Gerald

I was skeptical at first, but this really pulled me in. For an indie film, it has a really good cast. The main guy plays way off his norm with Gerald, which was refreshing. The story is very different and well written. It does not use the typical sex shots, bathroom humor, or cheap story lines that many films use, indie or not. I would compare it to Napoleon Dynamite, but I actually found this funnier the first time around whereas with Dynamite, I had to watch it twice before I got the humor. It does start slow but then does pick up with an ending that you probably won't see coming, although as you look back at it later, you'll find the requisite hints. It was quirky and endearing and I liked it.

"Gerald" is one of those rare films that actually gives the viewer credit for having some intelligence, which is a refreshing change. The film is well written, well acted, and overall one of the best films I've seen in a long time. Louis Mandylor does an excellent job playing the naive but not stupid main character. It would have been easy for him to play Gerald as an over-the-top character who bumbles about from one scene to the next, but he deftly handles the role. Of course, much of the credit for this has to go to the script, which is funny when it needs to be funny, serious when that emotion is needed, and intriguing when that's called for. The script also paints Gerald as a fun, interesting character who viewers can't help but pull for. Do yourself a favor and see this film.