The Passing Parade

Rarely does a movie come along with such careful, incisive exploration of the tragedies of life, love, talent, and how success too soon can harm us as much as the failure of potential. What makes "The Passing Parade" all the more remarkable is that the story never loses its dogged commitment to optimism--to the fullness and worthiness of life in the face of sure disappointment and broken promises. It's a magical film that refuses to lie to you about how difficult being a human being can be, but also refuses to let you give up on living. A jewel box, a gem, a rare piece of perfection, with seamless writing, direction, and bravura performances. I loved it.

This is just a gem of a film. It's an observant/affecting look at a young playwright with writers block wrestling with the choices she has made for her career and personal life. After meeting a fine prospective new boyfriend her tie to an old lover turns her life upside down. It's a poignant/real look at how our choices can create conflict and insecurity. Writer/Director John Hindman does a fine job giving his scenes bite and an aliveness. The cast is terrific-lead Tessa Ferrer has a lovely openness to the camera and is wonderful at conveying vulnerability/spunk and humor. She is supported well by a fine ensemble and the crisp black and white cinematography give the LA locale a sub text of romance and mystery. I love films like this that are character driven/avoid spoon feeding the audience and brave enough to end with a ray of hope without that happily ever after assurance. This is one of the best romantic comedies I've seen in a long time because it's honest!

This is a nice look at Los Angeles few people notice. Neighborhoods and secret fun places. More than that, it is a very honest look at the struggle to live life with some sort of honesty admitting the confusion we all go through day by day. The writers angst over confronting the blank page and the personal terror involved. I laughed and cried and was engaged fully by the quirkiness of the main character. It is a romantic touching film and the music is wonderful. Worth watching for sure.,