Fred & Vinnie

"Fred & Vinnie" is a very strange film and I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it...and this is much of why I gave the movie a 6 and not a lower score. However, I should warn you that although it's listed as a comedy, it's really not...at least not in a traditional sense. It's actually quite tragic and unfunny-- especially when you realize that the film is based on true people!

Fred Stoller plays himself in the film. He's a lonely single guy struggling in Hollywood and one day he makes a huge mistake--he invites his friend Vinnie to move in with him. It turns out Vinnie is one of the most annoying people on Earth and he's also chronically unemployed and a moocher. After a while, it becomes obvious that Fred has inherited Vinnie---and getting rid of the pathetic guy will be practically impossible.

Had the film NOT been based on a real person and had the film NOT had such a downbeat ending, I would have enjoyed it more. Instead, it left me feeling depressed and a bit like a voyeur who SHOULDN'T have been watching these folks. Mental illness and personality disorders are not particularly the stuff of comedies! Hard to watch at times though the acting was quite nice. I wouldn't mind seeing more from these folks but I would recommend that they try infusing some more energy and watchability into future projects.

I had no idea that I was in for such a special film. Fred & Vinnie was heartwarming and reminded me of a time in my own life. I laughed and cried. Cliché but true.

The story was so authentic that it really impressed me. At no time during that film did I ever feel like I was watching a joke. The whole time I knew I was seeing something real. The acting was wonderful, comic timing - completely believable. Editing was perfect.

The use of lighting and color was inspirational. The way the movie transports you through time and makes you feel as uncomfortable as the star does while laughing through tears was absolutely magical.

I really enjoyed this film.