Odd Brodsky

I went to this movie in a relatively foul mood. Nothing seemed to help me get in better spirits until I saw this adorable, charming and whimsical film. Not only is it funny through and through, it's offbeat and off-kilter. It had shades of "Napoleon Dynamite" with eccentric characters who fall nothing short of lovable. Left the movie and my wife was like "I guess we know what puts you in a good mood" Yes, a hilarious film! I noticed it's won many awards at film festivals and I hope and expect that this will find its way to the general public who, like myself, needs a strong cinematic "upper." Kudos to the writer and director and the cinematographer who I realized shot "Waitress" His touch was just the right blend of pathos and whimsy.

I was fortunate enough to see this movie recently at the Dances With Films Festival and it didn't disappoint! The casting was spot on, the acting was superb, the writing was great, and the story was just adorable. And, it was shot beautifully.

It's a story about following your dreams, and what really resonated with me was that the main character wasn't some 22 year old just starting out - she was in her mid-thirties! She's smart, and good at what she does, but just not fulfilled. This movie sends a great message to simply go for it, no matter what might be going against you.

If you're a fan of Wes Anderson type movies (though this is its own film and NOT a copycat) then run to see this movie as soon as you can. Can't wait to add this to my DVD collection when the time comes!

Director-screenwriter Cindy Baer brings us the endearing and enduring charm of Audrey "Odd" Brodsky (Tegan Ashton Cohan) in a great follow-your-dreams tale made fully realized by the terrific character sketching of its namesake role.

"Odd" is a nickname authored by those who have paid witness to her uniqueness of spirit firsthand, and this engrossing comedy movie tracks her as she leaves home for the glittering possibilities of Hollywood, only to soon find herself in a soul-destroying office job. Despite the added complication of the fact the job pays all too well, Odd does indeed rid herself of it, jumping headlong into the churning Hollywood shark tank where aspiration and creative commodification collide.

Filled with great writing and performances, "Odd Brodsky" is a film for anyone who has found themselves in a place desperately different than the one which was dreamed. But it's ultimately a story of resilience and recalibration through personal growth, and provides a wonderful uplift for those in pursuit of something that resides in the heart. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)

Odd Brodsky engages you from the first moment when the young Audrey Brodsky captures your heart with her dreams. The film is beautifully written and crafted and carries you along with the ups and downs of Audrey's life, so well portrayed by Tegan Ashton Cohan. The characters who surround her are equally well crafted and acted with just the right mix of humour and pathos. The film is funny, energetic and optimistic and leaves you feeling that following your dreams is the right thing to do. With some extraordinary touches such as an original musical number and a fabulous cameo appearance by Jim Hanks as God look forward to more films from accomplished writer, producer and actor Cindy Baer.

A well-worn theme given a little narrative twist. It is well filmed, but the characters are rather one dimensional. I think that was intentional, giving a cartoon feel to the story throughout. But it was hard to take the characters seriously at all and so hard to care about what happened to them. I think it is derivative of Amelie, but not in the same league.

There was a comical play within the film that we had glimpses of and that looked quite entertaining. I think I would have enjoyed that as the main feature more than the film.