thebigbang991

I wouldn't normally call myself fortunate for getting to preview a new independent film, but I was recently asked to preview Overtime and "fortunate" is exactly what I am. Overtime, written and directed by Louisville, Ky native Matt Niehoff, sets a new standard for independent films everywhere. The bar has been raised, not only for the courageous and beautifully balanced cinematography, nor for the skillful editing alone, but, just as rare in most indie films, it's been raised for the talent owned by several of these mainly untried cast members.

The primary cast has a chemistry that sizzles, giving me the same feeling I had watching the brat pack perform together in the 80s. Thankfully, Overtime is no John Hughs film. Instead, the main cast manages to balance the absurdity in and around them with realism, and thus create believability. John Wells is perfectly cast as the ego-centric Max, and his intentionally over-the-top performance shines when countered with Al Snow's convincingly real portrayal of the more reasonable Raeff. Special kudos go, too, to actress Sebrina Siegel, who managed to bring a greater credibility to the film with her very natural delivery of some very un-natural dialogue, and who's impressive performance and genuine movements helped eliminate the possibility of a "comic book" feeling to the movie.

It wouldn't feel right without also crediting the soundtrack chosen to accompany this fun-filled ride. Simply well done. Even the highest budget indie films will have difficulty stretching to reach the bars of Overtime.

Looked at as a whole, Meet Monica Velour is missing some key elements that would make audience members walk away saying, "Wow." The cinematography reminds me of riding in the car with my 85 year old grandfather when I was a kid...it feels like you're not even moving. The director seems to have been too much of a rule-follower, as if he was following class notes in numerical order. However, the cast was wisely chosen and the poor technical issues of the film can be overlooked because of the commitment of the actors. It's possible to get lost in a story, to forget about the poor technical issues, if the story is well told - that's what happened in Meet Monica Velour. In particular, Kim Cattrall is so convincing in this lead role, so enveloped in this character, that one might begin to wonder if and why Hollywood shut her out so early. This film proves that they could have had another Meryl Streep on their hands, and they let her go. I'm certain the producers of Meet Monica Velour are thankful that they did.