The Color Rose

This is actress turned newb filmmaker Courtney Paige's first full length feature film (one prior short) as co-writer, producer, actor and director. For a newb filmmaker, she did well in every aspect except the writing - which blame also falls to her two other writers.

The story was cliched, clumsy and a convoluted mess riddled with plot and technical issues. The editing felt like it was put thru a shredder, then taped together quickly. It was confusing more than entertaining. Had the writers consulted a seasoned writer to fix up their screenplay, this could've been a hit, because all other filmmaking aspects were on point. Her directing was decent, considering she followed her own convoluted screenplay. Scores in B-films are usually loud, annoying, overbearing and unfitting, but this film's was actually great with some decent soundtracks. The cinematography was good, and the casting and performances were very impressive. Even the pacing was perfect for the comfortable 96 min runtime. As a new filmmaker, Paige certainly has a future ahead of her. I just wish out of the 3 writers, at least one of them would've got it right. Nevertheless, a decent watch if nothing better is on for her targeted audience of teens-tweens. Never mind the current five shill 10/10's of six current reviews, it's a very generous 6/10 from me.

I can only assume the high point reviews are from people connected to this movie. The over acting sucked to the point of irritation. It tries very hard to be atmospheric and fails miserably. A lesbian relationship is thrown in with the intention to titillate a few adolescents, I presume, alongside the cliche sexy dressing up of a main teenage character but it's so obvious the director is just attempting to try and draw in the interest of youngsters who aren't watching it for the plot. Along with over zealous bible bashers (the over zealous is in the acting) it's just a miserable drawn out yawn. Not one character is likeable and it falls completely flat. It's a shame because films like this can easily ruin a young actors career.

The main actors, the group of high school girls, do well with their roles and set the stage nicely for the story to unfold. Adult actors vary with a few giving some decent performances, but many of the rest feel like stock players. Production value is good. So it seems strange that the overall feel falls short, and the movie comes across partially as a amateur production.

Plotting is a combination of Mean Girls and Saved!, meaning a group of high school girls who "rule" the school and much religious fervor create more stress. The addition of religious prejudice, ignorance, and attempts at gender control through patriarchal stereotypes only adds to the emotional reactivity that is attempted to trigger viewers.

Ho hum. It's not bad at all. It's just not that good.

Good attempt but predictable and boring.. some acting was good but most was over done by inexperienced teen girls. This may have been a sin of its own!

Why would anyone spend money and effort on brilliant cinematography and creating an atmosphere but give no thought about story, plot and screenplay?