Annabelle & Bear

Wow! What an awesome and REAL film. The way it was shot, gritty and real - and the believable cast who brought these characters to life made this movie one that I would see again! The kid in it, Annabelle, was one of the cutest kids I've ever seen and I think she was 2 years old! Amazing! I've told so many people about this film already and how it was all produced in Michigan with all Michigan folks. Pretty cool for a state that is under the negative radar these days! The dude, Bear, is quiet and simple. When this kid gets dropped off in his life, he doesn't really know what to do with her. Poor kid seems to be getting the cold shoulder from everyone - that ticked me off. You really feel for this kid from the start. She's funny too. Bear can't help but fall for her too but then the stuff really hits the fan, which turns him into a BEAR! I loved one scene where he kicks this bad dude's BUTT!!!!!! (Can't give it away, sorry!) So two BIG THUMBS UP for Annabelle & Bear. Looking forward to seeing it again. I'll admit it, I got a little choked up!

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!!

So Worthwhile!       Great film.  Emotional and thought-provoking.  I cared about these characters right away and days later, I still find myself thinking about the layers of the movie.  That's how I always feel after seeing a really good film.  I went to a sneak preview of this film the other night and was surrounded by people laughing and crying.  It's truly a tender drama.  The script pulls you further and further into the film as the relationships of the characters reveal themselves in a way a story should be told!  How refreshing.      Although some parts were pretty intense and even though some of it was set in Detroit, it was nice to see that it lacked the extra violence that's become so typical in the depiction of Detroit.  I don't want to give too much away, except to say, I found the dynamics of the main characters, Bear (the big, bearded biker) and Annabelle (the adorable little girl) totally fascinating to watch as they try to find their way in this world.  Ultimately, the movie is about love, redemption and the human condition … so worthwhile!

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.

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.