Don't listen to the negative reviews

An Exercise In Nonsense

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

I went into watching this movie with an open mind (because I usually hate hipster-esque indie films) and a craving for a good love story. I was fairly surprised, the movie doesn't feel too long, and it definitely wasn't boring.The problem I have with this is the queer baiting. Many shows and movies have done this, and then retreated under the "tHeY'rE jUsT fRiEnDs In A cOmPlEx ReLaTiOnShIp" umbrella. The main character is basically does a whole lot of nothing, and does not stand up for herself at all. When her friend leaves, she doesn't say a word and we're left in an incredibly awkward position, and only tuning in to see if they reunite later (which they do, and the outcome is extremely disappointing). We're left to ignore the strong romantic bond they had and sit and watch as the friend of our main character gets married, and we're supposed to be happy for her? The main character didn't really seemed moved when this happened, even though she was talking about how she wanted to have a relationship with her friend and that she loves her only a few moments before. All I have to say is, "Really??!!!".

Definitely didn't know to expect for this film, but what it eventually ended up being is a solidly written and very well acted tale of two friends. It's not a film driven by plot at all, and for that reason it may not engage all types of viewers, but it does tell a nice human story. More than anything, the two leads are really quite good in this. It's nice to see Riley Keough leading a film like this and I hope she continues to get offered roles, and Jena Malone can always be relied on something extra in her roles. This was no exception.

'LOVESONG': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)A drama about two best friends that take an unplanned road trip together, along with one of the woman's toddler daughter. They then become romantically involved together, until one of them suddenly leaves. They then meet again, three years later, at the disappearing woman's wedding. It stars Jena Malone, Riley Keough, Brooklyn Decker, Amy Seimetz, and Jessie OK and Sky OK Gray. It was directed by So- yong Kim, and written by Kim and Bradley Rust Gray. The film had it's world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, and it's gotten mostly positive reviews from critics. I found it to be a very beautiful, and exceptionally well made, love story.Sarah (Keough) is an unhappily married mother of a three-year-old daughter named Jessie (Jessie OK Gray). As she feels like she's starting to have a mental breakdown, Sarah decides to call her best friend Mindy (Malone). Sarah, Mindy and Jessie then go on a road trip together. As Sarah and Mindy talk more and more, they become closer and closer (in a very intimate way). Then Sarah's husband calls. As the reality of the situation starts to set in, Mindy decides to suddenly leave. This leaves Sarah heartbroken. The two best friends meet again though, three years later at Mindy's wedding.The movie is beautifully shot and acted. The characters definitely seem like real people, and as a viewer you feel like you can really relate to their love and pain. I think the film is an outstanding indie love story. It's pretty subtle and short, and it might leave some viewers wanting more, but I think it's a nearly perfect film. It's a great examination of relationships, and how people react to them. Malone and Keough both give great performances in it, and I think So-yong Kim makes a very good impression as a talented filmmaker to watch out for.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/WXRjz4hXVvs

As we celebrate the official 10th Anniversary of the mumblecore genre, it's exciting to see the only female filmmaker (to be included in the cinematic hipster scene) presenting a new film that equals or even surpasses her landmark debut IN BETWEEN DAYS (2006). This time, actress Riley Keough, who also stars in the Amy Seimetz's new Starz TV adaptation of THE GiRLFRiEND EXPERiENCE (which also premiered at Sundance this year), takes the emotional reigns with gusto as Sarah, a young mother who is completely caught off guard by the sudden reappearance of her college friend Mindy (Jena Malone).Much like So's overlooked FOR ELLEN (2010), which Paul Dano subtly referenced in Paolo Sorrentino's YOUTH (2015), the power in LOVESONG (named after The Cure's song) lies within the character's inability to express his true feelings. Independent Spirit Awards could be on the horizon for this bundle of true love, but more importantly, make sure you see this on the big screen so that you too can be transported into the whirling clouds during what has to be the most breathtaking sequence on a ferris wheel since Carol Reed's The THiRD MAN (1948).This is taken from my 2016 Sundance Film Festival wrap up.