$50K and a Call Girl: A Love Story

Even though I am a massive action movie fanatic, this film was incredible.

It tells the story of a man's brother who, after 2 years of treatment for a brain tumour, is told by doctors that he only has 1 month to live without treatment, and 6-12 months even with. So he decides to take a carpe diem ('seize the day') approach and creates a bucket list. Using his brother's savings, Ross, whilst attempting to complete task #1 on the bucket list - Sleep with a hooker - ends up falling for her, and they go on to get married.

On the road, Seth and his wife Lauren begin to bicker until he is finally talked some sense by his brother Ross.

Shall not give away the ending but it is very touching.

Filming wise, the film is shot in a documentary sort of style which is actually worked very well, but the only criticism I have of this film is that the bucket list could have been a bit more wild.

For a film so off the radar of many viewers, I really wasn't expecting much. The title will also lead you to believe that this is some third rate slap stick comedy cobbled together by some filmmakers who didn't know any better but you are in for a pleasant surprise.

The cast consists of a real life married couple (Lauren and Seth) and a beloved brother who is terminally ill along with his "companion". All of them played their performances with warmth and authenticity. In fact, the performances were so genuine that at one point during the movie, I paused to Google this movie to see if it was actually real or based on a true story. Even though it isn't, this speaks volumes about the actors involved.

The tonality of the script was spot on and matched the theme of mortality and adventure - it even struck a nerve within me numerous times when I asked myself what I would if I was in this situation.

Overall, this film is endearing, sad and comedic at the right times. I highly recommend it, 9/10.

Watching this film was truly an incredible experience that I didn't want to end. I went in a big fan of Ross Patterson and Jessie Wiseman's collection of work, respectively, but this was a unique experience. Big fan of indie movies, but this one is different and certainly breaks the mold. Others have attempted similar styles of cinematography with the intimate and homemade, hand-held video feel, but this one captured a level of authenticity that I don't think can necessarily be replicated. The characters were so incredibly well written, and the acting was so genuine, perfectly capturing the difficult and strange roller coaster of events that take place. It's a testament to the skill of Ross and Seth as writers, and all four of them as actors. This is a film that I will watch again and again.

As with other reviewers, for the duration of this movie I was unable to identify whether it was fiction or real life captured on camera. Which really points out to the excellence of the script writers and the actors. It's quite unbelievable at times, seems as if life is happening in front of you. You can really see inside the characters and even empathize at times, it's mighty well written.

It questions your perspective as to what a movie really is! I almost convinced myself that it was a reality show or something. Very realistic and subtle representation of story. Consider it as a film project, which in fact it is. But man what a success.

Conclusion: Definitely watch

It touched me to tears, I can hardly find the words to describe the feeling. Plenty of meaningful message and a lot of attention to detail. It felt so real and painful, but sparkled with smiles and a sharp sense of irony. The Top Gun scene and the request to be 'Swayzed' were among the best. The team behind had a lot to communicate and have undoubtedly done their homework thoroughly, with a mind-blowing impact. It started in a low pitch, testing your receptivity. Then it grew exponentially and you could hardly keep the pace with the overwhelming flow of emotions. Whoever thought that The Bucket List was emotional might wish to reconsider. Possibly the best movie of the year.