The Big Bad Swim

I don't know why I picked this movie to watch, it has a strange title and from the description it just looked like something different. Every once in a while its good to try a film that's slightly different from the mainstream Hollywood hero/thriller flick and this film certainly was different. Right from the beginning this film had me intrigued but I couldn't figure out why until the end if the film when I realized that the movie was great because the characters were so real. I thought the acting was superb and the character development really makes you care about them and hope things turn out well for them in the end. I think that everyone who watches the film could in some way relate to one of the characters and this makes for great viewing and some good laughs at the sheer ordinariness of the actors.

At the culmination of the movie you definitely get a sense of well being, and are left with the 'things are going to be OK' type of a feeling. I'm sure this will have wide appeal and should be given a chance.

I watched this movie for Paget Brewster, whom I first encountered during the delightful Showtime program "Huff." Was anxious to see more of her acting, especially as a different character. As a "vehicle" for her, it was good. If you're a fan of hers, you'll truly enjoy the movie.

All the acting in the movie is solid. The storytelling is relatively brisk (note: relatively). One element builds on a previous element, shown in chronological order. Style is good and consistent through-out. Sub-plots are uneven in places. A few characters are either not fleshed out or stereotypical. There are a couple missed opportunities for interactions between characters.

When I saw it, I didn't realize it was an independent film until I came online to IMDb.com to view/make comments on it. I guess that's high praise, that it didn't feel like an independent film in size or scope. The "hook" of the story revolving around adult characters in a beginners "learn to swim" class mostly worked.

This film is one of the best independent films that I have seen in a long time. This movie is a real gem. The ensemble cast helps the story flow to the point where nothing seems fake. Not once do you question why all these people are taking a late night swim class. The way the film was shot with underwater views as well as the different camera angles used really brings the viewer into the movie. It is unfortunate that movies like this do not get a major distribution because the cast and crew did a wonderful job. I also had the chance to see the film at The New London Film Festival in Connecticut where much of the movie was shot. I am not the best movie reviewer but please go see this film because you will not be disappointed. Two thumbs up.

i actually thought this is a comedy and sat watching it expecting to laugh my ass off. pretty soon in became clear this is no comedy, or at least not a 'Jim Carrey type' one. what kept we watching was the characters - the movie starts with some pretty grim, troubled people, gathered together to try and fight one of their basic fears - fear of water, fear of swimming. we start to get bit by bit into their lives, witness their troubles, guess of their thoughts.

actually i made it look much darker than it actually is, and besides the chain of events soon brings some light and hope to their lives.

i probably wouldn't have watched the movie had i known its not a comedy but rather a drama, but i had good time, enjoyed the story and don't mind i spent about 90 minutes with it.

many films treat the alienation between people in the western world, this movie shows how people can get together and help each other

"and if in the light of dying day you meet her, don't let her pass you by and leave, don't loose her, she is your gift from the sun..."

9/10

peace and love

A sweet indie movie from the aughts. Kind of makes me nostalgic, in a they don't make them like they used to kind of way.

Not perfect (ended up fast forwarding through a lot of the 'individual' storylines) but a refreshing change to this day and age's heavy-messaging media. You forget that they used to make movies about regular people, leading regular lives, with regular problems.

I think what I appreciate most about it is how sincere the movie feels. Life is simply hard. I appreciate these 90's and 2000's movies that are 'hard' enough to simply be OK with that and treat their audience like grown adults, They try no to shirk from showing life as it is: not awful but no fairy tale either.