The Family Tree

Low budget gay themed movie set around Christmas time in Panama. Roy, one of the lead characters, was gorgeous, but the actor playing him was weak at times - a little too monotone. The first half was rather charming and heartwarming, with an unexpected sudden twist. But the second half became unbelievably convoluted, disappointing and unreal. This could have been so much better.....we had ample eye candy and parts of the script were realistically written and acted. Favorite part was when Roy and Victor just came home from signing their contract. They were playful and the scene looked like real people playing real people. Never was there sex crazed human animals throwing themselves at each other like wild dogs and kissing madly as hard as possible. Yep....that's what directors typically show.....so it was nice to see a director trying to stay real at times. After looking at more stills of Michael Nelson, I have to chastise the Director for not showcasing Mr. Nelson more thoroughly and completely throughout the movie. Only once did we get to see an appealing, naturalistic part of Mr. Nelson....during the dance and subsequent breakfast scenes. The rest of the movie should have built upon showcasing the lovable personality and visual aspects of Nelson. Epic failure.....even if Nelson had some acting weaknesses.

"THE FAMILY TREE" Life, Family and Friends Amos Lassen I have been a huge fan of Panamanian director Jorge Ameer since I first began reviewing and, in fact, one of his films was one of the first I ever reviewed. I am lucky that Ameer gives me an early shot at his films just as he has done with his newest film "The Family Tree". I have watched Ameer and his films mature, I never know what to expect with an Ameer film-- his range is so wide and diverse. I was truly in the mood for a sensitive film and that is what "The Family Tree" is. It is also the best film he has made as yet. The plot is amazing, the cinematography is lush, the music is sublimely divine and the production as a whole is stunning. However, because of the nature of the plot, I can't say too much without giving something away and I want everyone to have the same beautiful experience I had watching it. Roy (Michael Joseph Nelson) is married to Alina (Anais Lucia) in this Christmas story. They are eager to bring a child into the world but, it is just not happening for them. Victor (Keith Roenke), comes into their lives and changes everything. The three main characters' lives become intertwined through a series of events that are unsuspected and strongly brings them together and perhaps bring happiness to Roy and Alina. I could not help being drawn into the emotions of what I was watching. As the story moves forward, it touches the viewer evoking emotions especially when we meet Victor, a young workaholic animal rescuer for a local shelter. He is lonely and also an immigrant and he loves the Christmas holidays. When he was a child, Victor made dolls for the holidays, a Panamanian tradition. This year will be really special for him-- he will find love, friendship and especially family. That Christmas something otherworldly enters the world as part of an old Panamanian tradition and through that Victor learns a great deal as does the audience. I love the inclusion of an old Panamanian tradition that is still practiced today. Watching what happens on screen reminds us that we cannot let ourselves forget our good memories and how important it is to be with those who we love The performances are unforgettable all around. In no way did I expect the sensations that the film delivered and it is with tears of sensitivity in my eyes that I am writing this review. Seeing the beauty of the film reinforces that there is never enough beauty in our lives.

I like this film so much. When it is about friendship it is so fantastic. Always a fan of these kinds of movies! The artists are so lovely.

This is a very low budget film, set in Panama City (although the chance to showcase this exotic locale is squandered.) The story line is so unrealistically over-the-top that it is downright laughable in places.

The 2 male leads provide some welcome eye candy. But only one of them displays any acting ability, with the other droning his lines without any change in expression or inflection throughout the entire film.

While the plot is ludicrous, it is not the worst thing about this film. That honor is split between 2 technical aspects. The first of these is the atrocious sound quality, with much of the dialogue being completely incomprehensible. ( This is true not only through the entire film, but also in the extra features on the disk.) In addition, the entire film is so poorly edited, with static scene after static scene, each running to 2 to 3 times the length that would be needed to make its point. Thus, there is no sense of pacing, as the film creeps along to its bloated 2+ hours in length.

In short, this movie is unsuccessful in so many ways: unable to tell a cogent, believable story, or to do it in an entertaining and technically proficient manner. Little redeeming value here.

I have watched some awful movies in my time. This is absolutely the very worst I have ever seen. Believe me that's a stretch. Acting seriously? None of these would have made the audition. Stiff dead lifeless! Your pick it's all that and more. Also no gay persons worth their weight, would agree to what this says. I am horrified beyond words. It's utterly disgraceful this was aloud to take up two hours, when 10 minutes would have done. Reviews of 9-10 are obviously the actors and the production company. No story line, no continuity, sound quality equal to singing on the bath. Watch at your own peril of never getting back the two hours, you could have taken your eyeballs out and washed them.