Norman

I recently saw this film at the Chicago International Film Festival and I was blown away by it. Dan Byrd did a fantastic job playing the title character who is both hilarious as well as heart breaking. Richard Jenkins, as always, is great and witty. This is just an all around wonderful film. I can liken it most to the adult male version of Juno or Easy A. It has Juno's wit, charm, and strangeness as well as Easy A's basic story line (though much darker). Andrew Birds score to this film is perfect. I don't think anyone could have made a more suitable score for this film. If it seems like I am gushing about this film, it's because I am. It deserves it. If it comes to a festival near you or is eventually widely released be sure to go and see it. I can't recommend it enough.

Norman Long (Dan Byrd) is a dissatisfied high school kid. He lost his mother and his father Doug (Richard Jenkins) is dying from cancer. He falls for new student Emily Harris (Emily VanCamp) and she's taken with his awkwardness. His teacher Mr. Angelo (Adam Goldberg) is forcing him to do a speech. He has a fight with his best friend James and tells him a crazy lie. Soon everybody at school thinks he has cancer.

I like Dan Byrd as an awkward sarcastic teen and Emily VanCamp is super cute. They're a little old to play high school kids but they could still pass. I like their sweet cute relationship and then there is the lie. It's such a weird thing to say. I wish the script adds more of a prompt for Norman to go to that place. Maybe James should ask if he's sick. Maybe James could find the scans first. I just need him to be guided there a little more. The other problem is that he's lying to Emily. Emily already likes him before the lie. The lie doesn't make her like him more. It just makes everything awkward. It would make more sense that he would tell her the truth. Of course, Norman doesn't have to make sense.

I recently watched NORMAN on my 'On Demand' network. Not knowing a thing about the film other than what was previewed on BrightHouse, I had no idea the impact this movie would have on my life. A beautiful tale of love, hope and over-coming life's strangest and dimmest oppressions. The acting, writing and direction was all perfection. Not to mention Andrew Bird's soundtrack to the film was so lovely. 'Night Sky' is now one of my 'most played songs' on my iPOD. I cried, I laughed and thoroughly enjoyed this film the entire way through. An unpredictable yet moving script that the writers should feel immensely proud of. I've told all of my friends and family about the movie since watching it, and can't wait to purchase it to watch over and over again.

Undoubtedly the most moving, realistic, and heartfelt film I have ever witnessed.

Beautiful acting, tremendous plot line, and a perfect ending. I laughed and cried with Norman throughout his entire journey and felt every moment of the film as though I were standing beside him.

All I can say is that this wasn't just a movie, it was an experience. I escaped my seat in front of my laptop and entered another realm. It was what every movie should aim to be.

Watch it. I assure you, you will be watching this one again, and again, and again....

Director Jonathan Segal did an excellent job creating this film. I recently saw this at Whitworth, in Spokane, WA where the film was shot, and I really enjoyed it. Jonathan Segal was kind enough to do a question and answer bit at the showing, which was very insightful. I really liked how the film was a little 'darker' than others covering similar story lines. The movie really captures the raw feelings and emotions that are dealt in the story line. The actors did an incredible job in capturing each characters' persona. Dan Byrd, Emily VanCamp, Richard Jenkins, and Adam Goldberg were all great picks for their characters. I would highly recommend this film to others, especially if you liked Easy A and Juno. I also have to mention how Andrew Bird's score on this film was crazy good.