One of the biggest hush hush and most talked about films from Sundance this year was "Catfish." Every article I read about this film didn't say much about the plot other than a guy who meets a family from the internet. The truth is "Catfish" tells the true life story of Nev Schulman, a regular guy who like all of us enjoys chatting and mingling with people online through various social networks such as Facebook. One day, Ariel Schulman, Nev's brother decides to document Nev's relationship between him and this online family he has been talking to from Ishpeming, Michigan. What Ariel and Nev soon unravel is not only fascination but a rather interesting look at the relationship between people today and the internet.
I know you guys and gals expected me to give away the film in the above paragraph but the truth is I can't do that. This film is a great watch and I recommend anyone who uses a social network to check this out. While the film is marketed as a thriller/horror film, I will warn you now, it is NOT! The film will haunt you and stick with you but that's not because of the horror behind it. The truth is this film really says a lot about our society today and tells the dark side of human nature. Its an interesting film that very few will probably appreciate when all is said in done.
"Catfish" is shot as a documentary style and while this alone will make most people avoid it, I would argue to give it a shot. Even though it is documentary style it's intriguing and keeps you interested. You won't be bored like I was in "Paranormal Activity" because the story is fascinating and isn't fake. Go ahead take some time and Google this story after you watch the film. It's all real, its haunting, and it's even a bit depressing and sad. The way the film is shot basically adds to the emotional feel of the film, if this was actually shot with real film cameras, it wouldn't work as well in my opinion.
I have read a lot about this film and most people have given it high marks. Does the film live up to all these high marks? Almost but it is a little over hyped in my eyes. While I appreciate critics and avid film buffs viewpoints, I do want to know why very few haven't questioned some aspects of the film like the editing. Obviously, the film was edited to make it more interesting and suspenseful but I wonder how much of the film was edited to make us feel a certain way towards the characters, not to mention if any of it was edited to stretch the truth. I guess at the end of the day it doesn't mean much because it is a film but I am a smart movie addict and I question things like this. I would say that's my only gripe with the film.
At the end of the day, "Catfish" is a cautious tale of people and today's technology. Its misleading marketing probably helped the film make more money than it would have without it but it's nothing like the trailers lead you to believe. It's not a horror or thriller but rather an in-depth look at social networks and the relationships people make on those sites. Those who enjoy thought provoking films that really stick in your mind when all is said and done should check this one out. This is not a movie for everyone but I think most people who are familiar with the internet or social networking will appreciate the story here. Its a film that really makes you think and makes you question humanity but at the same time almost makes you feel bad for everyone involved. It's really hard to explain without giving anything away. For independent film lovers, this is a must see. For everyone else, I think it will be hit or miss depending on how much you enjoy documentary style films. I personally appreciated the story and truly think its an important film for today's generation to see. Check it out!
MovieManMenzel's final rating for "Catfish" is a solid 8 out of 10. On final note, if you want to know where the title came from? Well that is explained at the end of the movie. Enjoy!
I know you guys and gals expected me to give away the film in the above paragraph but the truth is I can't do that. This film is a great watch and I recommend anyone who uses a social network to check this out. While the film is marketed as a thriller/horror film, I will warn you now, it is NOT! The film will haunt you and stick with you but that's not because of the horror behind it. The truth is this film really says a lot about our society today and tells the dark side of human nature. Its an interesting film that very few will probably appreciate when all is said in done.
"Catfish" is shot as a documentary style and while this alone will make most people avoid it, I would argue to give it a shot. Even though it is documentary style it's intriguing and keeps you interested. You won't be bored like I was in "Paranormal Activity" because the story is fascinating and isn't fake. Go ahead take some time and Google this story after you watch the film. It's all real, its haunting, and it's even a bit depressing and sad. The way the film is shot basically adds to the emotional feel of the film, if this was actually shot with real film cameras, it wouldn't work as well in my opinion.
I have read a lot about this film and most people have given it high marks. Does the film live up to all these high marks? Almost but it is a little over hyped in my eyes. While I appreciate critics and avid film buffs viewpoints, I do want to know why very few haven't questioned some aspects of the film like the editing. Obviously, the film was edited to make it more interesting and suspenseful but I wonder how much of the film was edited to make us feel a certain way towards the characters, not to mention if any of it was edited to stretch the truth. I guess at the end of the day it doesn't mean much because it is a film but I am a smart movie addict and I question things like this. I would say that's my only gripe with the film.
At the end of the day, "Catfish" is a cautious tale of people and today's technology. Its misleading marketing probably helped the film make more money than it would have without it but it's nothing like the trailers lead you to believe. It's not a horror or thriller but rather an in-depth look at social networks and the relationships people make on those sites. Those who enjoy thought provoking films that really stick in your mind when all is said and done should check this one out. This is not a movie for everyone but I think most people who are familiar with the internet or social networking will appreciate the story here. Its a film that really makes you think and makes you question humanity but at the same time almost makes you feel bad for everyone involved. It's really hard to explain without giving anything away. For independent film lovers, this is a must see. For everyone else, I think it will be hit or miss depending on how much you enjoy documentary style films. I personally appreciated the story and truly think its an important film for today's generation to see. Check it out!
MovieManMenzel's final rating for "Catfish" is a solid 8 out of 10. On final note, if you want to know where the title came from? Well that is explained at the end of the movie. Enjoy!