Open

I love movies where you have no idea where the plot is going. Jeremy London is on fire in the role as a former teen heart throb who stumbles into an open marriage and gets a little too involved. The dialogue gets better and better with every scene and all the acting is outstanding. Drop in some hallucinogenic music videos and it's a wild ride. You wouldn't think having the main characters reenact the emotions of the movie in '80s style video clips would work but oddly it does.

Miles Doleac has made quite a few movies and none is like the last -- this one makes me wonder where he partner Lindsay Williams are going next.

Jeremy London's resurgence is in full swing! Best known for his roles in the nineties, like Mallrats and Party of Five, he now shines as Erik LeRoux, even performing his own songs! His portrayal is a dynamic mix of charisma, charm, humor, and wild unpredictability. This performance, possibly his finest, is a testament to both his talent and Doleac's skilled direction. The screenplay by Doleac and Williams masterfully balances creativity and humor with touching explorations of marriage, unfulfilled dreams, and family dynamics. Imagine a fusion of Noah Baumbach and Richard Linklater's styles, mixed with the energy of MTV music videos - it's a highly entertaining blend. As for its genre, it's hard to pin down - it's a bit of everything. Just dive in and embrace the experience.

Early on in this film, lead character, Kristina (the wonderful Lindsay Anne Williams) muses about what it means to be normal. It's a question that the film forces audiences to wrestle with throughout as director Doleac and his team fully embrace the weird, bold, outside-the-box, at times, positively wild, both from a story and style perspective. And it totally works because everyone is committed to it fully, especially the game cast, all of whom deliver top-tier performances, with Williams and Jeremy London, as ex-TV icon Erik, whose "star has dimmed" considerably, delivering particularly compelling work. But Doleac as husband, Robert and Elena Sanchez, Emma have great scenes together and excellent chemistry and Yohance Myles shows up late as Erik's agent and nearly steals the show.

Doleac's casting game is strong here, even William Forsythe, as a crusty, wise-cracking police captain (and Emma's dad) is in on the fun. And, yes, it's a musical! But not that kinda musical. The MTV-style music videos that populate the narrative represent Kristina's inner monologue as she struggles to navigate a personal tragedy, unfulfilled childhood dreams, a struggling marriage, a decision to "open" said marriage in hopes of saving it, and her new relationship with Erik, which turns out to complicated. The songs are tongue-in-cheek (but thoroughly catchy, enjoyable, and, on occasion, riotously funny) and the videos embrace that trend of the 80's where every video seems to have been shot in a nebulous void space with lots of fog, the occasional actor in an animal costume and cheesy effects.

The fictional band is made up of the people in Kristina's real life, including Erik, Robert, Emma and more ... now clad in copious make-up, wigs, and lots of 80's-inspired vinyl, leather and such. Yes, OPEN is anything but "normal" in cinematic terms and that's what makes it absolutely worth a watch.

Recently, I stumbled upon a lesser-known film on Tubi that was thoroughly enjoyable. The film features 1980's style music videos, complete with catchy tunes and clever lyrics. Some are even uproariously funny, like the song "Vomiting Sucks". This independent film really hits the mark with its bold creativity. Jeremy London delivers a memorable performance as a has-been TV celebrity. The screenplay by Miles Doleac and Lindsay Williams, who play a couple grappling with personal loss and the challenges of a long-term relationship, is notably strong. However, the highlight of the film is the music that reflects the inner thoughts of Williams' character, "Kristina". Her journey explores the complexities of being a wife, mother, and woman in modern America. The film is a commendable effort from all involved.

From start to finish, this film is bursting with charm, creativity, and an infectious love for the era it celebrates. The production design and costumes perfectly capture the neon-soaked magic of the '80s, while the music feels both nostalgic and fresh. The film doesn't just rely on retro aesthetics-it tells a genuinely compelling story with humor, heart, and a touch of rock-and-roll rebellion. The performances are top-notch, with the cast fully embracing the film's quirky, heartfelt energy. It's the kind of movie that sticks with you, leaving you humming the soundtrack long after the credits roll.