Our Very Own

I completely recommend this film to anyone who wants to see a film w/ heart, soul & passion. I admit that walking into it I was skeptical, but I absolutely loved what Allison Janney & Jason Ritter brought to the production. Evey scene they are in, you can't help but pay attention to. Autumn Reeser is also a delightful surprise. I am only familiar to her work on the O.C. but after seeing her in this film, is relateable and completely an actor to watch out for in the future!

See this if it comes to a theatre near you! I'm glad that some of the stars as well as the Director & Producers were in attendance at the Sarasota Film Festival. It gave me a greater respect for their work on this project. Congratulations to them all for not making a Hollywood crap film. We All Thank you!

A story taking place in Shelbyville, Tennessee, this is the film "Our Very Own." It's the usual coming of age film with teenagers growing up and doing some silly things along the way.

The two bright stars in the film are Keith Carradine and Alison Janney, both of whom give splendid performances as dysfunctional parents. Carradine is emulating his dead alcoholic brother. His drinking has cost him his job and further threatens the stability of his disintegrating marriage. As the suffering wife, Janney turns in a powerhouse performance. Her mood swings convey the desperation she faces.

The "kids" performing in a high school show is amateurish at best. Carradine and Janney should have been used more. Their on screen chemistry is just great to see on the screen.

There are a number of endearing moments in this movie that cannot be understated. Although the young members of the cast are the subject of the movie, the married couple played by Alison Janney and Keith Carridine are impeccable. Alison is especially great in this movie. The late John Ritter's son Jason is walking in dad's footsteps and the old man is smiling from above. Autumn Reeser carries the "girl next door" role like no other. Mary Badham maintains her mystique as an adult that she fostered as a child. Fascinating take on her part.

I could go on about the characters but instead, I'll relate to the movie. I think what connects to people in this movie is the American Gothic theme that we all connect to. We all have those dull fitful evenings are teenagers wanting more in life. We relate to the eagerness to be great in this world. We understand the conflicts that can linger at home and how we all keep it on the fringe. And we all know someone who is or did go through some of the personal trials of these characters. The movie isn't just about them; it's a little about each of us.

Watch it once, watch it twice, and watch it again. It will take root and blossom.

I was very much drawn to the hometown feel of this film. I've actually been to Shelbyville, Tennessee, where the film takes place and the director, Cameron Watson, captures the town quite well.

A lot of the acting is quite good as well. Allison Janney can do no wrong as she breathes life into her character throughout every moment. Jason Ritter's simplicity is something to aspire to as an actor. Character actress, Beth Grant, forces you to watch her as closely as you can to see what she'll do next; her most subtle movements are her most brilliant and truthful. And newcomer, Autumn Reeser, lights up the screen whenever she appears; overflowing with charm and grace, you cannot help but root for her to win. I expect to see a lot more of her in the near future.

Small town drama at its very best. The real factor was so evident I thought the movie had been made in late 70s. Surprisingly, it was made in 2005, and someone knew what a small town was all about before strip malls, cell phones, and chain restaurants destroyed the landscape. Like the favorite classic, Breakaway, Our Very Own, captures the yearning of teens in middle America to overcome and stretch beyond their present circumstances. The main plot is the desire of Melora to meet Sandra Locke, yes, the Sandra Locke. Apparently she was the local girl who made it to the big time. The subplots are far more intriguing: Clancy's family deals with his father's alcoholism and its destructive ripples; Ricky is practically stalking Bobbie, who made the mistake to go out with him once; and we wonder about Mrs. Nutbush and her clan. There are all sorts of characters to fill in the storyline. Everyone of them adds something to the story. Like real life, nothing is neatly tied up--it simply continues. But there is a satisfaction when the movie ends. Clancy's dad is trying, Melora takes solace in Clancy's words that they will have their chance to make it someday, and Ricky is properly threatened by the boys to leave Bobbie alone. As for Mrs. Nutbush? Some towns will continue to have their tragedies and mysteries. Don't miss Rufus, the dog who travels by car roof top.