people had walked out by the end (I counted). I stayed, and regretted it. It is not a genderqueer film, as another reviewer stated, unless they mean the inclusion of a very minor character who is on screen for only a few minutes. Usually queer films have some redeeming factor: a moment of humor, a funny portrayal of queer lives that rings true, a character the audience can relate to, etc. This film had none- don't see it. There are far better, or at least less painful, queer films to watch.

What can I say about this film that hasn't already been said Everything! I sat through it anxious to see what will happen next. And was never disappointed wherever the story took me. The two main characters were a joy to watch, not to mention pleasant to the eyes. I loved how their personalities complimented each other as they grew to know one another. It made me smile to watch them, and I was super happy to see them end up together in the end. This movie was also filled with other characters that kept it not just flowing but also very interesting. I loved how light hearted it was, while still able to capture the intensity of the issues and trials laid before the main characters. It took the audience on an adventurous road trip that few would have the courage to take. I was happy to be along for the ride. I can honestly say I laughed and I cried while watching. Great movie!!!

I went to various Frameline movies while in San Fran, and this movie caught my eye. It is a heartwarming movie that tells the story of a girl who is on a journey of finding not only her father, but herself. Actors are young, but did a great job at portraying their characters. Jenni's character is very multifaceted into once and the actress did a great job in being able to differentiate the between the different characteristics. Great choices in choosing the actors because they all seem to fit together into each other's parts. It made you become her biggest fan because you could definitely relate to her in various parts throughout the movie, which makes it easier to connect to the character.

As an indie film, it was well shot and had great scenes visually, (not sure of their budget). Few holes in the movie, but something worth watching again. Overall, enjoyed the movie.