The Garage

I caught this film this past week at a film festival, and was very happy I did. The film is both well directed, and well acted. It's not edge of your seat entertainment, nor do I imagine it was intended to be. But what it is, is a very effective, believable and absorbing character study that's both technically superb and believable in its execution.

Though he might not look like a conventionally leading man, Gabriel Marantz more than carries the film. He portrayal of the lead character is both believable, and rife with pathos. Solid film and I highly recommend it.

"The Garage" shows life as it as. The cast talked to each other rather than at each other. The viewer felt that the cast was just as interested in what the other characters in this film had to say as the audience was. This movie wasn't like many of todays' movies are, where the cast just recites lines. The writing resembled Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, it depicted real people in real situations.It showed life as it is, not as many want life to be. Carl Thibault, as the writer and director has raised the bar for future low budget and independent movies. The directing couldn't have been better. There wasn't an unbelievable scene in this movie.The movie flowed just as real life flows,with good and bad times. I personally thought Mr. Thibault was an older gentleman, with more years of personal life experience to draw upon, as he was able to depict in his writing and directing, more realism then most big name writers and directors with "Major credits" show in their movies. The cinematography was also very good, watching the movie one didn't feel that they were in a movie theater, but in the scene with the characters; which is where the cinematography in a movie should take its' audience, but often doesn't. "The Garage" is worthy of a major release, and Mr. Carl Thibault has proved to be deserving of attention by the film industry powers that be, as both a writer and director. I'd give this movie a higher rating but one should always feel that there is room for improvement.

It was so refreshing to see a movie containing real life experiences. No offense to the sci-fi or action heroes of today. We have just become so busy, and fast paced, we forgot the quieter days of yesteryear. When, what you had was just right, and family and friends were most important. The story was something so many can relate to including myself. There were no cell phones, mp3's, DVD's or cars that have the directions right in them. It was a story of trials and triumphs that was very well told. Two thumbs up to the writer. He has a story that is told all unto often today. The acting and the directing were terrific.They put me back to a time of my youth that has been long since forgotten.

My husband has a 1967 Chevy SS convertible and a 1968 Chevy Impala, and has built a garage as an appropriate temple to his icons. I have never understood why until I saw this film. Skirting devilishly close to cliché, this coming-of-age-movie never succumbs. Instead, every time you think you know what's coming, something a bit different shows up. The characters are real, their agony shared, and their interactions cause laughter and tears. The 35 mm film and natural lighting provide an appropriate texture to this real-life, grease-on-you-face experience. Watching this movie was like flipping through a scrapbook of everytown USA and spending a day in your past. Even those of us who did not grow up in a small town have small towns inside us. The music was original (nice guitar work; some really good rock) and the acting brilliant for such young actors. I wanted my husband, father and son to see it immediately.

A truly moving story. Wonderful composition of shots and a strong theme make this is a compelling indie movie. Not one to miss! Watch for new faces that demonstrate some sound break-out performances! The filmmakers took great care in crafting this story and it clearly shows as we follow Matt's journey though the film. If you can watch this film at one of the many festivals it has been accepted to, you should. Don't wait for a DVD release, but rather watch it on the big screen. The cinematography alone makes it worthwhile, and the strong story strikes home for most father/son relationships in real life. It can make you reflect on your own personal situation and that is the message of a powerful film.