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trulyvanes
Reviews
Changing the Game (2012)
Very effective, very poignant, very ambitious
This film was one that was one of the most pleasant surprises I've seen this year. I really did not know what to expect. What I got was one of the most ambitious and satisfying journeys in film that I have seen in a very, very long time. Protagonist Darrell Barnes takes us on a journey from childhood to adulthood where he learns that the unforgiving streets of North Philadelphia and the corporate private rooms of Wall Street are cut from the same corrupt cloth with many memorable characters in between. The film, for an independent, is truly ambitious in every regard. The cast is eclectic and consummate, and one scene in particular brought me to tears with its realism and heartfelt emotion. I also commend the chutzpah to pull of that very clever surprise ending. Kudos to the filmmaker and the entire production team from top to bottom for not being afraid to venture into unchartered independent film territory and pull it off so well.
Train Ride (2000)
Rel Dowdell's movies are "Changing the Game"
I really enjoyed Rel Dowdell's universal and powerful debut feature film effort, "Train Ride." The performances and storyline were very realistic and poignant. I'm definitely looking forward to Mr. Dowdell's next film effort! This film could have taken the low road on many occasions but took the high road every time. It's gritty and tough, but tasteful. You don't see that much with films nowadays. The characters' plights are always treated with realness and care. Even the characters who morals are in question are not treated shabbily. The viewer is rightfully left to come up with their own conclusion. This makes for a message that resonates long after it's been seen on the screen. I can always appreciate seeing black characters on screen in three-dimensional and responsible form. Two thumbs up!