City Baby

As US Indies go, this one's cup is certainly more half empty than full. Sure, not a terrible first effort, but really nothing here you won't see much better in many a student film. The problems really begin with the lead actor, the very beautiful but completely underwhelming Cora Benesh. A performance so lame you have to wonder what the director was thinking in casting her. Are people in Portland really this mindless or is she just someone David Morgan managed to get within his meager budget. And then there's the meandering story without any substance whatsoever. It leaves you wondering what the point was in making the movie. I saw City Baby at Dances with Films in Los Angeles. It didn't catch much fire there either, but I guess it will need to screen at more established festivals before it finds its way or not.

I just witnessed this gem at a local theater in Portland, OR, where this movie is staged. Having gone to many independent films in the local area, I was actually a bit skeptical and my expectations were low going into it, due to having seen many recent duds. But boy, from the very beginning of the screen roll, I fell in love with this movie! The directing and shooting were stellar - I was truly blown away by the artsy yet purposeful way in which it was shot (at one point, there is a "rainbow" lens flare that protrudes subtly across the screen during a scene that was masterfully done - I wondered: was this a brilliant mistake or done on purpose? But then decided it didn't even matter, because it just made sense with the rest of the film and coincided with the hilarious "play within a play"). But digressions aside, it was also the acting that truly carries this film. Cora Benesh is so damn sweet and natural in her lead performance that you want to just watch her all day long. Jillian Leigh is stunning in a multi-faceted role. Andrew Harris brings us a complex portrayal of a seemingly dark douche bag, and Richard Keith and Dustin Rush knock it out of the park with their suave and fantastic performances as well. Great job, I'm a big fan! Three words: See. This. Movie.

I totally agree with all of what "feelsgoodalot" said in their review. So, I will say ditto, and go ahead and expand on it. First off, I'm unsure why this film is getting lower user ratings in the 4s at the moment. What are some peeps wanting to make them rate this movie so poorly? Granted, truth told, as a local actor myself, I do know a few people in the cast, but with me, that can sometimes be a bad thing because I can be ultra critical of talent, especially with those that I know. That being said, there were many actors I didn't know before watching this piece, namely the two lead actresses, of whom I walked out of the theater completely enamored with their performances (as well as many of the others). The acting is fresh and natural. Not a weak link in the bunch. Yes, of course, just about everybody is pretty to look at, but these aren't just some hot models spouting their lines. They delivered complex and compelling performances that just rocked the screen. Plus, I did not know the director or DP, but this is a well-crafted film. Took a fairly simple storyline (at least appears so on the surface until you dig a little deeper into the brilliant subtleties that abound) and peppered it with rich camera angles, purposeful lighting, well-timed editing, and a layering of different moods. The local music and beautiful Portland backdrop were characters also all in themselves. Watch this movie and you will perhaps see people you will recognize from your own life. You may not agree with the characters' choices (for good reason), but you are bound to empathize with them, which is the true mark of any great film, even a sweet indie film such as this. I hear this movie is showing on the biggie again soon in LA at the Dances With Films festival. If you're around, I suggest you check it out. And if not, find it elsewhere and dive in.

I was completely engaged throughout this movie. It has a real sense of Cinematic quality and flow, which is what I want from a Narrative Feature. Unlike an episode of Girls where everyone is talking abrasively to render a shallow conclusion or to get in a bit of witticism that ironically sums up the Y generation. As for the mixed feelings about the main characters personality.... I think you either like a cookie cutter film that follows a semi flawed but likable protagonist and has an identifiable villain, or in the case of this movie, you want your characters real and unpredictable. If you like the bitter taste of "Greenberg" Noah Bambach better than the flighty whimsical "Frances Ha" then you will love this movie. Its good either way and one of my favorite Indies. Not a boring mess like the mumble core movement either.

I know David Morgan and Cora Benesh. They are friends of mine. I rarely go to my friends screenings, because it is not healthy for our friendship 19 out of 20 times. (Not kidding about this) This was the one exception. This film is a small indie that is actually about something; it actually has a storyline that is both comic and poignant -- and it's well told by the writer/director, David Morgan. This film parades Portland talent like no other. The casting by the producers, including Timothy Whitcomb, was exceptional. I am a voting member of the Academy and am sent all the top films every year, so I watch films until I am blue in the face -- but this one worked. I have seen it twice now. No car chases, no slashing, no zombies or vampires, just astute minds at work. Take a look, if you like small indie films without name talent that soars high above the usual crap that is out there. If you aspire to make a good film with a small budget that is actually distributed, let this film be a source of support. It can be done.