Among Ravens

My first film review. I attended a screening because the producers and directors were doing a live Q&A in the theater. Also, I wanted to meet their daughter - the amazing Johnny Sequoyah - who I had "discovered" in the TV show "Believe," (even though she wasn't there for the show I attended). While most of the characters dealt with their own issues in the story, it took me a while to figure out their connections with each other. Johnny's character "Joey" is mesmerizing in all her scenes, and endearing in her bond with "Chad" - even when the rest of the characters turned against him. The staring contest between Joey and "Saul" (her real-life dad Russell Friedenberg) left me wondering why their bond was broken. There were a couple humorous bits, but I would have liked more to break the tension in the plot. Nonetheless, I did like the film, the cinematography, and especially Johnny. I look forward to seeing more films from this talented family. Thanks for coming back to Boise.

It was a really surprising movie. the black humor, and the way how all the masks fell down, and all of them struggled to face the truth, in front of their noses. Also Joey's point of view, watching everything from above, like a bird. Her innocence in the middle of that sick environment, and finally she found someone who understands her, but judge by the others. Like ravens, no matter like a raven does, it will always be judge.It's like a lesson's life, if we live in a constant lie, trying to pretend something, that lie will catch us sooner or later, even when we try to fool other people, acting in front of them, but our life is a huge mess, anything will save us from that, the bomb explodes and no more lies.

I've never reviewed a film before, but have to say something about this one. Among Ravens has a beautiful story line, incredible cinematography, and the score was magnificent! I love films about real life and relationships, so this was a perfect film for me. It was funny and beautiful and sad and lovely all at once. The dialog is smart and the characters are so believable. I particularly enjoy the storyline about the life coach, and I'm sure I'm going to be quoting Hal for years to come! It's a refreshing break from transformers and car crashes. Take a date, and enjoy a movie that will truly move you! (PS I think this movie would best be enjoyed by 30-somethings.)

I wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to watch Among Ravens. I had seen the trailer and was intrigued by the idea of "Ravens" as a symbol of family and it had been quite some time since I had seen Amy Smart in a film. Let me just say, I was pleasantly surprised and thought the film was completely delightful. Filmed in the incredibly beautiful wilderness of Idaho, Among Ravens is a fun yet very emotionally compelling drama about family and human relationships. In some respects it reminded me of The Royal Tenenbaums with all its quirky characters, but with some of the seriousness and dramatic undertones of August Osage County. Overall, the performances were strong -- Amy Smart was wonderful and if you're a fan of Believe (which was sadly canceled) you will be blown away by Johnny Sequoyah's performance. If you're looking for something different, filled with real heartfelt emotion, then sit down and watch this movie.

This film establishes Johnny Sequoyah as an up and coming big, big star. The script is unbelievably tight and each scene is just utter perfection. It's phenomenally well acted and produced, and the soundtrack is spot on. When they cut to Jason Isbell's God Damn Lonely Love in the bar scene I almost started clapping. And I was alone. The story itself is just great - it's tragic and beautiful and very funny. Shot entirely in Idaho, mostly in the resort town of McCall, it's visually stunning to say the least. The smoke from the ongoing forest fire seems to add the message that everything can burn, and there are relationships on fire in many different ways in this film. The ending leaves you wondering if "Joey" is Herman Hesse's Damian and you've just witnessed her coming of age. It's utterly fantastic!