Camera Store

I was pleasantly surprised by this flick. It takes place in the mall I grew up in, though quite a few years later. Brought back memories of Night Court, NYC, parties in Upper Nyack. Enjoyed it a lot, especially having worked in that mall & others for decades. Good flick.

The choice paradox has been a challenge when finding newer movies of quality. Therefore, I just chose "Camera Store" off handedly and what a great surprise. It's become more rare to find movies which capture atmosphere in a meaningful level. The film really captures the sense of change which has been occurring in the past 10 years. I remember the rise of 80's America and the promise of hope based on consumerism. The local mall was the hub of business. Often times neighbors worked or owned businesses in the mall. The mall was part of everyday life in America. No one really ever imagined that "the mall" would become a relic just like "the camera store" in a time which everyone has a camera in hand. The film speaks to the change in our midst. Photos are almost arbitrary these days. Many of us take hundreds of not thousands of pictures with our phones then delete them in seconds. We can buy anything online without having to put on clothes. The shift from old to new when redundancy becomes real and possibly painful is palpable in this movie. The atmosphere of the movie conveys a sense of loss. A loss of connection with one another. A feeling of having been lost in a perception of the American Dream which never existed in the first place. An exhibition of the artifice of human existence in a world thoroughly corrupted by materialism. The years of relationships in the camera store basically come down to money. No more, no less. A very lonely place to find oneself in modern America.

This movie is set in 1994, the year Clerks was released. It takes place mostly in one location, and its characters swear a lot while working behind a cash register and experiencing major life changes over the course of a single day. That's about all it has in common with Kevin Smith's first feature, as it contains none of the charm, wit, or dramatic weight of the earlier film. It has more professional actors, camerawork, editing, and better filmmaking in general, sure -- but nothing all that interesting or important happens, and nothing these characters do makes any sense. They just talk and talk and talk without getting anywhere or learning anything. Nothing changes, no one evolves, and none of the characters relate to each other in a meaningful way...and some of them are super racist for no reason whatsoever! Its themes fall flat, and by the time it's over one is left wondering what the point was...turns out, there wasn't one.

With brilliant Actors like John Rhys-Davies and John Larroquette, how can a movie miss? Easily. With that said, Camera Store is one missed opportunity after another. The collection of f-words throughout the movie is evidence of a cast attempting to work with a script with several holes in it. The story-line as well as the character development of the cast both lack substance. The audience finds themselves asking the question: who is the main character of this movie half way through. The first obstacle is to get passed the first 15 minutes of the movie. It's hard to see what the main plot of the movie is until it is too late. Supporting characters come and go and intersect with the central characters, not as comic relief but as part of the overall plot that falls short time and time again. The audience is trapped in a movie that they feel obligated to watch since they are roped into watching. Once we learn of the character's back story, if any, we are left not caring since none of the characters are believable let alone appealing. The idea that every photo has a negative side may be the premise of the movie, but in the end, who cares? Camera Store tries to be something that it is not. Scenes from a Mall, or a real depiction / Cassavetes like story, this movie is not. Much like the movie's poster, the genre is not properly depicted. Looking more like a Spy / Film Noir thriller, Camera Store has elements of comedy, but is far from a comedy. A weird drama type / low budget movie that depicts characters with no beginning, middle or end. In the end, Camera Store tries to be a "hit or miss" movie that is only for a certain type of audience. It is that reason alone that makes Camera Store a miss. Secondly, the motivation of every character in the story is questioned since we are looking at both the positive and negative, the real and the fake sides of the characters. Sounds good on paper, but on film, it's mostly negative.

In the hustle and bustle of this 21st century electric life one rarely reflects on times gone by.

This movie is a rich portrayal of a life lived with and between people, with its moments of purposelessness, morbidity and delight. Not something most people would enjoy these days perhaps but for myself it was a warm breeze laced with memory. And once in a while, we need to remember.

Script: 7/10 - Solid Direction: 8/10 - Hit mostly right notes Acting: 9/10 - Brilliant