The Uncivil War: America Divided

It's a fairly balanced account of summer 2020, but the lessons are still contemporary- spending too much time on social media and letting politics divide yourself from others isn't healthy, it could even kill you. While it leans conservative and ignores some points for more succinct storytelling, there were liberal viewpoints addressed. The dating aspect is very cute and lends a lot of humor to what could be a much more serious tragedy. Most in the audience couldn't help wanting a Pina Colada. ;) Another highlight to any resident or fan of the Tampa Bay area is trying to locate just where each scene was shot. It's great to see our backyard on screen.

Uncivil War - America Divided is a timely piece for 2024 in that the events that happened in 2020 are still happening today. With it being an election year when the film enters theatrical and festival distribution, it's the perfect time to reflect and have conversations.

The story revolves around two friends who disagree when events take place in 2020. The narrative itself follows a hero's journey with some pivots that do not divert from the overall arc of the story. Daniel Roebuck brings a delightful and validating character to the conflicted David Siracusa who is struggling to find balance from an entrepreneurial life and his personal life. Musetta Vander is a breath of fresh air as a woman who brings perspective to the troubled character along with Bronsonn Taylor as the main supporting actor. The ensemble itself really leaves the audience with questions to ponder within themselves.

Whether you agree or disagree with the overall content of the film, this is a story to look at and think within yourselves and leave with conversations among friends and family. Politics are tough and many do not know how to balance it with overall dialogue. This film is an eye opening way of looking into it. I encourage you to give it a try.

This topic is very important and timely, but the movie missed the mark on portraying it deeply and offering suggestions to help the problem. Especially since George Floyd's death, camps have formed with very diverse opinions and seemingly no way to talk to one another. There is a great liberal/ conservative and black/ white divide in this country, but the movie made no attempt to look at the roots of these problems and how one might adopt ways to relate to folks that hold differing points of view. There was a subplot involving dating that I found very sexist and shallow.

I was disappointed. I'd hoped to hear different ideas and viewpoints that could be discussed. Back to the drawing board for this script!

I thoroughly enjoyed the premiere of "The Uncivil War". There is no way to paint a complete picture in the time frame that a movie presentation allows, but the writer David Siracusa and director Andrew Huff did a great job in offering a dual perspective without blame or shame on either side. I can certainly appreciate their open-mindedness and their desire to help viewers see both points of view. I was a little surprised that clips from the preview and sizzle real were left out of the final edit, as I was expecting to still see those missing scenes when the movie ended. I do understand why the clips were left on the cutting room floor and replaced with other scenes, as it could have caused unnecessary controversy that went against the movie's original intent. Again, I really enjoyed it. GREAT work!!

The overall theme and costar were outstanding and authentic. This movie masterfully avoids portraying either side as right or wrong, instead focusing on how social media and legacy media amplify the differences between opposing ideologies. Most importantly, the film highlights the similarities between some of the opposing characters, creating a nuanced and thought-provoking narrative.

The film's pacing, while slower in some parts, allows for deep character development. Although some scenes might feel prolonged, they add depth and context to the characters' decisions. When the significant moments occur, they are impactful and drive the story forward, even if the transitions could use more buildup.

Bronsonn Taylor is the standout of this film, delivering an incredibly genuine performance. Every scene he is in captivates the audience, portraying a strong yet vulnerable man caught up in the real-world events of 2020.

Despite being a low-budget film with some limitations in cinematography, locations, and casting, these aspects also lend authenticity to the 2020 setting. The sense of isolation depicted in the movie, whether intentional or not, resonates deeply with the pandemic experience.

I highly recommend this movie to everyone, especially those with strong political convictions who are active on the internet. It's a film that will resonate and provoke thought long after the credits roll.