Hollidaysburg

My wife and I stumbled across "The Chair" docuseries on Tubi, and- as I'm a filmmaker, found it very interesting. I thought the concept of the show was interesting but was infuriated by the final episode in which this film was not deemed the better one.

"Hollidaysburg" is, at least at the time of my writing this, available for free on Amazon Prime. I watched the film with my wife, honestly not expecting much. But it was good. Like really good. There is no indication that this was made by a young, inexperienced crew or a first time director. My only comments were a few strange cuts made to the final edit, but otherwise it was a flawless film. I loved the characters, the story, the humor- all seemed realistic and relatable. I think it's crazy that Anna, Victor and Philip didn't get a writing credit on this! I can't imagine, especially having watched the series, that this- at all resembles the original script from Drew. Aside from character names and motivations, probably.

Having seen a bit of how the sausage is made, it probably skewed my opinion a little, but all the jokes landed, all the beats were there and I felt for all the characters. It was, in the truest sense of the word- a "good" film. It was full of heart and laughs and felt like probably the truest coming-of-age story I've ever seen. We really enjoyed it and I would recommend this to everyone we know.

Congrats Anna and crew for making a much better film than Shane's crapfest. I never had more respect for Zacahry Quinto than when he walked away from the other film via principle. (You gotta watch "The Chair" on Starz or Tubi).

This movie was good. It wasn't exactly great, but it had it's great moments. That being the casting, everyone in this movie assumes their roles well and have good chemistry with each other. The relationship between the loner Tori and the lost Scott while it takes a while to actually occur, is believable. At least to what the movie wants to serve, you aren't supposed to see these two together forever, but you are supposed to see them as a brief fling sort of relationship. One that will probably leave them in a close friendship rather than a romantic commitment. Each character is sort of unlikable in a very likable way. Tori is a bit whiny and cold but never to a point that it gets in the way. Scott has a charming arrogance, but knows when he goes too far. All the characters are like that, sort of how real people act, and it works in the films favor. If I said the film had a drawback it would be the flowing narrative. It takes a little too long for the couple to meet and even longer for the relationship to become believable. There are a few moments that feel a little too rushed, but the film as a whole is good. If you go into it expecting something spectacularly funny or amazingly deep, you might be disappointed depending on your standards. For my money though I'm glad I bought it.

Spoiled Rich kids who look like they never touched a drug in their lives sitting around getting high for no reason...all the time. The drug use in this film just did not fit the storyline that was happening. Its like they put it in just to appeal to a certain audience who would never go to see this kind of move to begin with. Plus most of the all WHITE female cast looked alike. In the beginning its confusing because you can not tell who is who. I am not a fan of Shane Dawson's version of this movie either. But this move was just as bad if not worse. I do not feel like I know these characters, I don't feel like I got to know who they were. Which means I could care less about what was going on with them. I liked the core idea of the film. That is why I gave it a 2.

Great film about college freshmen coming home for Break. A surprising number of jokes that really "hit." The humor was enjoyable and consistent throughout the movie. Highly recommended. All the actors had their funny lines, it wasn't a film that had one or two funny spots, and after that lost its track. The story is a little light in the end message on the surface, but underneath there are many mini lessons, and after all in this type of feel good, funny film its not the type of film I go to looking for a movie to tell me now to live my life. Not sure if its better to watch the Chair first or after, I had only seen two episodes before seeing this movie, but it could be good either way, I think.

This was such a beautiful little film about going back home and learning to let go. After having seen the trailer I was definitely more excited for this film that Shane Dawson's Not Cool. They are both in competition On Starz' The chair to win a grand prize of $250,000. I have to say I hope this wins because it deserves it.

The director has a real eye. The use of lighting and reflection is beautiful as is the framework of almost every shot. The actors are wonderful in their roles. Rachel Keller and Tobin Mitnik are charming and give very subtle performances. Very natural. The supporting characters are the same.

As for the plot, have we seen it before?

Yes.

But what makes this familiar territory so fresh is the fact that its from someone new. This is Anna Mertemucci Directorial debut, and if this in any indication of whats to come she has a bright future. I know I'll be keeping an eye out for her.

The film contains some language, sexual situations, and drug use.