The Learning Curve

Too bad there is such pain in this movie as Carmine's smile makes it worth the watch. Many will relate to the pain of a troubled childhood as they watch two young people fall prey to an "easy way out". I enjoyed the film but it had a sad ending.

I was invited to view the primer of, `The Learning Curve'. I knew that this was a debut film for the cast and crew, so it seemed that anything was possible. Immediately at the start you are compelled into being part of the action. Walking through doors following the players. I found it easy to identify with the characters as they played the little scams to make a buck. The sensual chemistry between `Paul' played by Carmine Giovinazzo, and `Georgia' played by Monet Mazur flies off the screen in 3-D. As the game unrolls, a hidden unlucky twist occurs that seems to good to be true. When the new found lovers attempt their first real thought out scam, they meet up with a "Record King", Marshal, played by Vincent Ventresca, who we learn is just as much as a scam artist as they are. Marshal and his partner, York played by Steven Bauer, want to revolutionize the entertainment world in the capitol of entertainment, Los Angles. The only thing standing in the way is a small problem, the corruptible Los Angles zoning board. At this point in the movie the incredible music kicks in, the action heats up, and this young Bonnie and Clyde team get entwined, in a plot that goes the mile. The cinematography uses the light to paint the mood, the music holds the rhythm, and the characters draw you into how life at times can be right on the edge. Well worth the time spent. I recommend not waiting to see this movie later on video, SEE IT NOW!!

A bit silly in parts with much of the acting and drama turned up to an excessive frequency. The style of this flick is quite cool, but then is belied by the unstylish plot and dialogue where the motivations of most actors just don't match up with their actions. One problem was a lack of gravitas given to events - out of place music and lengthy shots of no consequence. However the major problem for me was the main villain and protagonist played by Vincent Ventresca. This was a guy who was presented as gangster, powerful, and the head of a record company - yet his entire livelihood depends on a new mall? Seriously, a mall? Why is he interested in malls, where is the money for building the mall coming from, surely even if the mall is approved it will take years to get any return on investment etc etc. So the main plot device is nonsensical and the rest does little to make up for it. Perhaps if this were a blue movie all of the above may make some sense.

"The Learning Curve" tells an obvious and naive tale about a couple of young scammers who scam their way to the top. The film is an okay shoot with some decent acting talent, most notably Kidman look-alike Mazur. However, "TLC" fails in story and substances as it wends it way though a series of obvious contrivances fleshing out characters who little more than shallow mannequins while appearing to dig for depth but never finding it. Not likely to have appeal beyond a niche teen audience. (D)

...for this is a nice lightweight, shallow movie that should appeal to the teenage market. The story is pretty basic: two teenagers find love and get entangled in a web of crime while pursuing their quest for easy cash. Actors are unknown and pretty uninspiring, apart from Monet Mazur and the bad guy's speed-addicted henchman - he made me laugh quite a lot throughout the movie.

The biggest problem, for a more mature audience, is the shallowness of the story and the flatness of all characters. Overall, production and music is quite good and I see no problem in checking this out at your local video rental store, if you're in the mood for a light teen-crime action movie.

6/10