Annabelle & Bear

This lovely little film, Annabelle and Bear is an all too real depiction of how drugs can tear apart relationships. It's an unexpectedly tender story about a biker who has moved on after his ex left with their newborn baby, only to return, strung-out to dump the now two-year-old girl in his lap. It's a road-trip movie that allows us to watch as their relationship evolves, then take unexpected turns and resolve itself realistically. The acting on the part of Curt Massof (Bear) is beautifully understated as we see his struggles and quiet frustrations play out. Olivia Walby (Annabelle) is a stunning find. This little two-year-old was acting! I repeat, this little girl was acting and carrying half the film! She had the audience laughing, crying and in rapt awe. Everyone fell in love with her. The rest of the cast turned in excellent efforts as well, especially Kimberly Cruchon Brooks as Bear's mother Grace, and Rubie Harris as Annie, the ex. A worthy movie that I highly recommend.

ANNABELLE & BEAR is a true indie film--a low budget, no big (or even small) name stars, no flashy effects--just a compelling story driven by real characters. The film's greatest assets are its two title roles. Both actors, a two-year-old girl and a burly bearded biker respectively, pull off performances that seldom hit a false note and really draw empathy from the viewer. The cinematography is also top-notch, capturing all the grittiness Detroit, MI has to offer. Writer/Director Amy Weber does a more than competent job helming her first feature, managing to spin its simple yet unique narrative without ever coming off cloying or forced. While the editing could use some tightening, and a few of the music cues are repetitive, overall this is an accomplished work by a new filmmaker with a keen eye and a terrific heart.

The premiere of this movie was amazing. The audience reaction was genuine and inspired thanks to excellent writing and a stellar soundtrack. The dialog between characters is honest and the music cues are spot on, seamlessly transitioning each phase of Annabelle and Bears journey.

This film is not only shot brilliantly but has a refreshingly realistic cast of characters that form a true portrait of an American family. Bear, a grudgingly likable lead and Annabelle, an innocent victim lead separate, isolated lives until brought together by one desperate act of conscience. What follows is a funny, tragic, and heartfelt journey where we are reminded that in each of our lives we have our own cast of misfits that make life worth living.

From both an industry and consumer point of view, Annabelle and Bear is what so many people are seeking from big screen entertainment. From the first scene through to the last, I was engrossed in each of the characters, wishing I could jump in to the scene and take little Annabelle to safety or slam a door on those blocking Annabelle from a loving future. The soundtrack furthered the experience in each and every scene. The locations could not have been more perfect. I had to remind myself afterward that this was fiction as the dialogue, interactions and character development left me feeling it was a true story.

Wow! What an awesome and REAL film. The way it was shot, gritty and real - and the believable cast who brought these characters to life made this movie one that I would see again! The kid in it, Annabelle, was one of the cutest kids I've ever seen and I think she was 2 years old! Amazing! I've told so many people about this film already and how it was all produced in Michigan with all Michigan folks. Pretty cool for a state that is under the negative radar these days! The dude, Bear, is quiet and simple. When this kid gets dropped off in his life, he doesn't really know what to do with her. Poor kid seems to be getting the cold shoulder from everyone - that ticked me off. You really feel for this kid from the start. She's funny too. Bear can't help but fall for her too but then the stuff really hits the fan, which turns him into a BEAR! I loved one scene where he kicks this bad dude's BUTT!!!!!! (Can't give it away, sorry!) So two BIG THUMBS UP for Annabelle & Bear. Looking forward to seeing it again. I'll admit it, I got a little choked up!