Free Byrd

There are no trolls in this little gem of a film, but there apparently are in the reviews. This is a well produced, well acted, and well written story about two people very different from each other who discover themselves when fate throws them together. It's a bit retro in story and style, but that's where its charm comes from. Ray Barry, a veteran actor who you've seen across decades of movies, embodies his character with life experience and the wisdom only a life well lived can bring. His cohort, played by Randy Nazarian, plays off Barry in a winning combination. A buddy movie, a road trip movie, and a travel adventure all in one. The film has wit, wisdom, and the wherewithal to tell a fine story about not losing faith in life and not giving up on your dreams. Recommended.

Great acting, story line and characters. Loved the movie. Sad, funny and heartwarming.

This is one of the most delightful little films I've seen in years. It's not going to change the world in any grand ways, but it's good old fashioned entertainment about two disillusions guys off on a road trip that has plenty of surprises in store.

A trip is naturally predictable. Somebody is going somewhere. Nonetheless, unpredicted things might happen in the way. It's pretty much like life. We are born and we are going to die, a certainty, but what will happen in our journey is a mystery.

That's why Free Byrd has a cohesive plot. It's a road movie with life's uncertainties as the main theme. It invites audience to reflect about death, dreams, relashionships and other universal themes through the characters' travel.

Jay Butler (Randy Nazarian), an elderly house van driver, must take Harry Byrd (Raymond J. Barry), an obstinate elder to another institution. Harry is not happy with moving and doesn't let things easy for Jay. Byrd's stubbornnesss causes changes in their plans and lives... It's a simple plot and the screenplay is not pretentious either. Less is more sometimes and I liked the writing. The adventure is nice and the obstacles make sense. Jay, Harry, Aunt Evelyn and Charles Byrd are great characters.

In the other hand, I felt a lack of character development regarding the kittenettes (with the exception of Red), Jay's kids and Harry's daughters.

Some 5 or 10 screen minutes add to the runtime could improve this aspect and help with the pacing. The beginning and the end seemed quite hurried.

About the acting, I was delighted by Randy Nazarian performance, his Jay is very charismatic and believable. Raymond J. Barry did a great job in portraying Byrd's transformation throughout the journey. Besides, their interactions were adorable. Bettina Devin steals the attention in her scenes as Aunt Evelyn, she is terrific. Also, Bob Turton made Chucky a well done villain.

The locations were well thought out. They give the trip feeling that makes road movies special. Ryan Castaneda did a good job with the cinematography.

Dan Radlauer made the landscapes more moving with his beautiful scores. He also helped a lot with the scenes atmosphere: comic, dramatic and adventurous.

Free Byrd is enjoyable, like its name, but should be classified as a dramatic comedy to give viewers a more accurate expectation on it.

I don't normally review movies, nor am I going to waste my time reviewing this one, other than to say everything was bad: acting script, editing, really dreadful. I actually thought I was watching the wrong movie, and eventually turned it off. Avoid at all costs.