Sleepwalk

This picture ran as the Independent Film Channel's "IFC's Next Wave" feature. If this represents the next wave of ANYthing (film, art, culture, intellect, society.....), the future looks grave. This is a yawner in which the people are nowhere in particular at the beginning, and nowhere in particular at the end, and pretty well avoid being anywhere in between, although there is some banal conversation. The music over the closing credits sounds like the tape is played backwards, suggesting perhaps that the film could have started at the end and played in the opposite direction, as a viable alternative.

This was a slow-moving picture. Indeed, it was hard to tell whether it was moving at all, given that it didn't seem to be anywhere when it started nor anywhere when it finished. Nevertheless, I still found it interesting. As I believe that the first rule of food film is simply to be interesting, and that all other rules don't matter if that first one is kept, I give this film a good rating.

I'm having a hard time figuring out precisely what makes the film interesting. I suppose having Drea de Matteo's lovely form on screen for 2 hours is enough to accomplish that. Nevertheless, I think this film has a little more going for it than just her. I think the thing that got me was that I could identify with the characters. Their motivations and reactions appeared very real to me. They weren't particularly brilliant characters...just normal people. But they were complex, and surprising, and the way one would expect them to be, even though one could not predict how they would be: rather like real people. So kudos to the writer/director and cast. Hope you get to work some more.

Saw this on the IFC. Great effort for first time director James Savoca. The look of the film is terrific and the acting superb. Definitely check this one out. If you like John Cassavetes' films, you'll like this one. If you're looking for 'Die Hard, Part 27' you'd better go elsewhere. This film's got class.

James Savoca proves that he has a bright future ahead of him with his debut feature film, Sleepwalk. Great cinematography, script writing and direction, coupled with wonderful acting; drive this film that you truly never want to end. The actors seem wonderfully comfortable, while never really fitting into their own skin. While the last statement may seem contradictory, if you see or have seen this film you will understand what it is that I am referring to. I have actually spoken to Mr. Savoca and I must say that he is indeed a great guy, as well as an awesome director. It is a great thing to find a director who is down to earth and willing to speak to his fans. This fact makes me enjoy his movie that much more, and appreciate that he shares his vision with us. Highly recommended!

Beautifully shot, and great acting. Dre de Matteo does a wonderful turn in the lead and is well matched with Ivan Martin. The music is terrific as well. This is worth looking for.