Message in a Bottle

Rhonda Parker's 2nd film showcases a quantum leap forward for the indie director/writer. An enjoyable romp that spends 2/3rds of the film with our cast as kids, Message in a Bottle sets up an emotionally harrowing payoff in the final frame of the film. Acting is top-notch and genuinely entertaining. Perhaps the best choice made by the filmmaker was the inclusion of excellent music throughout. Recommended.

I really enjoyed it. One moment you are laughing and in other moments you are crying or feeling bad or angry. It plays with your emotions and keeps your attention throughout the entire movie. There were many twists and turns along the way that you couldn't see coming. I also think that many people can relate to the issues facing the characters in the film. I say go watch it!!! You won't be sorry.

This movie kept my interest, wanting to find out what happens to these young people in their coming of age story line. Meshing two different time periods together really let me see and understand the emotions they went through over the years and the tears I had when destiny is revealed.

This movie has an awesome story line. I absolutely love this film if you have not seen it yet. I suggest you watch this movie. This movie will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Every character in it is easy to follow. It also tugs at your heart. Other times this movie will make you laugh. Overall an excellent movie!

Coming of age story, yes. Predictable and cliched, absolutely not. I'm amazed that director Rhonda Parker has gotten such solid performances from such a young cast. They deliver a range, depth and wisdom I would never expect. At it's heart, Message In A Bottle is an adventure tale about a trio of teenagers following a disturbing, well, message they found in a bottle in a river in the woods. Along the way they challenge their identities, their relationships with each other and their place in the world. The dialogue is sharp and clever, something I've come to expect from Parker's films. She's grown as a director, too. 'Friends Don't Let Friends Date Friends' had the raw charm and charisma that only a first film could, and 'Lonely Bananas' had the fun and verve of an ad-libbed ensemble comedy that would make Robert Altman proud. She gets better every time she goes back to the drawing board. The cinematography in 'Message' is on par with a Hollywood independent film in spite of it's microbudget. The lighting, sound and soundtrack round out and complement a strong vision well executed. It's entertaining, thought-provoking and also heart-breaking at times. Grown-ups don't have it together any more than teenagers or kids, do. 'Message In A Bottle' is smart enough to accept that. Worth watching and highly recommended.