The Park Bench

I thought this movie was going to be slow and simple, but it was so much more than I originally thought. I really enjoyed it so much. It was charming and strangely moving. It hit me on a much deeper level then I had anticipated. The story follows two people who are forced together to pass a college literature class. The situations and dialogue that the two main characters share just feel so detailed and real. I love the way the stories are played out in animation. It adds another layer to the whole film. A big part of the success of the film is the two leads - Walter Perez and Nicole Hayden. They're so fun to watch and they're relationship with each other feels authentic. I saw it at a festival and can't wait until it comes out on DVD.

A fully predictable, unrealistic film that regrettably perpetuates stereotypes about cultural diversity in the United States and over-simplifies complex issues such as culture, identity, immigration, and love. I found this film insulting on many levels, a lot more thought, insight, and frankly respect should have gone into the writing of this film prior to its production.

The topic of an inter-cultural relationship could have been developed in a more realistic manner while still incorporating elements of comedy. Independent film is not the place to follow predictable plot lines and fail to intelligently contribute to the conversation about the issues presented.

This film seems so unassuming but it really packs a punch. It did for me anyway. The characters felt like they really existed and I ended up getting really invested in their lives. It's small, for sure, but it's very lovely. One reason I think it works so well is because the actors have terrific chemistry. They play off each other well and the way they slowly confide in each other seems completely plausible. I just wanted to see what would happen the next day they met, and the next...

I also loved the animation - so colorful and fun. It added another dimension to the whole film. I wish there were more movies like this that told simple but engaging stories with characters I wanted to follow. It just made me feel good.

I hope more people will discover this movie.

This is a sweet movie about a budding romance between a tutor and her student. They sit on a park bench and the film jumps from one meeting to the next with animated titles between them. It is cute, and one reviewer said that it didn't rise above that. I found myself, however, musing over what I thought was the film's question, "How do you know love when you find it." I don't often muse about romcoms after I see them, so I would say it was more than just cute.

I loved this movie! The dance scene is my favorite - I have re-watched it a thousand times just like I have the proposal scene from Pride & Prejudice. The relationship development was terrific. I've tried finding other movies with Walter Perez, but the others I've seen (Fame) didn't showcase him as well as this one.