Free Byrd

If you're in the mood for a feel good indie film that pulls on your heart, watch 'Free Byrd'!! Unique story and good road trip film for spring/summer! Watch it with your parents or grandparents!

I had some hopes for this flick even though it was obviously very low budget, the beginning wasn't bad. In fact everything was fine - well, at least I was meeting it halfway - until the old, ugly men catch up with a troupe of burlesque dancers.

Just an announcement to those whom it may concern: sex workers don't sit around saying "yummy" over geriatric retirees or say that roly-poly balding 55 year olds are "kinda cute" in passing. This is completely and utterly unrealistic. In fact when the women were first introduced, I thought they were street prostitutes trying to hustle the two men for money.

It's not "charming" or "life affirming" that elderly men or homely, out-of-shape, middle-aged men think they still deserve to be chased and bedded by younger, fitter and more attractive women. It's called misogyny. Charming and life affirming would be these two characters matching with likewise ladies, like adults.

A trip is naturally predictable. Somebody is going somewhere. Nonetheless, unpredicted things might happen in the way. It's pretty much like life. We are born and we are going to die, a certainty, but what will happen in our journey is a mystery.

That's why Free Byrd has a cohesive plot. It's a road movie with life's uncertainties as the main theme. It invites audience to reflect about death, dreams, relashionships and other universal themes through the characters' travel.

Jay Butler (Randy Nazarian), an elderly house van driver, must take Harry Byrd (Raymond J. Barry), an obstinate elder to another institution. Harry is not happy with moving and doesn't let things easy for Jay. Byrd's stubbornnesss causes changes in their plans and lives... It's a simple plot and the screenplay is not pretentious either. Less is more sometimes and I liked the writing. The adventure is nice and the obstacles make sense. Jay, Harry, Aunt Evelyn and Charles Byrd are great characters.

In the other hand, I felt a lack of character development regarding the kittenettes (with the exception of Red), Jay's kids and Harry's daughters.

Some 5 or 10 screen minutes add to the runtime could improve this aspect and help with the pacing. The beginning and the end seemed quite hurried.

About the acting, I was delighted by Randy Nazarian performance, his Jay is very charismatic and believable. Raymond J. Barry did a great job in portraying Byrd's transformation throughout the journey. Besides, their interactions were adorable. Bettina Devin steals the attention in her scenes as Aunt Evelyn, she is terrific. Also, Bob Turton made Chucky a well done villain.

The locations were well thought out. They give the trip feeling that makes road movies special. Ryan Castaneda did a good job with the cinematography.

Dan Radlauer made the landscapes more moving with his beautiful scores. He also helped a lot with the scenes atmosphere: comic, dramatic and adventurous.

Free Byrd is enjoyable, like its name, but should be classified as a dramatic comedy to give viewers a more accurate expectation on it.

Genuinely heart felt entertaining with a twist of comedy and good acting too.

If you are looking for reality and satire this come as a full package.

I didn't know the cast but they did a hell of a job!!!

Well done guys!

Feeling down for the lockdown.... Then watching this movie it will help you to raise a positive smile!!!!

Great acting, story line and characters. Loved the movie. Sad, funny and heartwarming.