Coming Through the Rye (2016)

One does not have to be a die-hard fan of J.D. Salinger's coming-of-age novel "The Catcher in the Rye" to appreciate this creative film idea. The fictional story focuses on a young man so taken with Salinger's novel that he leaves school on a road trip to try to meet the reclusive Salinger in the flesh in his Cornish, New Hampshire home.Actor Chris Cooper is perfectly cast as Salinger, and Cooper steals the show in the two brief encounters with the fictional character Jamie, who meets his idol and tries to gain permission to produce a play adaptation of Salinger's novel.Salinger provides a persuasive defense that the character of Holden Caulfield was eternally etched on the printed page of a literary work and not to be interpreted for the stage, wherein the role would vary from actor to actor. As played by Cooper, Salinger nonetheless admires the sensitivity and creative spirit of his young visitor.Another essential character in the film is the character DeeDee, as played by Stefania LaVie Owen. DeeDee accompanies Jamie on his trips to New Hampshire and provides stability and confidence to him, as well as bringing out a part of his past that he was never willing to confront.While the school scenes were somewhat routine, the film picks up steam due to the character of DeeDee and the intrigue surrounding the iconic figure of Salinger.

Coming Through the Rye If J.D. Salinger's novel Catcher in the Rye was part of your coming of age, this movie will connect with you. James Sadwith, writer, director and producer of this film has recreated his actual personal true encounter with the legendary author which occurred in the 1960s when he was attending a private prep school on the east coast.The story develops as we meet the main character, Jamie Schwartz (Alex Wolff) who is obsessed with Holden Caulfield, the hero of the Salinger novel. Schwartz decides that for his senior school project, he wants to produce and direct a play recreating the Salinger novel. He is told by the school faculty that he must obtain permission from J.D. Salinger ( Chris Cooper) himself who is known to be quite a recluse.In a post-screening interview, Sadwith told how the story is 90% accurate and that he based the script on his tape recorded notes of his exact dialogue with local New Hampshire folks who with whom he spoke during his search to find the author. The protagonist, Jamie Schwartz, was played in a very nuanced and sensitive manner and actually had a physical appearance and mannerisms, which reminded us of a young Bob Dylan. Ms. Owen was very appealing as the teenage young woman who clearly is simpatico with Jamie. Their "road trip" shows the tenderness and awkwardness of a near first sexual encounter that many people of that generation may very well understand.Just as it was rare for a novel to capture the imagination of a generation that perhaps endured for over 20 years, it is rare for a movie to recreate these feelings without adapting the specific novel itself for the film. There is also a segment in the film which puts the focus on "bullying" at school. in this case, it is at a private prep school in 1960s but it could be in any modern setting. We see here a strong response and support of the victim by the faculty which we hope would occur any time this happens.Although a low budget film, this was very well done. The photography captured the atmosphere and the music matched the time and setting quite well. We have no doubt that this film will resonate with those who still have their treasured copy of Catcher in the Rye. It will be interesting to see how it will be received by the millennials, although we suspect that there is a universality in the story that will be able to connect across generations.(2016) Reproduced from FilmRap.net

If you love stories, connections, warmth and humor - this movie is for you. it is engaging, funny, poignant and beautiful!I I enjoyed the characters, the scenery, the story, the actors. There are funny moments, poignant moments, suspenseful moments and squirmy moments. The movie maker is a resident of my town and was there with Chris Cooper for us to ask questions to. They love the movie and the audience of all ages loved the movie. Some of the music is by Jay Nash a local singer/writer. Some of the investors are also local. This is a local product without any kitsch. if you are a person who believes in supporting local and not the mega companies this move if for you.It is heart warming to see their dedication and love for their product.

I was fortunate to see this excellent film at the Phoenix Film Festival . It went on to be named best picture at this years event. Based on a true story the script follows a young man on his quest to survive a bullying environment at his boarding school and get the validation of his idol J.D. Salinger. The script is crisp and well written. The pacing of the film kept me entranced throughout.Chris Cooper is perfectly cast as a cranky Salinger. Alex Wolff is deep and relatable as the protagonist. This young man has great things ahead of him in his acting career! Stefania LaVie Owen sparkles as his love interest and road trip buddy. The cast of jocks, actors, and teachers give a good depth to the story telling. The lovely campus and the countryside they pass through on the quest to meet Salinger provide a perfect backdrop. The Cinematography is a big plus. I truly hope this film is picked up for wider distribution. Audiences who loved films like "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,' or "The Spectacular Now" should see this awesome film!