The Samuel Project

This movie was OK, but it had all a feel of after school movie. At times, too, I wondered if it was an advertisement for Apple, displaying the interaction between an iPhone, an iPad, and a Mac computer. Almost a Disney feel to the movie. Nothing objectionable, just not anything that interesting. The plot has been done before, too.

I've seen TSP twice on the big screen and let me tell you, it's beyond amazing! It's inspirational, heart warming and it's for the entire family. The Samuel Project was beautifully written, I laughed, I cried and yes both times, it tells a story about Eli who has to do a art project for a class and he chooses his Grandfather Samuel which he learns that he was born in Germany and lived through the war. I can relate to Eli in so much especially that both our grandfathers names are Samuel, both times I've seen it, it reminded me of how much I miss hearing my grandparents stories and just being with them. The second time I went to go see it at the San Diego International Film Festival I went with my dad and my two Nephews, I loved seeing them three watch this incredible story together melted my heart, it couldn't be more perfect for a grandfather and his two grandchildren. Mikey (3 in a half years old) and Aiden (almost 2 years old) loved it as well as my dad did, Hal Linden is phenomenal as Samuel and Ryan Ochoa is phenomenal as Eli and they both gave a excellent performance. So what are you waiting for? Grab a box of tissues, purchase a ticket, buy some popcorn and enjoy this Oscar worthy film with Oscar worthy actors.

I thoroughly enjoyed this indie film and have already purchased tickets to see it again at the Jewish Film Festival on April 28 in Los Angeles. The story is deep and serious, but at the same time funny - very funny! The relationships between Eli and his grandfather (Hal Linden), Eli and his father, Eli and Kasim, Kasim and his father are so realistic and touching, with lots of humor going on between the generations and the friends. Ryan Ochoa's performance as Eli was simply outstanding and he's truly made his mark in this film! Eli's interpretation of how his grandfather escaped Nazi Germany and his telling of the story through his school art project is so creative and realistic, combining animation/modern technology with such a heartfelt story from the past. Hal Linden delivered a magnificent performance as Samuel, in both the serious scenes as well as the more lighthearted scenes. This movie is definitely worth checking out, and talks to people of all ages.

It was reminiscent of an after school special, but with profanity. I was mostly bored by it. If the subject matter appeals to in particular then go see it. Otherwise, there are other ways to spend 90 minutes.

The film was beautifully written and the script was well acted. When a piece of art can evoke so much emotion, you know you've got a winner! I don't know if I cried more or laughed more because I was all over the place. The Samuel Project looked like it had a multi-million dollar budget. Hal Linden is a great actor and the younger cast members were great as well.Loved it and would definitely see again.