Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

This movie revolves around the unfortunate events that continuously plague James White (Christopher Abott) in this harrowing spiral into addiction and utter darkness.This movie is extremely character driven, relying heavily on the actors performances. The acting was exactly where it needed to be, adding a sense of realism, giving this movie a very uncomfortable feel. Christopher Abott plays the role perfectly, in this breakout performance. Cynthia Nixon also gives a memorable performance as a cancer-stricken mother of James.It is top-quality filmmaking, giving you a glimpse into life in it's most authentic form. It makes you feel different emotions, a sense of what it is to be. It has a gloomy feel throughout which gives the perfect vibe to the subject matter of the movie.Overall it is a film that boasts strong performances from all involved. It is a very dark movie that is definitely deserving of it's Sundance praise.

"James White" is the story of the New England Patriots' running back struggle to make the team, and insert himself as a 3rd Down specialist. Just kidding! And only die-hard football fans will get that one. "James White" is actually a mediocre somber film about a mother dying from cancer and her party-festive son's struggle to care for her. Writer- Director Josh Mond sure insert some "Mond"ay blues in this film showing the deterioration of a middle-aged woman dying from cancer, and her party-loving son's difficulty dealing with it. The Mond issue here is that there is not much more to this. The film lacked a layered screenplay, and creative direction. However, I must state that the acting was superb! Christopher Abbott dazzled as the title character, and Cynthia Nixon was outstanding as James' dying mother Gail. So I would not subject "James White" to the bench, but I would not exactly touch down with "James White". *** Average

"James White" was an incredible film. A very moving story about a young man finding his place in this world. While he is a bit of a mess being unemployed, partying, and lots of booze, he faces the lost of his father who was never really a great dad to him in the first place. His mother, played by Cynthia Nixon (who also plays one of my favorite characters, Miranda from "Sex and the City") raised him but sadly is dying of cancer. Her tragic death is graphic but heartbreaking. Such an outstanding cast and film with great performances from Cynthia Nixon and Christopher Abbott. It is so great to see such a wonderful Indie film and it deserves much success.

Christopher Abbott and Cynthia Nixon have found fine homes on HBO screens. Abbott is perhaps mostly known for his role on Girls while Nixon will forever be a Sex in the City girl. Here in James White, they deliver perhaps their finest performances of their careers thus far. The film thrives off the compassion in their relationship and the way it tests James' love for his mother Gail, but unfortunately to the expense of what lies on the sidelines. There's an endearing affection between James and his best friend Nick, but it offers little backstory or arc, simply the type of wishful thinking support considering the situations. The film also lends an entire chapter to James growing close with a girl who becomes his girlfriend, but as soon as the film retreats back home to tend to Gail she's completely tossed aside as another periphery character. That is part of the point though, taking care of her is all consuming and it contrasts the conditions of romantic love with the unconditional family love. Despite little dips into history, the film grew on me as it went on with Abbott impressing at every turn, subverting the brutish James to an empathetic son. Nixon does feel like she's trying too hard at first, but once the film submits to her and she succumbs to the worst of her cancer, she's as good as Abbott. Shot by the same cinematography as Son of Saul, New York is no less of a compelling setting than Auschwitz, focusing on intimacy with the characters, but again it's heart by choppy editing. The jump cuts give it a difficult rhythm to crack. It's limited and intense, and I certainly would've like a little more bittersweet hints at a future to really send the film home, but as an acting showcase James White is a powerhouse.8/10