Living with Uncle Ray

This is a very good movie that I wish could have been out in the mainstream long ago. I've seen the trailers and had to wait far too long for it. It has everything: Humor, a serious side, compassion (at times), heartache, and it ties all of them together nicely. Mr. Duffy and Ms. Corinna need to be allowed the opportunity to expand on their talents as writers/directors with some back-up from the Hollywood community. Frank Payne, Kipleigh Brown and Gene Duffy all stand out as well as Steven Christopher Parker as Jimmy. It basically shows the struggles of recent Vet Ray who has a sister and 3 kids and the constant struggles for Ray to adapt to civilian life, as well as living with his past. Oh, that poor next door rooster. Do me a favor, watch the flick, then watch it again...I missed a lot of good stuff the first time around because they are so in-depth at telling the story of Uncle Ray. He ... and the movie, deserve better.

Living with Uncle Ray was both hysterical and entertaining. Although you can feel for Ray's discomfort with being a Vietnam veteran and having to adapt to a family life, the situation quickly becomes extremely comical. With Ray's niece and nephews irritated with his constant control over the television, they concoct a few plans to distract him while they attempt to regain possession of their coveted television. The scene where Ray gets a new "motorcycle" is hilarious. I won't forget the line, "She's some piece of machinery right there." Of course, once you throw the Humphries and their aggravating pet rooster into the mix, things become even more comical. And then another twist...Ray's sons? You'll just have to watch to see where this tale ends up going and what becomes of its beloved characters.

Living with Uncle Ray shows how difficult it is for a veteran to return from a war to his family especially where there are children and to adjust to todays world and all the different things that came to be since he went away. Nostalgia is a key in this film and so is understanding and patience from adults and children.

The film was well done and it is also a family film. The children in this film were excellent performers as well as Uncle Ray. The interaction was well orchestrated. Bringing in the TV shows of yesteryear and Uncle Ray only wanting to hear about the News showed how many people react today as well.

A very well done and heartfelt story that has no doubt been played out in real life over and over.

It gives an inside glimpse of some of the battles our vets face when they return home. The struggle to re-adjust, and the all too real memories that haunt and overwhelm their very sanity.

The film was both lighthearted and serious by providing a warm background while tackling a very real and often forgotten issue that many have and still do face.

Uncle Ray sports an excellent and lovable cast of characters who provide a inviting and down to earth portrayal of family life, the human condition, and the awkwardness associated with it.

Gene Duffy, was great as the dark, and disturbed, Uncle Ray.

"Living With Uncle Ray" is a very enjoyable and well conveyed warm story that will make you laugh while it yanks a little at your heartstrings.

****************Highly Recommended by JF!!******************

With an imaginative script and very skilled acting, "Living with Uncle Ray" exudes simplicity and heart. If you want snappy dialogue, pratfalls, and cookie-cutter subplots, look elsewhere. But, if you're in the mood for a substantive character study about the human condition and familial relationships, Uncle Ray deserves your viewership.

Gene Duffy shines in the title role and his performance alone raises my overall rating from a 7 to an 8. His lines aren't plentiful, but he more than compensates with very expressive close-ups and extremely specific physical choices.

The movie is quirky and fun. Even the somber-toned ending isn't immune to the film's unique sense of humor. Laughs permeate at the most unexpected times, and that is what makes the movie a winner. I would definitely watch Uncle Ray again....I just wouldn't want him living with me!