Living with Uncle Ray

This is a very good movie that I wish could have been out in the mainstream long ago. I've seen the trailers and had to wait far too long for it. It has everything: Humor, a serious side, compassion (at times), heartache, and it ties all of them together nicely. Mr. Duffy and Ms. Corinna need to be allowed the opportunity to expand on their talents as writers/directors with some back-up from the Hollywood community. Frank Payne, Kipleigh Brown and Gene Duffy all stand out as well as Steven Christopher Parker as Jimmy. It basically shows the struggles of recent Vet Ray who has a sister and 3 kids and the constant struggles for Ray to adapt to civilian life, as well as living with his past. Oh, that poor next door rooster. Do me a favor, watch the flick, then watch it again...I missed a lot of good stuff the first time around because they are so in-depth at telling the story of Uncle Ray. He ... and the movie, deserve better.

Living with Uncle Ray was both hysterical and entertaining. Although you can feel for Ray's discomfort with being a Vietnam veteran and having to adapt to a family life, the situation quickly becomes extremely comical. With Ray's niece and nephews irritated with his constant control over the television, they concoct a few plans to distract him while they attempt to regain possession of their coveted television. The scene where Ray gets a new "motorcycle" is hilarious. I won't forget the line, "She's some piece of machinery right there." Of course, once you throw the Humphries and their aggravating pet rooster into the mix, things become even more comical. And then another twist...Ray's sons? You'll just have to watch to see where this tale ends up going and what becomes of its beloved characters.

With an imaginative script and very skilled acting, "Living with Uncle Ray" exudes simplicity and heart. If you want snappy dialogue, pratfalls, and cookie-cutter subplots, look elsewhere. But, if you're in the mood for a substantive character study about the human condition and familial relationships, Uncle Ray deserves your viewership.

Gene Duffy shines in the title role and his performance alone raises my overall rating from a 7 to an 8. His lines aren't plentiful, but he more than compensates with very expressive close-ups and extremely specific physical choices.

The movie is quirky and fun. Even the somber-toned ending isn't immune to the film's unique sense of humor. Laughs permeate at the most unexpected times, and that is what makes the movie a winner. I would definitely watch Uncle Ray again....I just wouldn't want him living with me!

One of the great independent movies of the year. Finally, a movie with some heart that involves real issues. A fun and interesting view of the post Vietnam war. Living With Uncle Ray is hysterical movie with wonderful moments throughout the entire film. Great writing with acting to boot. Uncle Ray was a man to be reckoned with. The children have to deal with the likings of Ray and did they ever. He reminds me of my Uncle with a twist. The acting is top notch. Which is nice to see in an independent movie. A great story for all ages to see. I loved every minute of Living With Uncle Ray. A film to watch over and over again. Check it out for yourself.

I found this film a quirky and endearing trip through the experiences of a handful of individuals whose lives overlap- at moments quite intensely. There was a great deal of very unique humor carried on with the dialog, as well as the characters' interactions, including ones bordering on the fictitious, like Ray's communications with the news anchors through the television. I liked how it illustrated his mind's slipping into and out of reality, but without setting a dream sequence or some "now we are in Ray's mind" convention of some kind. I was very impressed with the cast of dysfunctional neighbors- a hysterical group of talents whose relationships are fascinating- at times to pitied, and at others, a warmth to be envied. The neighbor's son is played with a truth that constantly made me question whether he was actually an actor acting. Overall, I thought the story was sweet and sad (and laugh out loud funny)- and all of the performances were very real and engaging. I also particularly enjoyed Uncle Ray's way of interacting (or avoiding interaction) with his sister's children- who come up with wonderfully entertaining ways of approaching him and trying to figure out how to penetrate this imaginary wall he dwells behind. It was an original blending of a rather tragic and almost depressing situation with a spontaneous, youthful environment- a super formula for a ride through the unexpected. And again, the situations with the neighbors added a flavorful accompaniment to the main storyline. I can honestly say that I cared about all of the characters involved and what happened to them- a success for any storyteller.