Just so...so bad

An Exercise In Nonsense

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Just caught an early morning screening of this film on Showtime, and I cannot believe this film has fallen through the cracks. Great cast and it's a tear jerker. For anyone who has lost a mother, this film will touch your heart. I think it's playing throughout December and January on Showtime, but do not know when. If someone could post showtimes, that would be helpful.The film stars Mark Thompson from "The Mark and Brian Show" fame, and surrounds himself with some great actors: Kevin Pollak, Dana Delany, Garry Marshall, Charles Durning, David Keith, and even a cameo from James Franco.

This film is cinematic drama story telling done exceptionally good.The acting and directing are not TOO polished, yet everybody involved in this film, appreciates the truthfulness of the story elements.Without spoiling anything, it's about a man going thorough a personal crisis, and he just happens to do it in-front of everyone.Although realistically the chances of dealing with real issues, and resolving them in a 1 hour period is slim, the story is believable and the empathic bonding with the audience works well.The only ones who will not appreciate this, are the ones not emotionally mature enough to face their own feeling (yes, I mean you action/macho only no-feeling-to-be-hurt guys).If you've ever experienced loss, or in a complex relationship, or personally know someone who has - (which is about almost everybody), you'll probably appreciate this film.On a more personal note, although the film has the usual disclaimer that all of the characters are fictional, and that the story is not true, I believe it's very true. Although the plot is probably fictional, the people are based on the filmmakers' experiences, and we can see that in the ending credits with the dedications to the filmmaker's lost ones.I usually go after the "easy" viewing stuff, but this one was well done, and I'd recommended it to anyone looking for a goodhearted intimate film, which doesn't leave you untouched at the end.

Mother Ghost screened at the Long Beach International Film Festival and enjoyed a strong, positive audience response. Everyone laughed at the humor that sprung naturally from the plot and characters, and either cried outright or fought back tears at the climax. Mark Thompson's performance is reminiscent of George Clooney in strength, good looks and humor. In addition, Kevin Pollack pulled off the best rendition of a screen psychiatrist one could ever hope for; pure genius!This film is a genuine surprise in its remarkable use of non-traditional structure. Although it is linear, it is not really three acts; it is a powerful emotional journey in one act, almost like a play. The director, Rich Thorne, and lead actors Mark Thompson (of Mark & Brian fame) and Kevin Pollack pulled out some wonderful surprises for such a simple story: a man struggles to deal with grief after losing his mother. Using creative staging, situations and humor, the story propels an otherwise mundane premise into a real treat for the senses. Fans of either Bergman, Fellini or Hitchcock (yes, they can go together!) will definitely appreciate this fine film.

I screened the world premiere of this movie at the Taos Talking Pictures Festival. I would like to say that this film was one of the better films that I saw at the festival. It is chalk full of emotional queues from parts that make you laugh to parts that make you cry. The character Keith learns much emotional growth in the film, and in turn I feel that he brings that growth to the audience as well. Make no mistake this one's going to make it. Good luck Mark, Rich, and Rod! You deserve the best from this wonderful piece of art.Your friend,Stephen Stone