Rating: 
Summary: matb told it like it is
Review: Just an extremely bad movie with creapy actors that leaves you behind with a creepy feeling about the people that made the movie and you keep wondering what their intensions were.
Rating: 
Summary: Guilty until proven innocent
Review: Reality is what I took from watching this film. What a perfect example of how society is today. Why do so many people "assume" that a person is guilty of a crime just because they are accused? That is something I will never understand. What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful indie film by a new director, recommended!
Review: The DVD/movie is about the fictional story of Tommy Jackson, a physically, emotionally, and sexually abused 13-year-old boy; the story was actually adapted from a novel. However, the movie feels real and is primarily about a sexual abuse case. The film is moving right from the opening scene, where the FBI arrests the boy's mother for making pronographic videos of him and selling them on the internet, as he stands in a room with a camera, clad in only boxer shorts--a very haunting scene. The rest of the film focuses on his relationships with two therapists in his new home, a treatment center, called New Horizons. However, the nature of Tommy's relationship with his counselor develops into a crossing of boundries that is exposed by the other therapist. But Tommy although seemingly confused and hurt by the events, will defend and even strike back to preserve their relationship, "keeping the secret." He pushes it all the way, resulting in a dramatic court case that examines the issue of sexual abuse from the angle of a professional on the subject, but with a twist, and who is defending his freedom and career.
At first, I wondered why the director chose a black and white medium, but then it became clear. This media added intensity to the film, or in the director's words, was used to make the film appear timeless, that is appropriate to any time period. The film is almost done documentary style with a voice over given by the lead character, played by Richard Meese, whose whole presence and voice are perfect for this role. Tommy, played by Andrew Martin, gives a very gifted performance for his age, 14, and due to the subject manner. The only acting perhaps could be improved upon was near the opening where a group of kids fronm the center are standing around talking. Their dialogue sounds as if they are merely line reading from a card, and doesn't sound natural. Of course these weren't real actors but kids the director asked to be in the film that were playing near by at the time of filming. Note this is not a violent or pronographic film and contains no nudity, sexual activites, etc. or even much profanity (it was unrated, just to clear all of this up but not because it contained all of these things) Although eventually by some, this film may be pigeon- holed as a "gay interest" film, but that would be misleading even inspite of the one apparently gay character protrayed (though under very negative circumstances this characte is, but yet only a character) in the film and the subject material of sexual abuse and relations between adults and minors. Both of the therapists Tommy are involved with are married men with children. (Not exactly the dirty old man molesting young boy theme here.) Rather, the film as does the character looks to examine loving relationships between men and boys, in a truly caring way, not the NAMBLA way.
Anyhow, I would especially recommend this film to those who work with abused children and mental health/health care professionals. Having worked in this area, I thought this film was a good protrayal of a kid with these issues and behavior. Really, this film could be enjoyed by many people and therapeutic even to a mature audience, or those dealing with these issues. The film is very emotional and uplifting and provides some closure and resolution, all good elements in a film and therapy. The only thing is the film did focus more on the adults in the situation, rather than Tommy, but that's the context of the story. It does not dwell on or dive into great detail of Tommy's previous or even current experience of "abuse" but nevertheless, the viewer sees Tommy's emotional resolutions in the course of the film. Go out of your way to see this film and you may have to as it isn't in theatres, on tv, or available everywhere--but worth watching.
Rating: 
Summary: Return to Innocence Another Way
Review: The good thing about this movie is the point it's making.And some of the cinematography was nice. The difficult subject matter at hand is in itself, well treated, but deserves a better herald than this movie. Its ultracheap production values and wooden performances, sometimes laughable when really they should be emotional moments, make this in a way a lamentable effort. The plot is too predictable and you end up watching the movie for the wrong reason. .............
Rating:
Summary: Courageous movie on a controversial subject
Review: This is a serious film about a very controversial subject, and all the people who participated in it deserve credit for their courage. That said, the film sometimes comes across as a third rate melodrama, some of the acting is not too good, especially in the first part of the film, and some of the plot points are not convincing. More films, and much discussion, on this topic are needed. The boy who played the part of Tommy was the best actor in the film.
Rating:
Summary: Justification of Pedofilia
Review: This movie did nothing more than justify, and condone, innapropriate relationships between men and boys. The relationship that any of these men had with these boys was innapropriate, unprofessional, and in the real world would have landed everyone in jail. Reporting any type of sexual misconduct is legaly mandated. I was extremely offended by this film, and felt it was nothing more than a man boy love proaganda film. I would advise anyone considering purchasing this film to take caution, as it is one step above implied child pornography. There is never any justification for a 50 year old man to be sitting in a bed kissing his 13 year old client, and undressing him, then going home and watching his own teen son and his friends skinnydipping. This movie makes him look like a hero for keeping a damaging secret, which could only further damage the child. I found this movie after looking for Local Boys on DVD, a decent family movie, and am glad I decided to watch this before watching it with my family. Again take caution with this movie as it is immoral, and innapropriate for any child to ever see. It only promotes promiscuity, and sexual wrong doing.
Rating:
Summary: A powerful and provocative movie.
Review: This movie grabs you from the beginning and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I was particularly impressed with the chilling portrayal of how small-minded and arrogant the legal system can be in trying to preserve the innocence of our youth. The system stinks; Costanzo's movie does not. It's a powerful and provocative achievement from a first-time filmmaker of enormous promise. The Black & White medium really intensified the drama of the film, and quite boldly states that this could most certainly happen to anyone! This is a must see movie for parents, teens and anyone planning on being mentor or counseling troubled youths.
Rating:
Summary: Simple and well made
Review: This was a refreshing change of pace from the last 4 or 5 movies I have seen. RTI is a very entertaining movie. The acting was believable and the story held me down. But since I almost never give movies an "A" grade, I must say destructively that the film could have been polished up a bit. I noticed a few mistakes but I guess that is expected from a young director. I do however recommend the movie to any one interested in court cases.
Rating:
Summary: Very Powerful
Review: When you aren't expecting much from an indie movie, sometimes you can be caught off guard the way I was with this one. These scenes were so powerful and in your face that it was hard to take at times. I liked the attorney the best. He was calm throughout the difficult scenes. I also thought the main boy did a nice performance. Good job all around including the dark music, which only added to the darkness of the movie.
Rating:
Summary: great
Review: wow...
great art... best work i see to this thema! DaniBoy, Germany
|
