City Baby (2013)

"In every man's heart there is a secret nerve that answers to the vibrations of beauty." If you go to www.bing.com.. you will see from the numerous images of her, she is even much more beautiful than in the majority of the City Baby film. But as for the movie itself, it's really just okay... the majority of reviewers got it right. As such, she'll have to wait for another opportunity to prove her acting talent. And some voice lessons in the meantime could be useful as well... there's many scenes in the film where just the sound of her voice becomes extremely irritating. Part might have been determined by the role she's playing, and if it's all put on, well then maybe she really does have some talent. (But having such a beautiful young woman play at times such an irritating character, well if that's what ur going for).

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.

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 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.