Camera Store

I didn't know what to expect given the pre-commentary. I was pleasingly surprised by its humour and wit, at least to this dull mind. I am glad I partook, although some may not find its moral particularly uplifting but it does serve to underline the nature of life. some believe that life/evolution is a race between predator and prey but it has also been convincingly studied as a race betwixt host and parasite. Granted that what is host and what is parasite will undoubtedly be in vast contention.

I was pleasantly surprised by this flick. It takes place in the mall I grew up in, though quite a few years later. Brought back memories of Night Court, NYC, parties in Upper Nyack. Enjoyed it a lot, especially having worked in that mall & others for decades. Good flick.

This is really a drama film, when you've bitten through the first 15 minutes (with a lot of swearing), a nice story unfolds. I began to sympathize with the main characters,(they were uncertain what next year would bring). And of course the nice twist a the end (2 actually). Of course this is my opinion, but it was not that bad at all.

(Flash Review)

This is pretty much a character (pointless) study of stubborn man who never had the gumption to take action on a great idea he had. The story revolves around a coupe other fellows who work at a camera store who are extremely cynical and quick to anger. The protagonist camera salesman had an idea for a 1 hour photo booth for several years and did nothing with it. Someone he knows (a slimy fellow) finally takes action on his idea and angers him. A few people try to help him achieve his vision yet he is too stubborn to accept help. Between that core story line are some weak side stories. Perhaps the story lacked focus because when it was all done, I didn't get the point to this film. Was it to observe a man struggling with his own self-pity? I couldn't find anything redeeming about it.

With brilliant Actors like John Rhys-Davies and John Larroquette, how can a movie miss? Easily. With that said, Camera Store is one missed opportunity after another. The collection of f-words throughout the movie is evidence of a cast attempting to work with a script with several holes in it. The story-line as well as the character development of the cast both lack substance. The audience finds themselves asking the question: who is the main character of this movie half way through. The first obstacle is to get passed the first 15 minutes of the movie. It's hard to see what the main plot of the movie is until it is too late. Supporting characters come and go and intersect with the central characters, not as comic relief but as part of the overall plot that falls short time and time again. The audience is trapped in a movie that they feel obligated to watch since they are roped into watching. Once we learn of the character's back story, if any, we are left not caring since none of the characters are believable let alone appealing. The idea that every photo has a negative side may be the premise of the movie, but in the end, who cares? Camera Store tries to be something that it is not. Scenes from a Mall, or a real depiction / Cassavetes like story, this movie is not. Much like the movie's poster, the genre is not properly depicted. Looking more like a Spy / Film Noir thriller, Camera Store has elements of comedy, but is far from a comedy. A weird drama type / low budget movie that depicts characters with no beginning, middle or end. In the end, Camera Store tries to be a "hit or miss" movie that is only for a certain type of audience. It is that reason alone that makes Camera Store a miss. Secondly, the motivation of every character in the story is questioned since we are looking at both the positive and negative, the real and the fake sides of the characters. Sounds good on paper, but on film, it's mostly negative.