Annabelle & Bear

This lovely little film, Annabelle and Bear is an all too real depiction of how drugs can tear apart relationships. It's an unexpectedly tender story about a biker who has moved on after his ex left with their newborn baby, only to return, strung-out to dump the now two-year-old girl in his lap. It's a road-trip movie that allows us to watch as their relationship evolves, then take unexpected turns and resolve itself realistically. The acting on the part of Curt Massof (Bear) is beautifully understated as we see his struggles and quiet frustrations play out. Olivia Walby (Annabelle) is a stunning find. This little two-year-old was acting! I repeat, this little girl was acting and carrying half the film! She had the audience laughing, crying and in rapt awe. Everyone fell in love with her. The rest of the cast turned in excellent efforts as well, especially Kimberly Cruchon Brooks as Bear's mother Grace, and Rubie Harris as Annie, the ex. A worthy movie that I highly recommend.

I was so glad to see some excitement in Detroit last weekend with out any bad connotations attached to it! I think the makers of Annabelle and Bear scored a direct hit not only with the movie audience, but hopefully sent a message that good things can and do come out of Detroit. As for the movie, it was just the right mix of edgy drug related fallout combined with tear-jerky sentimentality. The mother, Annie, turned in a stellar performance as she turned her back on her child to get the next fix. Bear was played masterfully by Curt Massof who has a bright future ahead of him in the film industry. His aloof biker personality couldn't hide the tender affection he found hiding deep inside him. The on screen magic that took place between him and adorable Annabelle was as real as any true-life father and daughter. Olivia Walby virtually wrote her own "golden ticket" with this performance. The rest of the cast was just as believable and I couldn't be prouder of our home-grown talent. I hope everyone gets a chance to see this one!!

From both an industry and consumer point of view, Annabelle and Bear is what so many people are seeking from big screen entertainment. From the first scene through to the last, I was engrossed in each of the characters, wishing I could jump in to the scene and take little Annabelle to safety or slam a door on those blocking Annabelle from a loving future. The soundtrack furthered the experience in each and every scene. The locations could not have been more perfect. I had to remind myself afterward that this was fiction as the dialogue, interactions and character development left me feeling it was a true story.

I was invited to the Sneak Preview of this little film. I was not expecting to be so big on it.

What an inspiring story. A 100% made in Michigan film made me feel really good about what my state is doing for the film industry here. But that was only one percent of why I loved this film. There are a bunch of reasons I thought this movie was special.

First, the movie is honest. The way it's shot. It's characters. And the story is one we see every day, if only we were to look more closely at the people around us.

Second, is the film's characters. We watch a mother, Annie (Ruby Harris) choose drugs over her daughter. We cringe at the thought of where this little girl will end up. Including with Bear (played by new comer Kurt Masof) a loner biker and closed off man who is suddenly responsible for her. Yet, Annabelle (played by Olivia Walby) who is only 2 years old, is filled with a such pure and unconditional love that is strong enough to lift and enrich the lives of everyone she touches. Each character grows right in front of our eyes throughout the movie. By the end, we not only fall in love with Annabelle, we find ourselves rooting for her father, Bear, for many reasons.

The soundtrack is beautiful and carefully designed to bring out the best in every scene. Listen closely for Hallelujah and my favorite, Trailer Park Girl.

Last but not least, I love this film's perspective, about acceptance of things as they are, forgiveness, and the hope that it's possible for our heart to open and love deeper. Not just the people in our lives, but finding love for ourselves.

A "must see". Even if you're not from Michigan.

ANNABELLE & BEAR is a true indie film--a low budget, no big (or even small) name stars, no flashy effects--just a compelling story driven by real characters. The film's greatest assets are its two title roles. Both actors, a two-year-old girl and a burly bearded biker respectively, pull off performances that seldom hit a false note and really draw empathy from the viewer. The cinematography is also top-notch, capturing all the grittiness Detroit, MI has to offer. Writer/Director Amy Weber does a more than competent job helming her first feature, managing to spin its simple yet unique narrative without ever coming off cloying or forced. While the editing could use some tightening, and a few of the music cues are repetitive, overall this is an accomplished work by a new filmmaker with a keen eye and a terrific heart.