We Are Kings

This movie casts a spell and doesn't break it. The music and the settings are very well thought out and support the overall experience of the film. It's great to see an indie film that puts together such a beautifully crafted audience experience. Highly enjoyable. I would recommend this to just about everyone, but especially if you like the Blues. It's worth getting the DVD, you'll want to watch this one again.

The things that prevented me from giving all 10 stars were very minor, but I really have only given 10 stars to a total of 3 movies, ever. Keeping in mind the budget and other considerations you have to make for indie films, this one really is a home run.

We are Kings doesn't always click, but when it does, it really does! Great music enhances this road trip thru blues country - and with a twist that is better left unmentioned here. Personally I am intrigued by sort of mythical deep south stories, and into road movies, and into blues, and into underdog stories -- so this is like a combination of elements that has a lot of pull for this viewer (and it is funny). The romanticism inherent in the idea of traveling into the deep south in a big motor-home with a bless "Yoda" -- and the perspective of aspiring musicians exploring this rich heritage and everything, and working against what are huge odds to connect with the music and an audience (stardom and fame???) -- well it's a pretty magnetic movie recipe. Performances by mainly "unknown" cast are surprisingly endearing and effective - again, my personal preference is often for non-movie star actors because they seem to carry so much extra baggage -- there can be a great feeling of discovery and realness in stories that use non- famous people.

Let me start this off by saying that I LOVE Blues and Rock & Roll. "We Are Kings" is a traveling movie that is both charming and hits the right notes.

IB King (Sammy Blue) hits the road from Chicago to Mississippi and along his struggle/journey comes across three very different musicians. Each one has their own/different sound that influences his own style as he takes them under his wing. The interactions felt real and the movie's connection and love for music shines. The south is also a character in the movie. Road movies are only as successful as the places they show us and how they add to the story/struggle. With each stop, IB King gets closer to his goal.

I highly recommend this movie for music lovers such as myself.

I'll start this off with a caveat... I'm not a fan of the blues.

That being said, the music in this little indy film is charming, varied, and enjoyable. Something for everyone. My personal favorite is Bianca Ryan singing a soft and simple rendition of "Are you from Dixie?" - not at all like the strong belting blues she normally sings. Boogie Long is equally good and adds some rather incredible guitar licks to a respectable voice.

However...

The story and acting needed work. I'm sure some, if not all, of the actors are good at their craft, but their lines are wooden. The premise is similar to may others, and as it becomes a road movie, the only thing tying it all together is the breaks of musical interludes. I would guess that's what kept me watching. Start to finish, this could have been a much better. film, and is only saved by the music, which his actually pretty genuine. I know it's an indy, and with a minuscule budget, but it coulda been better. much better.

We Are Kings is proof that budget is not what makes a great movie. This Indie film hits every note perfectly, from the uplifting story, interesting characters, heartbreak, humor, struggle, success, excellent acting, great music, beautiful cinematography -- to a funky old bus called the Blues Bucket.

This is a story for all generations and makes a great family film to be watched many times over.

The actors as musicians are the real deal -- multi-talented genuine musicians with heart and soul -- and you can tell!!! I'm not typically a fan of musicals but this film completely won me over, no small thing!!! Writer, Director Toby Hubner deserves high praise indeed, as does his cast and crew, for creating such a wonderful gift of a film. Kudos indeed!!!