When I Find the Ocean

I can only say that the positive reviews are obviously written by the director or her mother! This movie is bad on all accounts it's a wonder the writer/director/producer actually got these old TV stars on it. They must be so embarrassed to have their names attached. Director show's no perception or discernment when it comes to talent, why would she cast her daughter in the lead role, very bad move. The girl is wooden, shows no emotion or lack of connectivity to the material. Holly also doesn't seem to understand the craft of storytelling, the fact that this movie hasn't been formally reviewed or she's not showing it, is a testament that she knows full well it's a bomb. I don't know how anyone can take her seriously as a filmmaker or actually sign on with anything she's doing. Apparently she's going to write/direct/produce a new film about Bonnie and Clyde! Oh Lordy. And so what if it's her first film, there are many first time filmmakers that are truly brilliant, Holly ain't one of em. Get over it, your film is a waste of time, money.

I have to give this 3 stars only because it's a first time effort by an unknown director. The story had some of the same bones as "Bastard Out of Carolina" and the upcoming "Secret Life of Bees" with some "Fried Green Tomatoes" atmospheric shots. The premise of the story, set in 1965 civil rights era Alabama, is an interesting one, about a young girl with a loving family (grandparents and a well-meaning mother) dealing with loss, abuse, and heartache.

The main character, Lily, was played by the director's daughter of the same name. While likable, it was fairly obvious she had no acting skills or training of any sort, and it was not the best idea to put her in the starring role of a movie, especially with polished actors like Dianne Ladd and Graham Greene among others.

This film also reduced some characters to cartoon-like sensibilities, as well as absurd subplots (like wild panthers roaming the Alabama woods???). There's even a scene where young Lily smears shoe polish all over her face to disguise herself as a black child. I had to quit watching after that.

All in all, this movie was pretty awful. It only has some small shining moments in the performances of its veteran actors. This movie could have been much better with a well written script, a more experienced child lead actor and without the beyond ridiculous sub-plots.

I had a small role in this film and finally got around to watching it. People need to get the stick out of their butts. There are some great performances in this film.

It is a film my nieces and nephews will love. It reminded me of the Hallmark movies I watched when I was a kid. My Hats off to Tonya and everyone else that was apart of this production.

Lilly played her first major role like a pro, and brought an air of realism that some seasoned actors cannot. Being a lead in a feature film is hard work and I thought she rocked.

Best wishes to Cypress moon on future projects.

I believe that Tonya is a very very talented person and this movie is a great movie. It is a family drama that is clean and maybe the industry is not use to this quality. It deals with a lot of issues that are real... She did a very good job! So therefore, I have to say that I am proud of her accomplishments and her ability to have faith in friends and people that have faith in her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She has helped get many Alabama people involved in this industry and by the way I am from Alabama and Alabama people are proud of her and the work she is bringing to our state!!! Negitive people want to create negative for others, but it is how we perceive the negative.

I can only assume the positive ratings are by friends of the director. Especially the 9 star rating by someone who hasn't even seen the movie!The movie might actually have been semi-decent without the unprofessional, weak and pathetic performance of Lily, the director's daughter. She was embarrassingly poor. I understand this is a first attempt by the director so maybe we should cut her some slack. Okay, but since most of her other credits are as a talent caster and production assistant you'd think she would have done a better job of casting the lead. I will say that this is about the best I've seen Lee Majors act. He was darn good. Amy Redford's performance was disappointing. Story was thin and predictable as well. After Lily had taken her "whuppings" you'd think she'd be in some pain. Yet, both Granpa and Mom put their arms around her several times making me wince, but didn't seem to bother Lily in the least. On the positive side -- the score and the scenery were quite good. The director may have a future as a filmmaker, but she needs to be more judicious in her casting and directing. Good luck.