Don't Say It

"Don't Say It" is a sweet-natured romantic dramedy that my wife and I quite enjoyed, and that's saying something! While the story itself treads in familiar romcom territory, its the writing and performances that elevate this film way beyond what we often expect from indie films. Even better, the film takes a look at the difficulty folks have finding connection as they get older, especially after having been burned by relationships in the past. Writer/lead Rich Grosso and his opposite, Victoria Kelleher create nuanced characters that we were rooting for, and each conveyed a world-weary countenance that rang true. And with its well-done production values, strong editing, and compelling subplots, this is a film that's perfect to enjoy with your sweetie, perhaps while sharing a nice plate of chicken piccatta!

Make no mistake this is not a big budget Hollywood release. What this is however, is an Indie film that flies above much of what the Hollywood machine turns out.

The film does take a good minute to get started, but as you settle in these characters quickly become familiar friends. Pat and Lara aren't your typical rom-com characters, they are human with all the baggage and frailties that often come with middle age.

Both needing a push to get out of their funk and live life, they meet in the old fashioned way in a bar...

As the characters, both hesitant, open up to each other, they begin to bare the wounds life has bestowed. At this point you can't help but to cheer them on.

Rich Grosso's 'Pat' is a man who's past mistakes haunt him and Victoria Kelleher's 'Lara' is the perfect middle aged woman trying to figure out the next chapter.

The rest of the cast are perfectly placed, and the TV newsman and Pat's ex are not to be missed.

No spoiler alerts here, but if you like a good rom-com, this one actually has characters that are human.

Wonderful, heart-warming Indie comedy-romance. Rich Grosso, who wrote and stars in this film, delivers an exceptional performance as Pat, a restaurateur and divorcee, who is at a crossroads in his life, having not fulfilled his dreams, when he meets Lara, a waitress, who is also divorced and wondering how she got so off course in fulfilling her dreams.

As Pat navigates his struggles to heal his relationship with his daughter, and to find his way to make his dreams of opening a supper club a reality, he and Lara explore a friendship. Standout acting from Rich as Pat, Victoria Kelleher as Lara, Tony Denison as Rich's therapist Dr. Bernardi, Viva Vinson as CJ, jazz singer and friend to Lara, Joe Pacheco as Pat's brother Paul, and all the actors.

While light-hearted and very funny, this film explores deep issues of trust, facing one's fears, and healing old wounds in relationships. I was moved to tears more than once. Great cover song, performed by the marvelous Jazz singer Viva Vinson (whose real life mother, actress Delores Deluce, delivers hilarious lines as a cafe patron!) Great date movie, or relaxing, rainy day movie. Highly recommend it!

Watching this movie makes you feel a connection for both the main characters. Their problems are struggles relate to one another which makes the movie really sweet to watch.

One thing I really liked about this movie was that the script was really well written. In some movies, everything seems forced (even though it's kind supposed to be), but this movie seems smooth and doesn't seemed force at all. The main characters meet in a good and smooth fashion that doesn't seem forced at all.

Also, I am a big comedy person, so when this movie made me laugh, I already knew it was a good movie. 100% enjoyable watch and would recommend to anyone interested in this genre!

This movie was created with a lot of feeling and thought. The characters were well developed throughout the film and multiple aspects of the main characters were presented well. In particular, the attractive feature of this movie is that the audience can relate to the multiple realistic roles as well as the feelings that the actors brought to the screen. It seamlessly tackles multiple human challenges such as domestic relationships, dreams, goals, family dynamics and working hard to achieve your destiny. More than anything, I like how the movie concludes with the feeling that "nice guys can finish first". Take the time to watch this movie. It is worth it.