The Way Down

I just viewed "The Way Down" at the First Run Film Festival at NYU. At the festival, there was some good, there was some bad, and "The Way Down" ended up standing above all the other films I viewed. . It managed to entertain and be exciting, where most student films lack and it was all shot on an amazing location. The film felt completely professional, I see feature length films in theaters that don't feel up to par with this movie.

Although I give this movie so much praise in context of the festival, overall I felt wishing it was a little more original, something special but it wasn't. Great directing though. Nothing too unique but great.

In context with other student films 8/10 In normal context 7.8/10

Well done.

This is a beautifully shot film with amazing scenery. Justin Frances, no doubt, was born to direct. Credit must also be given the person who cast this film. No actor was ever "caught acting". Each actors' performance was dead-on. The viewer gets a feel for the characters from the very beginning and has a sense the he/she knows some of these characters from his/her life. Trust me, Breck Wilson is the next big thing. His character is raw and real. You can't seem to take your eyes off of him. A little like you couldn't take you eyes off of Brad Pitt in Thelma and Louise. I hope we will be lucky enough to see more from Justin, Breck and the rest of this brilliant cast in the near future. If you get a chance to see this film, DON'T miss it!