Broken Gardenias

I recently caught the screenings of Broken Gardenias at the Los Angeles Women's Film Festival and the Independent Filmmakers Showcase in Los Angeles. Being I understood the vision and direction of the film after two viewings versus having "walked out at the 3/4 mark or so", my review is in sharp contrast to the previous two I've read on here. Contrary to the opinions of the other reviewers, I found this film to be an exceptional piece of indie filmmaking, along with sending me off with a balanced variety of positive reactions. The point of this film may have been missed by others but I very much got it. By the looks of it where I'm from, so did the crowd, as everyone in the theaters showed equal appreciation upon conclusion. The film is about main character Jenni, a young woman and orphan, personified by an innocent, childlike, awkward nature. She finds herself facing a number of challenging life events and while in the midst, encounters the character of Sam who is quite the opposite- street savvy confident, and cool. The two develop a connection and thrust themselves out on a journey in search of Jenni's Father whom she hasn't seen or heard from since childhood. With only a photo in hand and a vehicle that doesn't necessarily belong to either, the two set out on a road trip where they find themselves on a roller coaster of adventures which exposes realities and at times weirdness of others that very much exists in this world. The method of storytelling and satire is both clever and endearing, in which I was able to intellectually connect. I found the film to be a great mixture of dark comedy, drama and romance. In equal parts, I credit the Writer, Actors, Director and Cinematographer with creating solid framework and a film worthy of much praise.

Jenni is described as a 'super nerd' and a bit of a doormat. She has got hold of the wrong end of the stick in the life's fortune game and has had a life that few would envy. So in desperation she attempts to end her life. Enter Sam who is feisty, street wise and has a heart. She decides to help her newly acquired friend and so they head off to find Jenni's long lost father – along the way a bond grows between them.

Now this is a sweet movie and some of the scenes are borderline brilliant, but it can be a bit slow in places too and to be honest it ain't that funny. However it is one that will stay with you for the right reasons. The acting is all more than solid and it is also quite touching in places.

It is an independent effort and has had mixed reviews but most being positive – especially amongst younger women on IMDb. I am a man and I actually thought this had a really positive message and I quite enjoyed it – hence my rating which is me being generous but I like to encourage indie film makers.

This film lacks three main components: good acting, a good script, and cohesive direction. On paper, the main character has a compelling story, but the actor portraying her is more childish than child-like. The character of Sam was pretty much the only memorable and well played one in the bunch. The plot and characters are contrived and cartoon-ish. Plot points are dropped while others are used to smash the audience on the head over and over again. Specifically, two useless characters keep showing up and, although the audience would have to be brain-dead to not know what was coming up, I know I lost any interest in the ending long before it arrived.

This is probably the only movie of its kind of out there, finally something that's actually for Queer people and tackles a serious story from a fun and playful stance. I watched the film in San Francisco during Frameline and it was a really fun experience. This film is Not for everyone. It's not trying to be anything but what it is, which is pretty darn original. The characters at times are larger than life but comically so, where you feel completely engrossed in each of their worlds as the two main characters travel through.

It tackles some serious issues, suicide, child abandonment, abuse etc, but does it in such a comedic playful and poetic way, something I have rarely seen well delivered in small budget Indies. And that's another aspect of the film. It was made without any money, from what the filmmakers explained, and they still delivered a very watchable film, but again, it's not for everyone, the queers and weirdos will definitely appreciate it. It will take you places and you better be in for the ride or you'll fall off the wagon and hurt your tush and miss what it's all about.

What can I say about this film that hasn't already been said Everything! I sat through it anxious to see what will happen next. And was never disappointed wherever the story took me. The two main characters were a joy to watch, not to mention pleasant to the eyes. I loved how their personalities complimented each other as they grew to know one another. It made me smile to watch them, and I was super happy to see them end up together in the end. This movie was also filled with other characters that kept it not just flowing but also very interesting. I loved how light hearted it was, while still able to capture the intensity of the issues and trials laid before the main characters. It took the audience on an adventurous road trip that few would have the courage to take. I was happy to be along for the ride. I can honestly say I laughed and I cried while watching. Great movie!!!