Anderson's Cross

Anderson's Cross is a more than it appears.

From what I understand, this movie was made by Jerome E. Scott whom, as a student of classic film-making, believed in doing it the old- fashioned way. Along with his friends and advisors, he pooled his financial resources, delayed enjoying some of life's pleasures for several years, and crafted a film (critics said could not be done without studio backing)into an extraordinary dream come true.

Hard work and determination paid off and it shows. There are no flashy special effects, sci-fi shots, gross nudity, or cheap gimmicks. Just raw story.

Films like this are virtually impossible to make these days. This is what film-making is all about folks!

The story is poignant, funny and unbearably sad. I liked it. I really liked it. Nick Anderson is confused about more than his sexuality, far more. There are times of joy and times of sadness. It contains lots of humor and comedic elements that make you smile and laugh through-out the film. The coming of age well is explored here by examining the fates and troubles of a handful of individuals and their interaction with one another. The theme of acceptance runs through the whole movie. If you are cynical, this is not for you. If you like to laugh and cry and all that good stuff you'll love this movie. It is well written, directed, and acted, especially by Michael Warren and Joyce Guy. Not what I had expected, and I was not disappointed. This was a very, very pleasant surprise.

I thought this movie was quite sweet. It has some sad parts to it but mostly it is an uplifting coming of age story which I think is needed to support the much appreciated "It gets better" message. I thought the parents reminded me of the parents in Call Me By Your Name but this movie was made almost ten years ago! The four teens coming of age are all good and the obvious chemistry between them gives the film a natural feel. Save for one crying scene (that was well done) I didn't feel there was any "acting" going on. The parents are a cast of veteran actors and they are all excellent. The racial diversity is appreciated (Who'd have thunk?). It's almost jarring which sadly says a lot about the long road movies still have to go. I liked this film.

I really liked this movie. I liked everything about it. Great cast. Good acting. Good music. I liked the story and how it played out. Thought it was going to be less of a quality film than it was. So many independents rely on lack of budget to tell and film a story well. This one didn't. It was great to see a film with good African American leads playing something other than what is stereotypically played. While I have seen a strong African American family on television (The Cosby Show), I don't think I have ever seen an African American family portrayed as strongly on film. I know that is a strong statement but none come to mind. The problems of this family could have been the problems of any family regardless of their ethnicity and that, for me, was refreshingly rare. It was great seeing Michael Warren and Joyce Guy as the parents and seeing the family dynamic between them and their son and daughter portrayed so honestly. Best thing in the movie: Michael Warren.

like i have said before , i give the guy props for getting the film made , but he should of checked his EGO at the door when casting. He is so bad i almost thought his acting was some sort of punchline in the movie , till after a few minutes and i realized , he cannot act! One facial expression in every scene , two tone's of voice one for sad and one for everything else! The photography is not great , not even good , it is bad! There is one scene where it is supposed to be night time and there is a shadow on the floor from the sun coming through the window! He needs to do less acting and maybe take some film classes and learn how to be a director , before , just doing it! If he did take some classes he would learn to control all light when filming by blocking out the windows! Man , that is basic stuff!