An American Reunion

My fiance' Jonah and I used to live below the Jodi & Jim Fitzpatrick in Los Angeles back in the early 90's. They were very talented actors, but also lived their lives as common folks. No egos, no attitudes, just fun loving naturally kind hearted people. They enjoyed the holidays, especially Christmas and I remember them showing all of the Christmas cartoons "Frosty," "Charlie Brown," "Rudolph," and I remember thinking how sweet that was for all of us to watch. It brought back memories. Then one day, I remember Jimmy getting a call from his mother that his High School girlfriend shot & killed herself...shocking. But, instead of Jimmy becoming depressed, he wrote a play about their relationship and a ten year reunion called "Ten Year." I know this because my fiance' (then husband) Jonah played a role in the play. Finally when we saw the movie we were so touched and happy for them, because the movie ended-up being an homage to past loves lost and friendships taken for granted. So, Jodi & Jimmy, congratulations on making such a deeply touching film. We love you both and we miss you.

Without sounding holier than thou, I hope that my comments are not taken out of context.

A couple decades ago I was cheering with a Professional football team and several of my peers and I were at a charity event, where I met Jim Fitzpatrick. At the time Jimmy was playing for another professional football team in the same town called the Tampa Bay Bandits.

After the event about a dozen of us went to Bennegens for a bite to eat. Needless to say, libation followed. Only then did we begin talking about our personal lives, when I opened up to our group about one of my relatives committing suicide.

Jim was immediately focused and supportive simultaneously like I've never seen anyone become involved before when I talked about my cousin.

Jim had known somebody that had taken their life that he knew in high school and now I come to find out a girl he dated in high school also did the same. Jim's a very emotional guy that always cared enough to listen to other peoples problems to the point that he became somewhat like psychiatrist. Thanks for making this movie Jimmy.

It helps everybody to know they're not alone with this situation.

This story forces you to reflect and remember the friendships, that we've all had in our lives, that ultimately effected us forever. Those relationships that shaped our humanity and compassion. Those people, whose names and faces are etched in our hearts, 'til the day we die. And it seems as though, that reuniting with people that cared about us for who we were, and not what we had, can be the our truest barometer for life. It's all about the lessons we learned together, and the experiences we shared. The passions we developed, and the hopes we deployed. This story taps into the psyche, and forces you to examine the choices we've all made in our lives. No matter what the outcome. But, to know however, that if we should fail with our choices, that we would still be loved and held dear by those who truly are friends for life. American Friends & Lovers, is a refreshing point of view regarding friendship... humorously and painfully depicted in this piece.

I have never seen a movie that was so hilariously specific to exacting a suicide attempt, as a way of saying what needed to be said to prevent it.

It appears that thousands of people that eventually do commit suicide, didn't have such a strong clique of good friends to compel the depressed person to consider the upside of a tough life.

Most people have been sheltered and babied so much, that they become such big babies when it comes to their personal needs and unrequited desires, that it's important to spell-out the good times and memories that placed them in such a negative situation.

Psychology is stranger and deeper than most people could ever imagine, unless you've known that person for years and years. It's a great thing to show the importance of friendship and support, through-out our lives. This pseudo true story is money when it describes relationships past and future with this prose.

ex: The character Jamie is asked, "Do you ever finds it's harder to give someone new everything you have, when you've already given someone else, everything you had?" DEEP...and true. I found this project to be beautifully shot and on the money with the acting and directing. What a subtle gem!

I am truly looking forward to my ten year reunion now. This movie has peaked my interest in how my friends have turned out and what they are doing for a living. After graduating high school I came to New York, then went to Los Angeles, then to Miami, then...

The guy that wrote this story has been deeply affected by his high school days, and I think that's wonderful. Most people just move on with their lives but this guy, has hit a major nerve with this movie. My first love, my first romance, and my first experience with losing a close friend all happened right after high school. I think about the friends and lovers and even the one night stands I had, in high school all the time. Sometimes it saddens me, but I choose to remember them, and their smiles. Great movie Mr. Fitzpatrick. I just never give any movies a ten.