Ghost Therapy

A photographer finds the unwanted attentions of a ghost a bit much to handle.

Engaging buddy movie that has a similar feel to Sideways in its binding together of an odd couple. The principal actors are themselves the creators, so they carry this off perfectly in low-key style, and yet generate a mounting sense of jeopardy.

The cleverest element is in maintaining the ghostliness in the 'real' world, from the moment of the appartition's sly arrival and on through his lack of impact on the world - the stunt in the middle of the highway was particularly impressive.

And yet the ghost does have an impact during his moments of rage, so the ending felt premature: even as my brain was racing ahead to the final showdown, it was all over without uncovering how far each character would go to get his way. And the paedophile reference wasn't followed up - or maybe I missed it.

The performances are excellent, pace is good. LA looks its usual bleached-out self. And the music is pleasant.

Overall: Engaging slackers story slacked off in the end.

An exciting spin on undead beings, as it delineates the hardships of a deceased individual and, at the same time, the gradually unfolding events correlate to a living person and that propagates an unusual brotherhood that prospers amidst some unlikeliest circumstances.

This was nothing too profound, though the story did attempt to touch upon some deeper stuff and tried its best to turn it into something that may culminate in introspection, but it couldn't.

To me, it felt more like a comfort feature, movies you tune in with no preconceived expectations at all, you seek to take pleasure in the ride, and in that case, it would suffice, I reckon.

P. S. I wouldn't say I liked the ending, though. It was so cruel!

Slamdance Film Festival 2022 Greetings again from the darkness. What a terrific film to kick off this year's Slamdance festival! Writer-director Clay Tatum and co-writer Whitmer Thomas co-star in their own story that brings the "old" meaning of ghosting back to the forefront. But fear not, this is about as scary as the clip from the classic cartoon "Casper the Friendly Ghost" that's included. Rather than spooky horror, this is about comedic situations involving a particular ghost (not named Casper).

Clay (Tatum) is a frumpy slacker who fancies himself a photographer, but lacks the drive to market himself or his work. He does, however, think a different haircut might help, even if he wields the scissors himself. His wife Whitney (Whitney Weir) chuckles at the idea, but seems extremely supportive (or forgiving) of her husband's lack of effort in life. While Whitney's away on a business trip, Clay seizes the opportunity to eat and drink the hours away, somehow accomplishing less than he would on a typical day.

Displaying an unusual spark of inspiration, Clay crafts a scam to raise his share of the rent ... proving his lack of drive might actually be his finest quality. Later, while out taking pictures, Clay runs into his old friend Whit. They may be from the same hometown, but there is something a bit off in their re-connection. Clay tries to part ways, but Whit's having none of that - he's thrilled to be seen by his old buddy.

Robert Longstreet adds a jolt of energy in a poker sequence that evolves into a slow-motion booze-filled musical interlude. It's yet another example of Clay's moral compass, but most of the movie revolves around the interaction between Clay and Whit ... and that's fertile ground for some laughs and a premise that works pretty darn well. The filmmakers start us with a prologue with a bump in the night, though we aren't really allowed to understand it until near the end of the film. It's a nice start to the festival and an impressive project from the young filmmakers.

When his wife goes away for a weekend, "Clay" (Clay Tatum) is quite happy just dragging the mattress in front of the television and beering out! He's a photographer by trade and wandering around the city he encounters "Whit" (Whitmer Thomas) whom he knew years earlier. Their's is an uneasy friendship, but he is polite enough and the two spend a day together that concludes in the most unlikely of revelations! It appears that "Whit" isn't quite what he seems! Of course scepticism abounds, but a conversation with his neighbour confirms the worst - nobody else can see "Whit"! What now ensues are a fun series of increasingly exasperating escapades as the former man finds his new gadfly pal persistently more and more annoying and demanding whilst he just wants to get on with his life - especially when his wife returns! Perhaps a few days in a remote mountain cabin for the two men might provide a solution? Although it's really dialogue heavy and the scenarios do repeat themselves a few times, this is still an entertaining film with plenty of quirkiness and two engaging performances from the lead characters who try to avoid the obvious "Scooby-Do" style stereotype spooks. The end of the film rather entertainingly explains the beginning, too. No, you'll never remember it afterwards, but it's quite an enjoyable tale of the geek and his beast.

Saw this at Florida Film Fest. If you ever get the feeling that many modern movies can be formulaic and uninspired - watch this. Your faith will be renewed.

Also the two main characters (who also wrote it) are funny as hell.