Out and About

Written/directed and starring Peter Callahan, it's an entertaining/insightful existential look at a middle aged man and his thoughts and interactions with others while on a walk through his hometown (Hastings on the Hudson NY, Callahan's actual hometown). This 88 min walk allows Callahan's character-Jeff to begin to come to terms with his life both by wresting with his own thoughts and by those he interacts with. The film investigates with humor and angst aging, ideals of success and failure in America. All of this is very relatable (especially if you are over 40) and each interaction fascinating and interesting Callahan also wrote and directed the wonderful 2009 indie film Against the Current with Joseph Fiennes and Mary Tyler Moore (also filmed beautifully on the Hudson in NY). This is his first time acting in one of his films and he is a natural on camera. Sincere with a charming/funny vulnerability. This is one of the best and most creative indie films I've seen in a while.

Jeff Fisher is having a career and family crisis, while battling with his phone to recognize what he is trying to say on a walk through the neighborhood of his youth in the town that he again lives in. On his way, he encounters numerous individuals that he knows everywhere from "not at all and don't want to" to those that know him too well. All the encounters are interesting, but be sure to be able to hear (use CC if you must) his thoughts. His thoughts are what bring the conversations all together and give you insight into his struggles. You will recognize many of the characters, as they all ring true. It is a fairly quiet film but it completely enjoyable.