All That I Need

Let me just state for the record that I was not involved in the making of this movie (for the gentleman that thought all comments were from those involved). Now to give my honest assessment of the movie...

Although the filming at times was very dark and the camera work a little dizzying, I still felt compelled to watch the movie.

Haven't most of us at sometime in our lives wanted to be involved in a "get rich scheme which happens overnight"? Most of us however, have the good sense to know that you "can't get something for nothing". The "mastermind" (as another commentator called the main character), is like so many others who come to "Hollywood / CA" to become rich and famous. He's just a tad naive! That being said, I found myself rooting for him to get the hot babe, the hot car and make all his "champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true". It turned out to be a "cautionary tale".

At times I also questioned if I was watching something staged or a real event (almost like reality TV). I've since found out that the actors ad lib.

I can't wait to see what Mr. Hergott comes up with next!

Let me start out by saying that I did a little post-movie interweb research on "All That I Need" and found several different numbers for the films budget, but found one page that the filmmaker himself said $40k. This statistic alone, and the fact that it was picked up by major theaters, should be enough to indicate its quality.

Don't go into viewing "All That I Need" expecting Brad Pitt and Charlize Theron with Ang Lee action, that isn't what it's all about. It's about capturing the raw emotions of individual people as they see the worst come out in their fellow man and their dreams collapse in front of them. I'm not going to ruin it, but it's shot in a documentary style of which the name escapes me at the moment. The subjects of the film are caught off-guard often and sometimes almost seem to be holding back in front of the camera. This is a good thing, as the pure feel of the situation is captured and the authenticity of emotion is conveyed with ease.

I saw it several weeks ago in L.A. I don't know if it's still in theaters, but I'm sure it will be coming out on DVD in a couple of months. "All That I Need" is a fun flick and one that you should check out.

It was a little dark when I saw it, but I hear that's because the first run was digitally broadcast. If it was shown on HD or film it would have been brighter. But its the story that got me. It was a little slow at first, but then interesting and exciting, until the last minute. I think everyone knows somebody who has been duped by a pyramid or get rich quick scheme. The characters are intriguing and seemed to be so real. Everyone I was with was wondering if it was real. But if it was real, how could they have captured the love scene and the one at the gym? These are questions that make you think maybe it wasn't real. All That I Need gets an "A" from me.

As one of 60 million people worldwide who had done pyramid schemes, this movie really hit's home. It keeps you on the "edge" of your seat and is worth the price of admission. This is a "must see" movie. It has all the elements that drive people, greed, lust, jealousy, etc. Friendships are tested and real life drama unfolds in front of your eyes. I am sure just about everybody can relate to this movie and for an "Indie" film to be picked up for distribution at the theaters is saying really how good this movie is. I rarely see movies more than once but tonight I am going again with a group of friends again. This movie really teaches you a valuable lesson about life.

I read that the budget for this movie was only $150K. Considering that, I wasn't expecting Kong like special effects. What was surprising was how original this story played out. I have never heard about a movie being done before about such a taboo subject as a pyramid scheme.

Director Hergott approaches the topic with originality as well. There is a certain menace with this movie. You feel like you are there watching things unfold, and you are never really sure what will happen. Since it is not a typical narrative, you don't feel at ease. I honestly thought a character might get shot, or worse. This engaged me in the story.

At first I though maybe this whole thing would be a good thing to start with my friends. By the end of it I'm sure glad I didn't.

The characters were fun and unpredictable.

Considering all the crap tat is out there these days. All of the recycled movies and sequels, its refreshing to see something original for once. And to see a filmmaker who is original.

Stan