Rating: 
Summary: "Pop" Is Tops In My Book!
Review: Having just had the privilege to a special screening (Kansas City's one and only showing) of "Pop and Me" at the theatre where I work, I immediately wanted to write my comments on the film while it was still fresh in my mind. I was pleased to discover the other (at this time)nine reviews posted here express the same sentiments I was eager to express about the film (and as an aside, Chris Roe and his father Richard were in attendance at the film's screening, and were very generous with their time, and as seemingly honest, and funny, as they are presented in the film.) If you were to read a capsule summary of the film as I did, you might be misled down avenues of thinking that, fortunately, this film does not take. I thought it would be overly sentimental (considering the father-son subject matter), which it is not. I thought it would be too "heavy" (again, the father-son stuff). It is not. And I thought it would be too cool, too self-aware, precious or "Iron John-ish." Anyway, let's forget what kind of film I thought I was going to see, because I never saw that film. Chris and his father are gifted with the ability to be honest, intelligent and humorous all at once. After a few scenes with these two, I felt like I had met them before. Obviously I can't speak for everyone who's seen it, but I felt comfortable and familiar with Chris and Richard as people on the screen, and I feel that added to the success of the film for me. "Pop" Richard is going through what "Me" Chris calls, a "mid-life crisis," where the elder Roe wishes to retrace the steps of his life, back to his "Golden Years," before the disillusionment of middle age set in, before his divorce and the great personal pain associated with it. Chris wants to travel and to make a movie about their trip. Richard suggests they make a film about fathers and sons throughout the world, and, there you go: instant (it took three years to make)documentary. But as one viewer that was in attendance last night suggested, the "world" of monuments and cultures (all beautifully photographed, ranging from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Eiffel Tower to Tineman Square and everything else in between and beyond), of recognizable and famous places, soon becomes a pretty background to the more important stories within the film: those of fathers and sons attempting to bridge a gap created by time, age or culture. And the gap between Chris and his father is noticed, then voiced, by Chris as the film progresses. He asks himself (and us), "Should I mention how I feel to Pop? Or, for fear of upsetting the applecart, keep it to myself?" With six days left of the six-month trip, he does at last tell his dad what he thinks about him. There is a lot to enjoy in this film, and to be enjoyed on several levels. Like I said earlier, one could enjoy the film on a mere aesthetic level with the sound turned down, for in one way, it's a beautiful travelogue (and, if I understand correctly what Chris said last night, this was kind of what he had originally intended the film to be, a (as he said) "Gee, aren't we cool?" movie); on another level it's about Richard trying to accept what growing old means, what not being a father in the "traditional" sense means to him. And the film, in turn, is about Chris getting to know his dad, about Chris getting CLOSER to him, which, in some way, is realized at the end of the film, with father and son plunging together (with attached bunjee) off a bridge. And finally, of course, the film is about fathers and sons talking and crying together. There are many wonderful scenes where the fathers shown speak from their hearts to their sons and vice versa. Perhaps BECAUSE of the camera, these men felt allowed to say what they felt about each other. There are many, many emotional scenes that seem very real to me, and this, ultimately, is what "made" the film for me: the honesty captured and portrayed in the film is rarely scene in regular feature films, or in most documentaries. Sure, both Chris and his dad are self-conscious (how could you not be, when making a film about yourself?), but this self-awareness is tempered by their humor (the Karate scene in the hotel room had me and a bunch of others laughing long and hard), their frustrations and very real (to me, anyway) observations. I think both Chris and Richard are great at speaking about themselves and others in a way that is candid without being exploitative. In short (or long), the Roes have made a film about themselves without it seeming that way. There is an immediacy to the filmmaking that I look for in most documentaries and seldom find it. On a technical level, the editing is very sharp and superb (where no scene goes on too long, where EVERY scene seems imperative), and I feel is a major part of the film's success. I seem unable to stop my praise for this movie! If any of what I've written strikes a chord with you, please seek this movie out. It will well be worth the effort, and it's only a minor misfortune that it was considered, but didn't qualify, for an Oscar nomination. I didn't personally get to thank the two Roe's for their film, so...guys, if you're reading this, thank you! You've done a great service to any father and son who happen to come upon this in a video store, and who may be looking for a reason to talk and spend time together.
Rating: 
Summary: If I do say so myself...
Review: I have been amazed at the response we have received since the first screening...universally audiences are touched by so many of the stories on the screen but beyond that everyone I have talked to has their own story to tell. Not having any agenda or anything but the broadest plan in the filming of this project, we were continually surprised by the depth and candor of our subjects - and ultimately grateful for the response to the film. After all that it took to get this on screen - of course I give it 5 stars!
Rating:
Summary: POP & ME - A Must See
Review: I really am not a big fan of documentaries but this a film that everyone should see, especially men. It is a great way to see the world as well really take a look at the relationship you have with your own son or father. My wife loved it as well! You definitely will take a different look at life after this.
Rating:
Summary: # 1 film at the LA Independent Film Festival
Review: I've had the chance to see this documentary screened twice in public and now on DVD. It has an amazing effect on you. When I saw the world premere at the LA Independent Film Festival their was not a dry eye in the house. It captures the challenges and struggles of of a father son relationship as they seek to rebuild the bridge between them through a trip around the world which became the basis for this film. It is a deeply moving and inspiring journey which has plenty of lessons for us all. If you have ever struggled to build, repair or maintain a relationship of signifigance in your life you will identify with their journey. Perhaps most inspiring is their commitment to keep taking risks in the face of challenges many would walk away from. To Chris and his Dad I would say, "thanks for going there" and for taking all of us on this journey with you. We are all better human beings for it! I give this my highest recomendation!!!
Rating:
Summary: # 1 film at the LA Independent Film Festival
Review: I've had the chance to see this documentary screened twice in public and now on DVD. It has an amazing effect on you. When I saw the world premere at the LA Independent Film Festival their was not a dry eye in the house. It captures the challenges and struggles of of a father son relationship as they seek to rebuild the bridge between them through a trip around the world which became the basis for this film. It is a deeply moving and inspiring journey which has plenty of lessons for us all. If you have ever struggled to build, repair or maintain a relationship of signifigance in your life you will identify with their journey. Perhaps most inspiring is their commitment to keep taking risks in the face of challenges many would walk away from. To Chris and his Dad I would say, "thanks for going there" and for taking all of us on this journey with you. We are all better human beings for it! I give this my highest recomendation!!!
Rating:
Summary: a truly interesting movie - touching and genuine
Review: Pop & Me is a movie worth watching. It is the story of a father and son who travel around the world and talk to other fathers and sons. Their relationship with one another is complicated - the film doesn't gloss over their problems. At the same time, you see love and growth in their relationships. The other fathers and sons they meet give a glimpse into other lives and cultures. Pop & Me is a valuable film - it shows humans as what we are - imperfect yet lovable, people who need our fathers and sons and mothers and sisters and children no matter what age we are.
Rating:
Summary: a truly interesting movie - touching and genuine
Review: Pop & Me is a movie worth watching. It is the story of a father and son who travel around the world and talk to other fathers and sons. Their relationship with one another is complicated - the film doesn't gloss over their problems. At the same time, you see love and growth in their relationships. The other fathers and sons they meet give a glimpse into other lives and cultures. Pop & Me is a valuable film - it shows humans as what we are - imperfect yet lovable, people who need our fathers and sons and mothers and sisters and children no matter what age we are.
Rating:
Summary: A Gem of a Movie
Review: Pop and Me explores the intricate relationship between father and son using real people, not actors. The subjects are both famous and unknown but this complex relationship cuts through rich and poor, white, black and in between. Told in their own words, it is a glimpse into an area few talk about and even fewer understand. No father and no son will ever forget this movie. Mothers and daughters run, don't walk, to get a copy and gain an insight into this universal and yet unique bond.
Rating:
Summary: A remarkable movie!
Review: Pop and Me has to be one of the most moving movie experiences that I have ever encountered. I wasn't sure what to expect when I rented it, but it is truly a classic to be treasured by all movies watchers. Richard and Chris Roe have made a completely honest, no holds barred movie that drives deep into the emotional heart of every person who watches. Run to the local Blockbuster and get this movie - you will not regret it for a second!
Rating:
Summary: POP & ME - A Must See
Review: Pop and Me, is an amazing look at the complexity of the relationship between a father and son. We follow the Father/Son film-making team on their 6 month trip around the world. Richard(the father)Roe is looking to re-capture the feeling of being a father, his son Chris is looking for an all expenses paid trip around the world so he can make a film. Along the way, the trip begins to become much more than either had originally anticipated, and we truly see an extraordinary father/son combo. The documentary consists of many nuggets of other father/son interviews which are often touching, and haunting. Of note is the spectacular editing job, and the pure beauty of a father and son re-discovering the roles of father and son. I once wrote Chris Roe to let him know the importance of what he and his father were able to accomplish, he responded by thanking me for the support, and urging myself to let others know about this film: Please rent,buy, steal (just kidding!) this film now!
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