Gray Matter

While watching the current Project Greenlight I was aware from watching that there were several problems with the script and story. However I didn't realize just how poorly put together this film was until actually watching it. The director, first time at a feature film, Miko Winbush, refused to listen to experienced producers offering to help her fix the script through notes given to her in regard to explaining who these characters were, their world, who was in it and how they got there.

We're told that a mother and daughter are psionics, people who can use their minds to do all kinds of things, from making things move to injuring people. The mother keeps her daughter from literally everybody and says it's because she's not ready. Ready for what though? And we're told they are being pursued, but not told why and not a word about why "they" are dangerous. You only get an inking of what's occurring in this world by the time you get to the end, and unfortunately, most viewers would probably turn it off before then.

The beautiful photography and great acting in this film could not save it from the disaster that Winbush made it. I have heard actors say they can be the best in the business but it will be for nothing if you don't have a director who can tell the story. Editing helps too but Winbush couldn't be bothered to be with her editor every day like she should have been. But even the best editor couldn't have saved this film.

The producers and HBO really should have fired the director early on and brought in one of the other finalists when it was obvious that Winbush was not really a team player as she refused to take responsibility and be open to the suggestions that more experienced people were sending her way.

This isn't so bad as I was led to believe. Neither is it great. First quarter is too slow, and the movie does feel longer than it is, which is unfortunate. A little slow and repetitive in the "dream" sequences. For me it got better when Dillahunt showed up. I thought his scenes with Mia Isaac (who's fantastic and has a great career ahead of her) were more sparky and interesting. Script needed work and its a shame it didn't get it. This is a repetitive truffle made more watchable by talented actors. I found myself much more disappointed in the accompanying series, Project Greenlight. Was so clearly manipulated and set up for maximum "drama", but her support system was nonexistent. Found myself disappointed in Issa Rae.

The movie (more like an episode for a show that doesn't exist) is a relatively simple concept, and the film is too. There really isn't much I'll take away from this film that will stick.

Overall, it's a movie you can put on in the background or while making dinner. Besides some cgi blood and one head explosion it's just for kids. Very simple characters, plot is also standard kid with powers, harness them, mom/kid relationship (which drags really bad towards the end).

I liked the idea maybe as the pilot to a much more complex show (which honestly may have been why it was made because it's really low budget with lighting, settings and actors). Standard 5/10. Not awful not memorable really at all.

Sad that I have to leave a negative review but the movie is very basic, nothing unique and at times actually boring. There is no real introduction to the world they live in, no real clues. Eventually things pick up more speed and you are lead through a sequence of events that you've seen in some form or another in other movies many times over. Some of the dialogue and interactions feel forced, but I don't blame any of the actors it is really just a mediocre script.

I specifically gave it at least 5 stars solely due to Mia's amazing performance as a young actor, really bringing all the life to this movie. I look forward to seeing her in another film.

This truly feels like something I had seen before and I without naming names, I have indeed already seen films about people with powers trying to keep them hidden and suppressed with a young person learning how to control them. Basically that's all that this is about. Some of it is clever, some of it confusing and none of it is really special. I did like some of the performers however. Mia Isaac in the lead role as the child who is learning is quite good subtly gaining strength, power and determination by the time this ends. Jessica Frances Dukes as her mother is also good and Garret Dillahunt provides, as usual, a most capable performance. I swear this guy can play anything. I loved his little smile near the end. I know nothing about Andrew Liner, but he gives one of the most sweet & tender performances that I have seen in a long time. That's mostly all he has to do, but he does it very well. This is not terrible, but it's minor.