Trust Me

What do you look for in a movie?

Today, it seems like every film has to have a bit of everything: comedy, tragedy, levity and suspense all hung up in this thing we call drama.

It's nearly impossible to do it, I mean, even Shakespeare kept his comedy and tragedy separate. One of the few writers and directors I have seen capable of doing this outside of the scope of literature is Clark Gregg.

You might know him from Iron Man and the Avengers and Agents of Shield: Phil Coulson. But you might not connect him to 'Choke' that awesome movie he wrote and directed, starring Sam Rockwell.

This film is impossible to talk about without spoiling it, so let me stay on the outside.

"Trust Me" A story about a child agent named Howard who has watched his client list dwindle and his life degrade gets a big shot at success when he begins to represent a teen named Lydia, who has a shot at a feature role in a movie.

Howard is a good guy and all he cares about is the future of these child actors, hell, he was one himself and knows the sting of being forgotten and left broke; but as he works to do what is best for Lydia, he is oblivious to his fate.

This was an enjoyable movie, any way you look at it. It had the great one liners from Marcy (Amanda Peet) and rival agent Aldo (Sam Rockwell), sustained comedy from Howard (Clark Gregg's character). Lydia (Saxon Sharbino) wavered between emotions, going from light to dark so easily. The acting never took me out of the story.

Clark Gregg has a directing style that is not so much surreal as Visionary. You see what the protagonist sees until he or she realizes their place and you become aware. Because of that, his films have a detective, mystery, noir feel, though they are not quite those types of dramas. You are on the outside, trying to understand and that makes for an absorbing story. Among other things, he is a capable writer.

This was a film that drew me in from the start, even though I had no connection to Child Acting or Hollywood. "Trust Me" is a movie about 'becoming' something, being let go from who you feel you have to be. Whether you look at Howard, the main character; Lydia, the young actress; Marcy (Amanda Peet), Howard's divorced neighbor. All these characters are trying to let go and become who they are.

"Trust Me" is worth a watch.

Really good at the beginning and then it COMPLETELY lost itself at the end. American Beauty, Uncut Gems and Birdman all did it better.

Trust Me: When I came into this movie, I really thought it might be a more comedic effort along the lines of ' Life with Mikey' with Michael J Fox. I should have known better from the guy who directed Choke. This is a timely movie in a lot of regards with the recent sex scandals coming out of Hollywood and I also watched the documentary An Open Secret which will really make you question humanity. This is about a talent agent for children who is really struggling, down on his luck and finds a new talent who is truly mind blowing. But this is only the tip of the iceberg though. It digs into this world and what it means to live in it. It feels like a drug and you continue chasing that high no matter what the cost. Clark Gregg plays a former child actor turned talent agent representing children. He understands what that life was like and knows what they need. He seems to genuinely care about their well being while everyone else is looking for their piece of the pie. The thing is the way it ends though is a tiny bit uncomfortable. I won't give it away here but this changes the movie entirely. It becomes a strong drama and the title is essential to the theme of trust. Trust in your parents to help you. Trust in your friends to know when you're in a bad situation to help you. Trust that someone else has your best interests at heart. Trust that you're not a pawn in their game. Trusting in nothing becomes a very tiring and lonely life. Never to have your trust rewarded and to always have people fail you. It's a really solid movie and I look forward to what Clark Gregg does next. I give this movie a B.

I really liked the first two acts of this movie. Fans of Entourage will appreciate the crazy Hollywood industry stuff, and I felt sympathetic toward the characters. It got a little silly and far-fetched yet also dark in the third act, and I didn't like the ending. But overall, it was still a good indie comedy effort.

Along with the obscure gem "The TV set", this movie "Trust Me" is one of my favorites for blowing the lid off the sleazy cut-throat industry that cranks out what we're all here for: movies. It does it in an entertaining way, both darkly comedic as well as suspensefully dramatic. And ultimately it depicts the powerful & eternal struggle between honesty and success (which applies no matter what career we're talking about).

As other reviewers have said, don't just expect a comedy although the wacky title and DVD description may lead you to believe it. Instead this is a powerful story with a lot of heart. It does have some really funny moments particularly in the beginning, but as the tangled web gets woven, the film appropriately shifts to a more serious tone, almost like a thriller or crime drama at times.

Writer-director-star Clark Gregg knocks it outta the park on all levels. He plays the quintessential good guy in a sea of scum (such as the awesomely detestable Sam Rockwell playing his arch-nemesis, a rival agent). All his life he seems to be the personification of "nice guys finish last". But then he meets up with his one big shot: a talented unknown actress played by Saxon Sharbino (herself a fresh new face). But things soon get crazy, and I'm not just talking about the sleazy Hollywood types. The story takes an unexpected twist which really puts our hero to the test regarding how far he should go to protect the young girl who has put all her faith in him.

Some surreal dream-like moments (such as maybe a vampire scene?) and nice cinematography add tremendous personality to this flick. The script is excellent, especially with the witty, fast-paced banter between Gregg and Amanda Peet. And be on the lookout for some great bit roles by William H Macy (the creepy Audi salesman), Molly Shannon (the "milf") and the aforementioned Sam Rockwell.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who is considering getting into, or who is currently in, the entertainment business whether it's acting, writing, singing or heck even professional athletes & artists whose careers are potentially shaped (mutilated?) by those slick suits we know too well. Similarly-themed and similarly-vibed films include "Circus Maximus" about a writer who has 1 weekend to write a blockbuster film, "The TV Set" about a writer whose honest idea is slowly getting corrupted into a Hollywood abomination, and of course the big one "Jerry Maguire" about a sports agent's last shot at the big time. Alongside "Trust Me" these are all great flicks that might just change your approach to career & life. Vampire fangs are optional.