The Garage

Just caught this movie at the San Fernando Valley Film Festival and was really taken aback by its quiet power. Very much in the "Stand By Me"/"Last Picture Show"/"Summer of '42" mode, it will hopefully find a wider audience outside the fest circuit. Very well-acted by a mix of newcomers and veteran talent, "The Garage" has a great, evocative look, and subtly brings back its late 1970s, pre-MTV time period. It's one of those universal stories about small town life that anyone who's ever left home--or thought about it, will definitely be moved by. The music and cinematography were impressive, too. Check it out if it lands at a festival or theatre near you.

"The Garage" shows life as it as. The cast talked to each other rather than at each other. The viewer felt that the cast was just as interested in what the other characters in this film had to say as the audience was. This movie wasn't like many of todays' movies are, where the cast just recites lines. The writing resembled Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, it depicted real people in real situations.It showed life as it is, not as many want life to be. Carl Thibault, as the writer and director has raised the bar for future low budget and independent movies. The directing couldn't have been better. There wasn't an unbelievable scene in this movie.The movie flowed just as real life flows,with good and bad times. I personally thought Mr. Thibault was an older gentleman, with more years of personal life experience to draw upon, as he was able to depict in his writing and directing, more realism then most big name writers and directors with "Major credits" show in their movies. The cinematography was also very good, watching the movie one didn't feel that they were in a movie theater, but in the scene with the characters; which is where the cinematography in a movie should take its' audience, but often doesn't. "The Garage" is worthy of a major release, and Mr. Carl Thibault has proved to be deserving of attention by the film industry powers that be, as both a writer and director. I'd give this movie a higher rating but one should always feel that there is room for improvement.

Just watched the movie at the LONG ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM EXPO on Long Island, New York. What a great film! More films should be made like this one. Audiences wait for a movie like this to hit the screen as it gives them a reason to feel a film, instead of just watching one. I really enjoyed the story and the depth of the characters. I learned after the film that it was semi-autobiographical of the writer/director Carl Thibault. I also learned that this was his first film, and what a way out of the gate! His direction was flawless and the performances he got from his ensemble cast came together to execute a story that was truly heartfelt! The photography alone is a reason to see this film!

It was so refreshing to see a movie containing real life experiences. No offense to the sci-fi or action heroes of today. We have just become so busy, and fast paced, we forgot the quieter days of yesteryear. When, what you had was just right, and family and friends were most important. The story was something so many can relate to including myself. There were no cell phones, mp3's, DVD's or cars that have the directions right in them. It was a story of trials and triumphs that was very well told. Two thumbs up to the writer. He has a story that is told all unto often today. The acting and the directing were terrific.They put me back to a time of my youth that has been long since forgotten.

The Garage was a wonderful piece of work, reminding me of a great meandering film called Tender Mercies in 1983, it was timeless also. Carl Thibault captured the small town feel and the raw realism of family dynamics in the rural areas of America. I could relate to many scenes, emotions and the entire feel of this film. My congratulations to the whole cast and crew, this was a wonderful experience to be a part of as a viewer.

The Garage was a wonderful piece of work

Awards 2007 - Park City Film Music Festival: Won - Feature Film: Audience Favorite 2007 - Southern Fried Flicks Film Festival: Won - Best Feature 2006 - California Independent Film Festival: Won - Best Director 2006 - California Independent Film Festival: Won - Best Picture 2006 - Fargo Film Festival: Won - Carl Thibault 2006 - Fargo Film Festival: Won - Narrative Feature Film 2006 - Long Island International Film Expo: Nominated - Best Cinematography/Honrable Mentions 2006 - Rome International Film Festival: Won - Narrative Feature 2006 - Twin Rivers Media Festival: Nominated - Feature Film