The Park Bench

What a sweet film! It sort of crept up on me how much I liked it. The two leads are so charming and real. The dialogue feels very natural. The stars have a chemistry together that is a delight to watch with each bringing their own personalities to their characters. The writing is excellent and is both insightful and witty. There is an innocence to this movie that is refreshing. The creativity of adding the animation is a very nice touch. It adds a new layer of story-telling that illustrates the way we open up to people and reveal pieces of ourselves. Nothing was forced or over the top. I am going to start it again and watch it all over. I hope more people discover this gem of a film.

I thought this movie was really lovely and funny. The acting was great and made me truly care about the characters. With the animated stories and the movie unfolding like chapters in a book, I enjoyed the idea of using literature as a way to get to know someone. It was a really fun ride. Nicole Hayden as Emily was fantastic - balancing her neurosis with warmth and a real tenderness for Mateo. I really enjoyed the way the two played off each other. Many of the books used in the story I remember reading which was enjoyable to revisit. Even though the story was small, I thought it tackled some of the bigger universal themes of love and friendship and passion.

I thought this movie was going to be slow and simple, but it was so much more than I originally thought. I really enjoyed it so much. It was charming and strangely moving. It hit me on a much deeper level then I had anticipated. The story follows two people who are forced together to pass a college literature class. The situations and dialogue that the two main characters share just feel so detailed and real. I love the way the stories are played out in animation. It adds another layer to the whole film. A big part of the success of the film is the two leads - Walter Perez and Nicole Hayden. They're so fun to watch and they're relationship with each other feels authentic. I saw it at a festival and can't wait until it comes out on DVD.

A fully predictable, unrealistic film that regrettably perpetuates stereotypes about cultural diversity in the United States and over-simplifies complex issues such as culture, identity, immigration, and love. I found this film insulting on many levels, a lot more thought, insight, and frankly respect should have gone into the writing of this film prior to its production.

The topic of an inter-cultural relationship could have been developed in a more realistic manner while still incorporating elements of comedy. Independent film is not the place to follow predictable plot lines and fail to intelligently contribute to the conversation about the issues presented.

I loved this movie! The dance scene is my favorite - I have re-watched it a thousand times just like I have the proposal scene from Pride & Prejudice. The relationship development was terrific. I've tried finding other movies with Walter Perez, but the others I've seen (Fame) didn't showcase him as well as this one.