How We Got Away with It

A really well executed story in a film genre that is too often "cookie-cutter". Even the title "How We Got Away With It" lulls you into a false sense of - "Oh I know what's going on".... Not so fast. The direction is clean and carefully picks it's "Oh Wow" moments, which allows the story to unfold on it's own, instead of bludgeoning you over the head with it. Perfect for this kind of film. The characters are distinct but at the same time, you feel like you know people like them, which helps draw you in. A dramatic, modern day BIG CHILL to be sure. It's one of those cool smaller budget films that you just happen to see and are real glad you did.

How We Got Away With It speaks volumes about this understated thriller/drama set between old friends getting together for their ritual "good time" weekend. The performers are all very charismatic and extremely well cast, and equally lead well under the directing of Jon Lindstrom. McCaleb Burnett as the lead holds the torch as the protagonist, responsible for a lot of things darker then just making sure his friends are having fun. His plan nearly falls apart when a cop, Jon Lindstrom, is on to him. The color work on the film works very well in leading the viewer into a new set of emotions, and setting the tone for the scenes. The story is so subtle, and rather than spoon-feeding the audience, it requires the viewer to stay engaged in order to full be rewarded at the end by understanding the full scope of the story. This is a breath of fresh air, when most films do all the work and the audience is required to do nothing. I am also glad to see this film take risks in regards to male nudity. This is a very good debut feature film, and I am excited to see what else Jon Lindstrom will be coming up with next.

Predictable, annoying, confusing and disturbing movie. If you don't have anything better to do, watch it. Otherwise don't waste your precious time watching this movie. We stopped the movie about 5 times, because it was too much boredom for a person to take. The movie tries to create suspense, which only ends up in a total confusion. The meaning is vain in my humble opinion. Artistically, the movie had good shots, and it had some distracting pictures, but that's pretty much everything the movie can offer. But if you like watching a movie about people getting high, then this is your movie. In other words, the moral of the movie don't smoke weed or you will mess up everything. But the landscape of the movie is quite good.

This is a thoughtful movie made outside the studio 'system'.

If you're not paying attention, it appears to be a movie about mostly 20-somethings getting together for an annual holiday, with an undercurrent of emo angst (minus the makeup and hair color).

If you are paying attention, you'll pick up on the undercurrents but it won't come together until after things turn sideways.

McCaleb Burnett's Henry hosts the group of long-time friends, but he's been distracted by recent events and seems to have an ulterior motive.

Richard Bekins makes the most of his brief screen time to establish his character (Walter) as the heavy.

The rest of the ensemble cast is so transparent that the group of friends is comprised of archetypes instead of the stereotypes you would see in a lesser movie.

Who does what and why does get explained, but you'll still have to pay attention to know just how they got away with it.

It is a rare thing where plot and actors are so delicately developed. I loved that one could only go with it, and piece by piece, until the actual end, the story revealed itself with well thought out timing. Just with a sentence every now and again you needed to piece it altogether. Just loved it. Clever, a rare commodity. The music supported scenery brilliantly. This is the sort of "undercover" thriller. Not for the impatient viewer, it's for those, who want to solve the puzzle, and you don't get disappointed. In the end you are just really are happy you have been part of it, touched about how deep the connections run, revealed with perfect timing.10 out 10 stars.