30-Love

This is not your typical feel-good movie of the year. This is a realistic glimpse into a father's ability to parent after a dramatic loss. Misdirected grief takes you on a tragic journey that keeps you in a constant feeling of pain and struggle for the main character as you hope to see him hero his way out. Obsessed with the idea of learning to play tennis we see how other parts of life fade to the background. This story will have you playing sides on what is right or wrong.

I'm a fan of small indie movies and this is a good one. While is focuses on a man's obsession with succeeding in a sport, it certainly goes in a different direction from any sports movie you've seen. The main character's striving in tennis in his grief for his late wife, even as he neglects his infant child, is disturbing to watch. Though shot on a tiny budget, the film is stylishly directed, expertly photographed and edited, and features a terrific use of background music. It is also good to see Brenda Vaccaro back on the big screen in a key role in this film.

This is a small film with a big heart. Having Ira Heffler on board as the co-writer was a very smart move on the part of first-time filmmaker, Robert Cannon. Directing and starring in the film is a challenge, but I think Mr. Cannon held his own quite well playing the the grieving husband of his wife who just died in childbirth. This is information that is given at the very beginning of the film s it's not a surprise. Brenda Vaccaro is touching as the Mother of his deceased wife. Writing about loss and grief is always challenging, and I think this film addresses it in a thoughtful way. The metaphor of tennis, of learning how to play the game well is a great idea and used very successfully in this film. I think all of the actors are quite strong - large and small roles. I would like to see more from Mr. Cannon and Mr. Heffler - and I always enjoy Ms. Vaccaro's work.

To be fair I only put this on cause I was looking for another tennis film to watch. The opening scene left me saying, this is terrible what is this. But gave it some time and was really surprised at how good it was. Very simple narrative told with a heart. Thoughtful, Funny and tight script not at all fluffy with very good performances all round. I was routing for the guy. And shot for just 30k. Well worth a watch.

High energy film, about a man who loses his wife in childbirth, with a baby left in his care, alone and bewildered. Kelly's husband emotes through his obsession with winning tennis tournaments, spins out of control to the brink of insanity. To succeed is to prove his love for her, if not to anyone, but himself. His attempt to win back her life through his success is his undoing. This film's abstract twist on grief and its overwhelming emotions explodes in the face of familial ties, enduring friendships, and professional advice. The lack of close bonding with an innocent infant, is the heart-wrenching counterpoint to the husband's wild obsession to win.

Good film for students, social networking groups, parents, and family therapists . . . it delves into the subconscious mind of grief; how closing off emotions can go crazily awry, and leave devastating consequences for everyone left behind.