Living with Uncle Ray

Living with Uncle Ray shows how difficult it is for a veteran to return from a war to his family especially where there are children and to adjust to todays world and all the different things that came to be since he went away. Nostalgia is a key in this film and so is understanding and patience from adults and children.

The film was well done and it is also a family film. The children in this film were excellent performers as well as Uncle Ray. The interaction was well orchestrated. Bringing in the TV shows of yesteryear and Uncle Ray only wanting to hear about the News showed how many people react today as well.

This is a very good movie that I wish could have been out in the mainstream long ago. I've seen the trailers and had to wait far too long for it. It has everything: Humor, a serious side, compassion (at times), heartache, and it ties all of them together nicely. Mr. Duffy and Ms. Corinna need to be allowed the opportunity to expand on their talents as writers/directors with some back-up from the Hollywood community. Frank Payne, Kipleigh Brown and Gene Duffy all stand out as well as Steven Christopher Parker as Jimmy. It basically shows the struggles of recent Vet Ray who has a sister and 3 kids and the constant struggles for Ray to adapt to civilian life, as well as living with his past. Oh, that poor next door rooster. Do me a favor, watch the flick, then watch it again...I missed a lot of good stuff the first time around because they are so in-depth at telling the story of Uncle Ray. He ... and the movie, deserve better.

I loved this movie. It was really a heartwarming story of a dysfunctional family and the love that they have for each other. The characters are well defined, original and brilliant in their performances. The storyline was excellent, with drama, humor, tragedy and redemption. Uncle Ray did an excellent job in portraying a Vietnam Vet who is attempting to reconnect with his life after returning from the war. Uncle Ray's sister and her children find inventive and sometimes humorous ways to cope with their situation. The dysfunctional neighbors bring a colorful, heartwarming and tragic touch to this story. This is a gritty, real life story that packs an emotional punch. I purchased this movie online so that I could watch it again. Try it out, I think you will be surprised.

Living with Uncle Ray was both hysterical and entertaining. Although you can feel for Ray's discomfort with being a Vietnam veteran and having to adapt to a family life, the situation quickly becomes extremely comical. With Ray's niece and nephews irritated with his constant control over the television, they concoct a few plans to distract him while they attempt to regain possession of their coveted television. The scene where Ray gets a new "motorcycle" is hilarious. I won't forget the line, "She's some piece of machinery right there." Of course, once you throw the Humphries and their aggravating pet rooster into the mix, things become even more comical. And then another twist...Ray's sons? You'll just have to watch to see where this tale ends up going and what becomes of its beloved characters.

I was fully entertained by Jennifer Corinna and Gene Duffy's, "Living with Uncle Ray." I was especially impressed by their casting and direction. The performances are natural and believable under the facile direction of Ms. Corinna and Mr. Duffy. Especially noteworthy were Frank Payne as Manny and Steven Christopher Parker as Jimmy. Gene Duffy's portrayal of Uncle Ray is excellent, believable and a real stretch for Mr. Duffy who, in real life, is a Hollywood hunk. Although Mr. Duffy gave a very credible performance, in future films, I would hope to see him take advantage of His God-given attributes as a leading man rather than hide behind the mask of a character, no matter how skillfully portrayed. As he ages, there'll be plenty of time for character roles. With what I surmise as a limited budget, these film makers have filled the screen with an entertaining film with fine acting and production value. It all starts with the story, and I believe Mr. Duffy has many more stories to share with us. Following in the footsteps of so many writer/actor/directors that preceded him, I believe we'll be seeing much more of Mr. Duffy's talents in the future. My hat goes off to Corinna and Duffy for their first film which is the beginning of many more to come.