Norman

Director Jonathan Segal did an excellent job creating this film. I recently saw this at Whitworth, in Spokane, WA where the film was shot, and I really enjoyed it. Jonathan Segal was kind enough to do a question and answer bit at the showing, which was very insightful. I really liked how the film was a little 'darker' than others covering similar story lines. The movie really captures the raw feelings and emotions that are dealt in the story line. The actors did an incredible job in capturing each characters' persona. Dan Byrd, Emily VanCamp, Richard Jenkins, and Adam Goldberg were all great picks for their characters. I would highly recommend this film to others, especially if you liked Easy A and Juno. I also have to mention how Andrew Bird's score on this film was crazy good.

I recently saw this film at the Chicago International Film Festival and I was blown away by it. Dan Byrd did a fantastic job playing the title character who is both hilarious as well as heart breaking. Richard Jenkins, as always, is great and witty. This is just an all around wonderful film. I can liken it most to the adult male version of Juno or Easy A. It has Juno's wit, charm, and strangeness as well as Easy A's basic story line (though much darker). Andrew Birds score to this film is perfect. I don't think anyone could have made a more suitable score for this film. If it seems like I am gushing about this film, it's because I am. It deserves it. If it comes to a festival near you or is eventually widely released be sure to go and see it. I can't recommend it enough.

I recently watched NORMAN on my 'On Demand' network. Not knowing a thing about the film other than what was previewed on BrightHouse, I had no idea the impact this movie would have on my life. A beautiful tale of love, hope and over-coming life's strangest and dimmest oppressions. The acting, writing and direction was all perfection. Not to mention Andrew Bird's soundtrack to the film was so lovely. 'Night Sky' is now one of my 'most played songs' on my iPOD. I cried, I laughed and thoroughly enjoyed this film the entire way through. An unpredictable yet moving script that the writers should feel immensely proud of. I've told all of my friends and family about the movie since watching it, and can't wait to purchase it to watch over and over again.

Norman Long (Dan Byrd) is a dissatisfied high school kid. He lost his mother and his father Doug (Richard Jenkins) is dying from cancer. He falls for new student Emily Harris (Emily VanCamp) and she's taken with his awkwardness. His teacher Mr. Angelo (Adam Goldberg) is forcing him to do a speech. He has a fight with his best friend James and tells him a crazy lie. Soon everybody at school thinks he has cancer.

I like Dan Byrd as an awkward sarcastic teen and Emily VanCamp is super cute. They're a little old to play high school kids but they could still pass. I like their sweet cute relationship and then there is the lie. It's such a weird thing to say. I wish the script adds more of a prompt for Norman to go to that place. Maybe James should ask if he's sick. Maybe James could find the scans first. I just need him to be guided there a little more. The other problem is that he's lying to Emily. Emily already likes him before the lie. The lie doesn't make her like him more. It just makes everything awkward. It would make more sense that he would tell her the truth. Of course, Norman doesn't have to make sense.

Norman is standard and safe as it gets, which is to say that it does nothing new, and it's all a bit of a bore. In this regard it kind of adheres to your worst ideas about what constitutes an indie film. Dan Byrd was pretty okay in the lead role -- but I found something very surface-y about his performance, and, for that matter, in the movie itself. It's one of those movies that isn't really bold enough in its concept or execution. At the end you just ask yourself why it exists. I did enjoy the soundtrack, however, and as bizarre as it sounds I liked the poster art as well (that's what made me decide to watch this movie in the first place). But beyond that there is little to recommend here. Pass.