A Better Place

Over the past few years, i've only seen a couple of films that had an impact on me. A Better Place was one of them. It was a refreshing change of pace from the generic crap the studios turn out each year. Sure, it has its flaw, but should not be overlooked. Thank god for the the upcoming dvd release, now i can finally show my friends the film i've been talking about for the last year.

I purchased this film because I am a huge fan of Kevin Smith. When I purchased it, I did not hear very much about it, but was amazed when viewing. A Better Place is a film you think you will hate but end up enjoying it. From the start when Barret finds his Dad I was shocked but was gripped and had to keep watching. Anyone who is a fan of viewaskew productions or independent films should watch this.

I was flipping through the channels and came across IFC (the independent film channel). I see a film playing that for some reason catches my fancy, so I decided to watch it. I'm very glad that my decision was so. That film was A BETTER PLACE. A very moving film, which lets you empathize for the two main characters, each in their own way. Note-worthy direction, acting that is up to par with standard indy flick normality, and dialogue that I can only compare to a dramatized version of KEVIN SMITH's work. Over all, I really enjoyed this flick, and would recommend it to just about anyone I felt was mature enough to handle the adult themes.

JD BRAM

Shot on a tiny $40,000 budget, "A Better Place" is a very impressive first film from director Vincent Pereira. A study of alienation, teenage life and violence, the film is hard hitting and realistic. The script is impressive with believable dialogue and the performances are excellent.

Robert DiPatri plays the teenager who has to start life at a new school. He soon encounters school bullies and the loner, Ryan, played by Eion Bailey. A relative newcomer at the time this was made, Bailey has since appeared in a number of films and television shows including "Fight Club", "Band of Brothers" and "Almost Famous". The delightfully attractive Carmen Llywelyn plays the feisty Augustine. Jason ("My Name Is Earl") Lee also makes a brief appearance in the film.

As a first movie, this is a genuine achievement and very watchable, despite its technical limitations. Hopefully, we'll see further projects from Vincent Pereira in the future.

A BETTER PLACE is a crudely made low budget story of teen alienation that brings to mind the now classic RIVER'S EDGE. The acting is so-so and there is one too many scenes involving fake blood (the movie's low budget shows), but it is fast paced, has a funky soundtrack and its tone is defiantly angry. Check it out.