MacArthur Park

I first watched the making of MacArthur Park, so felt familiar with the characters. Billy Wirth has an amazing outlook, you listen to his story and see a different side to the characters. It was amazing to watch how the whole project came together. The cast and crew appeared to have a close relationship, which made certain scenes more soulful. I really felt for the characters the story is so well told. You have to admire the dedicated team who pulled off this piece of art! It makes one wonder how many people are overlooked because they are simply never given the opportunity to shine. An in-depth look at life on the streets for the dwellers of MacArthur Park, hurtful to watch, riveting all the same.

Whats wrong with Hollywood, when films like PootieTang make it to theaters and we cant see films with valid messages. It's a damn shame! Billy Wirth did a phenomenal job, as well as Tyrone Atkins, Tami Anderson, & Miguel Nunez to name a few. People is high positions need to make proper decisions- if not theaters, at least video distribution. The public needs to witness this film.

Billy Wirth's dedication to this movie is proof of his many talents and I highly recommend it. His involvement in the screenplay, direction and starring role is what makes MacArthur Park a winner! As a result I will look forward to more of his productions.

I was pulled into the story immediately. The camera work and pace are crisp, the editing precise. The story flows with strong characterizations that are not stereotypical. This is a population I work with and MP does not glorify the lifestyle but does give a perspective from the inside.

"MacArthur Park" attempts to build a story around a motley bunch of street people who frequent and/or live in the big downtown Los Angeles park. Once the pride of L.A., the park, named after WWII General Douglas MacArthur, is now a marginally maintained place where street people hang out under the watchful eye of the everpresent LAPD. The film attempts to capture and dramatize some of the goings on in the park but only manages a feeble story at best which focuses mostly on crack users, assorted druggies, and other low-lifes. As the film wears on and eventually wears out it becomes increasingly apparent there's nothing new to be found between the credits. Just another "street" flick with nothing special going for it, this budget conscious indie and apparent pet project of first-time director Wirth is one to pass on. (C)