Yellow Bird

This appears to have been filmed in an actual grocery store, and all of the cast are unknowns that were surely paid very little. It's not a high shelf film, but it's not really that bad either. It feels like this director could do a lot better with more resources, since what is here is pretty well written, and as another review says: it grows on you.

The only "known" cast member is a lawn gnome that talks to the protagonist, played by the voice of Brian Doyle-Murray. He does fine. Aside from this, we have a lot of ironic social awkwardness that tends to get funnier as you get used to the budget restraints of the project.

The film is a little slow and wooden, almost feeling like a stage production that used a supermarket instead of a theatre. Still, there is a certain integrity to the project that makes it feel like there's a diamond in the rough here. I can't exactly give it a high rating, but i don't really mind it so much. I would look forward to more from some of this team, but im not sure exactly who worked on which parts of the project.

Many scenes and sets seem well inspired and intended, but we can tell that they are trying to save money pretty often. For instance, i'm pretty sure the same bran muffin was used throughout the film in 4-5 scenes, possibly more.

Still, if you have the patience for a little corner cutting, this one is surprisingly worth the watch compared to how it might seem at first glance.

Given the current writer's strike: i'd say that if this was made by horribly underpaid gig workers, i won't support it. If it's made by some earnest people that just wanted to put out a film without a lot of resources, i fully support them for it.

Kudos to the producers as they made the most of what was clearly a limited budget. The story turned out to be sweet and feel good. The acting was exceptional. Kathy Garver's role was the highlight! Her ability to be quirky, funny and stick to the simplistic yet complex character was masterful. Helps to have a true veteran on board. Cousin Vinnie was a hoot as was his lineless bodyguard. Made me never want to get a job at a food chain in a small town. Diversity of the cast was fun and imaginative as was the cinematography, directing and plot line. I would recommend this but only if you are okay with seeing a project that knew how to make the utter most with what it had!

Perhaps those who have not lived a life that has brought them to a "how did I get here?" moment will not connect with this film, which in part may explain the handful of "1" ratings. We can forgive these stalwart naysayers for their lack of perspective, if not for their silly assertions that the many high ratings of this rather endearing small film are somehow fake.

The ultimate takeaway about Jake, the main character, is that in staying true to the core of who he is -- a kind and humble man whose apparent lack of a spine has gotten him into the fixes he finds himself -- in the end, it is that very kindness and humility which becomes his superpower of sorts. As he comes to realize there is strength in his kindness, he in helps the store owner's son find his own courage to face up to his father's narrow demands, which brings these two characters to a better place.

The acting, while not on a high level of cinematic quality, is earnest and amusing in and of itself, especially in the final payoff at the end of the film.

The film also provides a nice break from the usual overblown and formulaic fare to which we have all become accustomed.

Casting mostly unknown and B- actors the movie trudges slowly along. The acting, lighting, and camera work are cringe-worthy. Even some of the outdoor shots (like when his car is leaving the parking lot early on) are jerky and full of stutters. When Jake's mom is sitting on the bed in the Winnebago the lighting is so harsh and overdone it's absurd.

Jake's "acting" is accentuated by his flailing and unbelievable hand gestures which continue from start to end. He is clearly out of his element as an actor.

Why all the 10/10 ratings and reviews? They are clearly fake. This movie is nothing more than an attempt to a low budget, movie-version of the sitcom Super Store, but far, far worse. Swing and a BIG miss.

Yellow Bird is a 2023 American drama film directed by Angus Benfield and starring Brian Doyle-Murray, Kathy Garver, Plastic Martyr, and Angus Benfield. The film follows Jake, a once-successful P. R. specialist who is now struggling to manage a local grocery store known as "The Yellow Bird" while also dealing with his failing marriage and his own sobriety.

The film is a well-intentioned drama, but it is ultimately a disappointment. The plot is slow-moving and predictable, and the characters are not particularly well-developed. The film also suffers from some technical issues, such as poor sound mixing and inconsistent cinematography.

The film's biggest problem is its lack of focus. The film tries to do too much, and as a result, it does nothing particularly well. The film wants to be a drama about addiction, a comedy about small-town life, and a romance, but it never fully commits to any of these genres. As a result, the film feels disjointed and unsatisfying.

The film's only saving grace is its cast. Brian Doyle-Murray gives a solid performance as Jake, and he is supported by a strong cast of actors except for Plastic Martyr. However, even their performances cannot save the film from its many flaws.

Overall, Yellow Bird is a disappointing film that is ultimately not worth your time. If you are looking for a good drama, there are many better options available.