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 had heard about this film for about a year, and was shocked/thrilled to see it was going to be aired on IFC. I could finally see the movie that I "had to see". I was not disappointed one bit. It was a unique and shocking film. If you want to see something that you've never seen before definitely try to see this film.

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.

I'd just seen Drawing Flies... I bought it on a whim hoping I'd like it as it was a View Askew Production. It was awful. Just awful. So I was worried about A Better Place, but I took another chance. I was very pleased. It was a $40,000 budget but I think it looks good. The acting is so-so in places of course, and there are actually a few blurry scenes, but overall it's very well done. The character who plays Ryan definitely worked well. The story itself was very intriguing and I could relate to it, having grown up in similar situations. It's not a happy story, so don't expect a comedy. Very good. B+

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.