Jones Plantation

Okay. Just to get it out of the way, this is a low budget production. Obviously so. The most distracting areas this popped up for me were with the music and some of the editing and staging of scenes. Some reviewers have talked about the acting, but I really didn't notice too many issues there.

If you just can't watch low budget movies, then maybe you should avoid. I think that'd be a shame though because this movie has a lot to offer in terms of social commentary, though they do go over the top at times spelling it out for the audience.

My 8/10 is for the commentary being offered and the interesting idea of exploring it in this specific time period. I was hooked from start to finish, despite elements that, in other productions, might have made me stop watching.

I subtracted 2 points for the distracting score, some awkward/jarring choices with regard editing and scenes, and for not trusting your audience to make the connection, feeling you had to spell it out constantly.

As someone who is aware of the Youtube "Jones Plantation", it was very interesting to see that come to life.

I thought the sets were nice and the story was pretty interesting. I wasn't bored and thought it had a decent pace.

It's a budget movie, but it was nicely executed.

The "insider" cameos were fun, but the main characters caught and held my attention.

I can see how this could repel people who are caught up, and invested in mainstream narratives, and world views. But then they would wouldn't they?

I found the experience to be akin to watching a good theatre play and will have fun showing it to people so I can ask them questions to perhaps lead them to self-reveal some of their cognitive dissonances, lol.

Anyway, thought it was a good film and better than most films that come out these days from the mainstream.

Yeah, watch it. It could well mind bend you with a new perspective on the system that encompasses the modern world.

This movie is brilliant! A must see! An original script that will open your eyes to the illusion we have taken as having a choice. The character Mr Smith was played brilliantly, as he kept the plantation slaves, AND Mr Jones captivated by weaving the web of false freedom we all can relate to. And Mr Jones? You could not have chosen a better man for the role. And Samuel, a man a lot of us can relate. It saddens me knowing that so many have and will receive the same treatment he was given.

This is a must see for all, raise yourself above being offended, take a deep breath and reflect on the generic emotions and slogans you have been fed whole life. You, and me also, live on the jones plantation.

Ten stars.

Get ready to be hit by some uncomfortable home truths. You think you are in control, but are you really?

The good: love it or hate it, will not leave you indifferent. The film asks a hard question and will push and push for answers from an audience that starts by simply rejecting the question.

The bad: perhaps the script tries to squeeze in too much, there's enough material for a series. Low budget, but It is amazing what they managed to do with it, I forgot about it ten minutes in.

And the pretty: Maurice Johnson absolutely shines here, he delivers in spades, with relish and panache. Loved it.

Bias disclaimer: around 11 years ago that came across a YouTube video called The Jones Plantation. It is what this movie is based upon. Given the fact that I was so infatuated with the YouTube video (which I recommend) I will say I am biased in my review. And I tried my best to remain as objective as possible.

Acting: 5/10

Some of the acting is amazing. Maurice does a great job. Sometimes Mr. Jones does good, but other times he just really falls flat. The same goes with most the other supporting actors and actresses. Then there is just some line delivery or acting that just does not do it. It does not convey the emotional element or the dialogue/ writing. Just seems forced. Very few times it seems. Unnatural. All in all, I've seen worse acting on the films. I've enjoyed more, and I've seen better acting in indie films I have not cared for.

Plot: 10/10

And so very refreshing to have something that is not supposed to be taken at face value. That's not a movie about a plantation or slavery in the 1800s. It's an allegory. The actual setting of the movie is just that of a metaphor for the idea of the movie is trying to convey. If you watch anything of just slavery in the time period, it's going to feel and seem very off, but if you consider the government/states/culture instead of a plantation then you will quickly realize the meaning and message behind the film. To avoid spoilers, if you change the lens from what you expect to a wider aspect of what the writers trying to tell you , then you will see the film in a different light. I find this really refreshing compared to most blockbuster and indie film development. Something that seems fresh, different, and you unique as well as introducing fresh faces and a fresh idea to cinema.

Production: 6/10

The production called was really well, it wasn't expecting a lot of locations or beautiful country sides. I think they did well with their budget for settings, though it would be nice to see a few different places. The scenes kind of get redundant as far as the background goes. Even utilizing different angles and different shots, not a lot. Really changes as far as the setting goes. I don't want to call it. A lack of effort more than it's just a lack of budgeting and using what you've got. I gave him a little leeway but it still wouldn't. Nice to see some different scenery.

Now as far as shots and camera angles go, they weren't flat. No point that I feel like I was watching someone's first attempt at shooting in the movie. At the same time some of the shots did feel formulaic as well as redundant. While they were small. Little things I could pick out that made me say, "oh yeah this is a different shot," I did find myself double guessing whether or not I was seen the same shot for a different scene or not.

Overall, I'd say 8 out of 10. I loved it. Identify myself switching too much to my phone. They were times I would get distracted and I'd feel like I need to rewind and double check something. But overall it was a fresh and interesting movie. I really loved it.