Odd Brodsky

Director-screenwriter Cindy Baer brings us the endearing and enduring charm of Audrey "Odd" Brodsky (Tegan Ashton Cohan) in a great follow-your-dreams tale made fully realized by the terrific character sketching of its namesake role.

"Odd" is a nickname authored by those who have paid witness to her uniqueness of spirit firsthand, and this engrossing comedy movie tracks her as she leaves home for the glittering possibilities of Hollywood, only to soon find herself in a soul-destroying office job. Despite the added complication of the fact the job pays all too well, Odd does indeed rid herself of it, jumping headlong into the churning Hollywood shark tank where aspiration and creative commodification collide.

Filled with great writing and performances, "Odd Brodsky" is a film for anyone who has found themselves in a place desperately different than the one which was dreamed. But it's ultimately a story of resilience and recalibration through personal growth, and provides a wonderful uplift for those in pursuit of something that resides in the heart. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)

Odd Brodsky engages you from the first moment when the young Audrey Brodsky captures your heart with her dreams. The film is beautifully written and crafted and carries you along with the ups and downs of Audrey's life, so well portrayed by Tegan Ashton Cohan. The characters who surround her are equally well crafted and acted with just the right mix of humour and pathos. The film is funny, energetic and optimistic and leaves you feeling that following your dreams is the right thing to do. With some extraordinary touches such as an original musical number and a fabulous cameo appearance by Jim Hanks as God look forward to more films from accomplished writer, producer and actor Cindy Baer.

I was pleasantly surprised at this production. The plot and premise of this story were sincere. No doubt many people have pursued the classic artist dream of a career as an actor in Hollywood. This story give us an insight into the path of one young ladies ambitions and perils, delivered to us with unique humor and quirky visual presence. Miss Audrey Brodsky manages to design and navigate her own path of trials and errors which ultimately reveal her true artistic talent.

A well-worn theme given a little narrative twist. It is well filmed, but the characters are rather one dimensional. I think that was intentional, giving a cartoon feel to the story throughout. But it was hard to take the characters seriously at all and so hard to care about what happened to them. I think it is derivative of Amelie, but not in the same league.

There was a comical play within the film that we had glimpses of and that looked quite entertaining. I think I would have enjoyed that as the main feature more than the film.

The movie is floating in all directions until you realize its not going anywhere. The number of positive 10/10 reviews on imdb and positive reviews by some critics made me try, but definetely not worth it.