The Park Bench

I thought this movie was going to be slow and simple, but it was so much more than I originally thought. I really enjoyed it so much. It was charming and strangely moving. It hit me on a much deeper level then I had anticipated. The story follows two people who are forced together to pass a college literature class. The situations and dialogue that the two main characters share just feel so detailed and real. I love the way the stories are played out in animation. It adds another layer to the whole film. A big part of the success of the film is the two leads - Walter Perez and Nicole Hayden. They're so fun to watch and they're relationship with each other feels authentic. I saw it at a festival and can't wait until it comes out on DVD.

A fully predictable, unrealistic film that regrettably perpetuates stereotypes about cultural diversity in the United States and over-simplifies complex issues such as culture, identity, immigration, and love. I found this film insulting on many levels, a lot more thought, insight, and frankly respect should have gone into the writing of this film prior to its production.

The topic of an inter-cultural relationship could have been developed in a more realistic manner while still incorporating elements of comedy. Independent film is not the place to follow predictable plot lines and fail to intelligently contribute to the conversation about the issues presented.

I was almost halfway through this film before I noticed there was virtually no mise-en-scène. Take that is a high compliment.

I found myself asking if I could have come up with the budget for this film. It's a fun concept that never fails to intrigue!

The place setting comes alive solely through the narrative, and live it does. Awesome! Actors, words, a little lighting. Millions are spent to bring huge films to screen, but then a little gem like this comes along and says "Hey, why all the fuss? Tell a story."

Unpredictability is not the gold standard in film. Story telling is. Okay - I get it's not epic cinema, and doesn't come with a surprise twist ending - but the essence of what film strives to be is present and delivered.

I thought this movie was really lovely and funny. The acting was great and made me truly care about the characters. With the animated stories and the movie unfolding like chapters in a book, I enjoyed the idea of using literature as a way to get to know someone. It was a really fun ride. Nicole Hayden as Emily was fantastic - balancing her neurosis with warmth and a real tenderness for Mateo. I really enjoyed the way the two played off each other. Many of the books used in the story I remember reading which was enjoyable to revisit. Even though the story was small, I thought it tackled some of the bigger universal themes of love and friendship and passion.

This is a sweet movie about a budding romance between a tutor and her student. They sit on a park bench and the film jumps from one meeting to the next with animated titles between them. It is cute, and one reviewer said that it didn't rise above that. I found myself, however, musing over what I thought was the film's question, "How do you know love when you find it." I don't often muse about romcoms after I see them, so I would say it was more than just cute.