Who Loves the Sun

I had no idea what this movie was until I read about it in the L.A. Weekly. I generally agree with the reviews in the LA Weekly and decided to get a ticket for this film. the film stars molly parker (from my favorite television show Deadwood) and Lukas haas -- who I suspect we will be seeing more of in the very near future. The film is funny, heartwarming, features great acting, and beautiful photography. i don't know if the film has distribution, but I hope it does - or will - soon. this is destined to be a real indie gem. it even has music by my favorite band the silver jews! the only disappointment was that molly parker wasn't there at the screening. even without her there... this was hands down the best film i saw at the festival.

I didn't know anything about this movie going into it so I was pleasantly surprised after watching it. Prior to seeing it I had been watching some rather disappointing independent films, so I was very glad that I saw this entertaining picture.

Will returns to meet his friends Daniel and Maggie after a five year departure. Staying at the lakeside home of Daniel's parents, the group intervene, recalling their past and trying to fix their troubles together.

Starring Lukas Haas and Adam Scott, two actors I grew up watching on TV and on film, I was glad to see the two on screen together. And Molly Parker, R H Thomson, and Wendy Crewson complete the wonderful ensemble. With so many great interactions between the characters, the film is filled with excellent dialogue both dramatic and comedic. For a great character driven film, Who Loves the Sun is a perfect selection.

I caught this movie on the Sundance Channel on cable one late afternoon. You might say "Who Loves the Sun" is a perfect leisurely pastime of a story, why ever not. You get to hang out with the trio: Lukas Haas is Will (returning after abruptly leaving everyone years ago), Molly Parker is Maggie (we learn she's very much part of the family Bloom), and Adam Scott is Daniel (is he friend or foe or fiancé), by the scenic Falcon Lake, Manitoba, Canada, captured in graphic compositions juxtaposed in vivid summer colors against sunshine and shadows. And supporting the trio are two more family members in the revealing mix: Wendy Crewson is Mom Mary Bloom, and R.H. Thomson is Dad Arthur Bloom. Writer-director Matt Bissonnette has delivered an ingenious unfolding of story-line and its various tentacle links - worry not, Haas may have a 'listless' face, but humor will come as Parker and Scott enter the circle of friends reunited, wry smiles will break and knowing delights stir. Dialogs may be terse or even nil, yet we'd get the flavor of what's cooking, bemused or wondering.

Yes, "Who Loves the Sun" can very well be categorized as a sleeper gem. The chemistry between all five principals sure gels and 'combusts', giving an energetic ensemble performance. After all, it's all in the family, and the film sure doesn't take itself too seriously.

Looks like the official site is still available at "wholovesthesun.com" and there are information on the soundtrack by Mac McCaughan (Portastatic with guitar tunes and strings) where score excerpts are being played, and behind the scenes production notes, interview with writer-director-producer Bissonnette on how the movie and concept came about, the casting and more. Have always appreciate Molly Parker since her spare yet mesmerizing performance in 1996 Lynne Stopkewich's 'Kissed', and she's married to Bissonnette, who "wrote the Maggie part for Molly."

Lukas Haas, who will forever be to me the terrific child actor in "Witness," seems miscast in this film. His movements and his delivery of his lines make him appear to be sleep walking through the movie. Maybe he is supposed to play the role as a slacker. But then there's the manuscript he supposedly wrote, which is, of course, supposed to be very good (according to his ex-wife). The script seems rather unbelievable with two friends eventually finding out a secret that makes even less sense and to me is unimportant to make the movie work. I did very much like Molly Parker, although she is a bit too old to be Haas' ex-wife in this movie. She exudes sensual energy. This film works hard at being an independent film, but the dialog is too choppy and the film plods on and on way to slowly. A much better film is the classic Roman Polanski's "Knife in the Water."

"Who Loves The Sun" works its way through some prickly subject matter with enough wit and grace to keep the story not only engaging, but often hilarious. It's been a while since I've found such a thoroughly touching, thoroughly enjoyable film.

The film is gorgeous, drawing the eye with beautiful scenery and tranquil landscapes. The peaceful imagery contrasts wonderfully with the tension between the very human, very flawed, and yet very likable characters. Due to the excellent cast all five of the major players are wonderfully interesting and dynamic.

I recommend "Who Loves The Sun." It's a really funny movie that takes a poignant look at the hurts that we can inflict on each other, and the amazingly difficult but equally rewarding process of forgiveness.