This Kiss

This film surprised me, I wasn't expecting a lot but the story pulled me in.

Yes the camera work is not amazing, but one of the main characters in particular resonated with me (she had some weight issues). It was kind of hard work to watch at the beginning because there are only two characters in a house but I soon forgot about that as I got into the story. What this film lacks in technical style it makes up for with heart.

I saw this film at the Frameline festival with a full crowd and people seemed to enjoy it. I think it's great that festivals show films like this that wouldn't always get a chance to be seen otherwise.

I have to admit that this movie was certainly not the greatest. And I do have to say that neither actress was truly right for the part, their chemistry seemed to be really strained, it was being forced way too much and there were way too many awkward moments. However, the scene where they were dancing around in their old prom dresses was quite nice and that is the only time in the film where it seemed that their relationship was not being strained. The acting wasn't very well done, but I have to say that the cameraman must of had way too many coffees or something because the screen seemed to jitter nonstop. And even though there were all of these things that were lackluster, I have to say it was worth it in the end. The song that Tamsin Gatewood performed, "The Marionette" was very well done and very heartfelt. The lyrics were brilliant and her voice was great, minus the quality of the boom, and it ended up being the best performance of the film. So thank you for the song, but I think the rest needs to be worked on. Thanks.

..even though it wasn't supposed to be.

I was shocked to find that according to IMDb that this wasn't the director's first film. Her first feature, sure, but to look at it, you'd be surprised that she'd even SEEN a camera before. The film looks like it was shot on a camcorder -- the video quality isn't very good at all. Unfortunately, the biggest star is neither of the two actresses, but the auto-iris. The Auto- Iris steals the film and gets the biggest laughs. For example, there's a scene where Juliette is pacing -- and as she reaches the point just off screen, close to the camera, the iris opens particularly wide, flooding things with light for an instant, and drops immediately back down as Juliette walks back to the other side of the camera.

I saw this at the Seattle Gay & Lesbian Film Festival to a relatively small crowd. For the first 10 or 20 minutes, the tension was heavy as no one was really sure if it was appropriate to laugh. Once someone broke the silence, a flood of derisive laughter filled the theater. At the "Written, Directed, Produced" by credit, someone in the back of the house audibly sighed.

This might have been a decent community theater production, but even then it'd need some script work and better acting. However, as a film, one longs for Mystery Science Theater 3000. The only difference between this one and most of their fare (aside from the lack of either film stock or at least DECENT video) was a distinct lack of a robot monster. Ouch.

This film is an endearing movie that provides a snap shot of issues. An honest portrayal that tackles somewhat taboo topics head on and manages to deliver in a tender warming way. Both characters have their individual issues as well as their combined history, and this film allows the development of all three. The viewer has the luxury of getting to know the individuals story before seeing how they relate to each other.

The acting is better than expected from an independent film, both actresses do a great job and should definitely get more work as a result.

If you like a story that evaluates the intimacy and importance of female friendships, then this is a film for you, refreshingly it shows two women and their self discovery without any sensationalist viewer grabbing, just honesty and warmth.

This film is actually quite pioneering by discussing taboo topics, highlighting issues that women go through, and using a plus sized actress as the lead, this team are making waves in the film industry. Challenging the industry norm.

This is a film that should be added to any indie lovers collection.