graysonberry

Hats off to Jeanette Greenwood and her cast of actors for making it happen during the Pandemic! Greenwood's tour de force performance is something to behold, along with outstanding performances by Michael Drake Jr. And Sr. As a film festival Director, I see over 100 movies a year, and to think this was a "class project" is simply amazing! Every film maker and actor could learn something from these folks, and we ony hope they follow up on this effort with something else, be it zoom-related or otherwise. We get to know each of these folks intimately in "gallery" and "single-view," to hysterical effect, and we salute the effort on it's own merit, pandemic or not.

Joe Grisaffi & Paxton Gilmore should be proud of this charming indy flick! Performances by Gilmore, Nicole Elliott, and Jake Byrd, carry the day, as we follow Lars, our main character on a familiar journey, through awkward adolescence. Whether you were a jock, a goth, a stoner, a rocker, or all of the above, we've all been Lars at times, and this coming-of-age film, reminds us that all is not lost, even though it sure feels it, at times. I can't wait to see Grisaffi's next effort, as he really provides a safe place for these teens to show their stuff. Great supporting performances as well from Sara Gaston, as Cindy, and Jake Messinger, as The Coach. Good story-telling doesn't need a massive budget, and Lars the Emo Kid proves it!

Bay For Blood s the 2nd effort I've seen from Harry Waldman (Enter The Room was the first) and it's even better. Waldman seems to grow exponentially, executing better camera angles, and honoring his actors performances, with closeups and solid framing. The relationship between our two stars is solid, and we actually believe they have a past. Once again, budget is non-existent, but that doesn't stop Waldman from telling a great story on film. Waldman is an actors Director, at least, through these two films, and a dream for actors to perform for. The dialogue is juicy and full, and it's left to the actors to carry the story, and carry it, they do. I would love to see what Waldman can do with an actual budget, and hope to get that opportunity very soon. I'll be keeping tabs on Waldman and you should too.