Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Let's be realistic.

Admirable film.

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

It has such a painterly quality, visually, which struck us at every turn. And the story was common, familiar, strongly told and emotionally authentic. The characters were clear, believable, and most importantly, lovable. Even the untrustworthy girlfriend, and the abusive dad. One had to forgive them their imperfect humanity, because the filmmaker helped us understand them. My husband, an artist himself, has quick impatience with what he calls "head-knockers," and we usually bail out after fifteen minutes or so. He liked it as much as I did, found the pacing perfect, and I think he related to it too as a man who came of age in similar conditions. I am now eagerly sharing it with everyone I know. Thanks again to Carl Thibeault and his gifted companions for sharing the gift. I can't wait for the next one!

After reading other comments I expected a feeling of magic like that of All the Real Girls, but all I got was a heavy-handed self-conscious film that left me feeling like I missed something. The music was decent but often too loud and too repetitious by the end. The transitional shots of the farmland and roads were beautiful but didn't seem to fit the tone of the film. One scene that appeared to be pivotal to the plot, was over too quickly and never fully explained and thus not as pivotal as the music and cinematography suggested. The acting of the girlfriend (?) was distracting, and the character was just as confusing. Anyway, I agree that The Garage is a slightly better hallmark drama that won't terribly offend anyone, but if you're expecting great narrative or film-making, look elsewhere.

Just caught this movie at the San Fernando Valley Film Festival and was really taken aback by its quiet power. Very much in the "Stand By Me"/"Last Picture Show"/"Summer of '42" mode, it will hopefully find a wider audience outside the fest circuit. Very well-acted by a mix of newcomers and veteran talent, "The Garage" has a great, evocative look, and subtly brings back its late 1970s, pre-MTV time period. It's one of those universal stories about small town life that anyone who's ever left home--or thought about it, will definitely be moved by. The music and cinematography were impressive, too. Check it out if it lands at a festival or theatre near you.

'The Garage' is great viewing. If you are past your youth, this will remind you of your younger time, when you had choices to make that would shape your destiny. If you are at that youthful 'turning point' time in your life, you will definitely relate and if you aren't at that place yet, you will learn about the turning points of decision that are soon to be headed your way. 'The Garage' succeeds in evoking many feelings from it's viewer. There are moments of warmth, humor and sadness as well as hopeful expectation and the audience is privy to feel them all. Remember your first love?...your first great loss?...the camaraderie of your best friend?...'The Garage' will bring them all to mind again.