Old Fashioned

I saw Old Fashioned at a "sneak peek" event in Florida and was pleasantly surprised. The scenery is just beautiful and really adds to the tender, rustic feel of the whole story. And the story itself is profoundly moving. The relationship between the two main characters is something that really resonated with me. I loved the chemistry between the two characters (Clay and Amber) and found things in both that are just like me. Amber is just adorable and I'd like to find a guy like Clay in the real world. I also loved the subtle nature of this "faith-based" film. It definitely affirmed my faith and my struggles to live as a godly, single person; but, it did so without hitting me over the head with religion (so many "faith-based" films seem to treat the audience like they're idiots! We get it, already!) This isn't just a good "faith-based" film, it's a good (even if a little slow) indie film -- period. I've never seen a film quite like it.

I found this movie to be excellent. The cinematography was crisp, complete and didn't stumble in its presentation. The acting was solid and believable, not overdone. The use of the soundtrack with the selected scenes was perfect. The music didn't draw your attention away from the picture, it was complimentary to the actions involved and provided a soft pulse. The story was well written and it made you think about what is important in both life and relationships in ways I feel most people have long since forgotten. I think you would be doing yourself a disservice if you choose not to wrap your arms around this film, settle into its warmth and open your soul to the message it delivers.

This movie is utter garbage. The guy comes off creepy, disturbing and frankly alarming. DO NOT WATCH THIS FILM.

Let's start with our main character (and director) Clay. He is a 40+ year old man that runs an antique store while dressing like a frat boy with a surfer's haircut. Clay is so out of control of his desires that he can't even be in the same room with another woman and believes in the teaching's of a radio shock jock that says "women are stupid" (Direct quote) while desiring such power that he enforces his beliefs on others without question. Now you may think this gentleman is some kind of terroristic person attempting to impose sharia law on law abiding citizens. Surprise! Clay is a deeply religious Christian man that can't help stopping his friend's bachelor party and kicking everyone out instead of just leaving because he feels uncomfortable. Be as religious as you want, Clay, just let other people live their lives the way they would like to because this is America and that's kind of the whole idea.

The female lead is pretty charming, though, and the there are some great looking shots of the Ohio landscape, but more than anything this film is a boring lesson on how to be a preachy, controlling dick.

I went to see this movie to support the idea that young men and women can enter and sustain a relationship without using each other for sex on their first date! I listen to a radio station out here on occasion and believe me, it happens way way too much. So sad. I really liked this film. By the time it was finishing up, I had tears running down my cheeks. Why? Because it was beautiful to see love like Clay and Amber's bloom as it did. REAL love, admiration, respect, etc. I found Amber to be the kind of young woman I would love to have as a good friend in my own life. Not only is she a "pretty girl" on the outside, she is very believable as a "real girl" just like you or me. Clay lives up to his name - kind of a "stick in the mud (clay)", but I could really relate to his inner pain. I felt much compassion and respect for him. In our modern culture, would love to see and hear from more men who are like Clay. I believe that they are out there! This movie addresses sex, marriage, playing the field, God, and taking chances. It is not preachy at all but it delivers the moral message we can all use. And at the end of the film, I started to clap, and then the entire theater joined with me! I want to see more movie like this made and distributed. It was worth the $10 ticket. I plan on buying the DVD when it is released. Parents, have your teens watch this movie; single ladies and men - go see this movie; dating couples - go see this movie; married folk - go see this movie. Do yourself a favor and forget about that other "love" move being so heavily promoted (50 Shades) and go see Old Fashioned instead!