A True Story

source: A True Story. Based on Things That Never Actually Happened. ...And Some That Did.

There is a current vogue for movies about ugly, geeky kids who for some inexplicable reason are romantically irresistible to the drop-dead gorgeous leading lady of the picture. For proof of this watch almost every movie that Jessie Eisenberg or Micahel Cera have ever made. Without wanting to sound like a bigot I wonder if this has anything to do with the fantasies of 90% of Hollywood's power-brokers who before attaining their positions as producers, directors and agents were ugly, geeky kids of a certain ethnic/religious persuasion who were anything but irresistible to the beautiful girls they fantasized about in school while getting straight "A"s and having their lunch money stolen by the football team. This movie is yet another one of these geeky kid fantasies. It might be believable if the "geek" had a dynamic personality, amazing sense of humor or perhaps some superhuman power or Love Potion No. 9 in his backpack but no. In this movie, surely one of the most beautiful women to have ever walked the planet (Maxim readers have my back on this opinion by the way) can't take her eyes of the beady-eyed, rodent-like features of Cameron Fife's pathetic character when she sees him at a toga party and before he has even spoken one word. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder but come on! Add to this the fact that metaphorically his character has all the fizz and personality of yesterdays unfinished beer, It is all to ridiculous for words. The only nerd who could ever seriously get away with this "beauty and the geek" nonsense was Woody Allen - and Cameron, you sir are no Woody Allen.

I love films which have an independent, rebellious nature, seemingly untainted by the power of the Hollywood factory. The story is of two struggling writers in Hollywood weaving their own experiences into the first script they hope to sell. The comic consequences of being broke, the heartbreak caused by a heartless harlot and the testing of their friendship all provide great food for thought. Tyler McGee and Cameron Fife have their hand in every stage of this film - producing, writing, acting the leads, editing and original music. Malcolm Goodwin directs brilliantly as well as acting and editing, making for a very close collaboration with all involved. The result is a very tight script, excellent storyline and great score. The direction keeps the pace as snappy as the dialogue and Goodwin and the cameramen use lots of natty techniques to enhance what would otherwise be simple talking-head scenes. Really impressive, especially considering filming was completed within a few weeks for under $50k! The skill of the actors is captivating, everyone keeps the scenes totally believable, showing that budgets are irrelevant when you have a strong cast, good story and skilled technicians. A terrific *-a-snook at the Hollywood establishment and highly recommended.

Don't be fooled by the 6.6 on IMDb. This movie is not good. I understand having to stretch $40K to make a decent film is hard, but the fact that Fife is even in this movie is a joke. His speech impediment is distracting, and the fact that they cast Cerie (30 Rock) as his (Michael Cera and Chris Kattan's lovechild) ex is a travesty. What a waste of a pretty face. To its credit, the sound in this movie is great. Fife's older brother did a great job in that regard. The cinematography is actually pretty good. The script and the acting, though, are too bad to overcome. The claims that this duo is anti-establishment and "stuck it to the man" are grossly misstated. The man doesn't buy these guys' brand of humor because it's not funny.

The film is definitely interesting for individuals looking to watch something that is new, a little different that has no preachy typical message. The Acting: The various roles are a diverse concoction, but are necessary to build the storyline. The characters are typical to many films, "hearthrob, hot chick, nerd" that fulfill the regular roles. There is no expectation for them to create non-stereotypical characters, but Jon Gries was an hilarious addition to the main two actors. Cameron Fife and Tyler McGee are an interesting duo that have juxtaposing character traits, but have developed a relationship based on this. The complexity of the cast with the exception of the lead female actor (Bowden). The continually surprised/confused looking lead actress was the only downside to the acting, with the rest of the characters developing a meaningful story that is sprinkled in with some witty humor and banter. 7/10 The Plot: There isn't a way to capture the plot in one sentence. Two actors/writers are struggling, have emotional "issues", have a decision whether to keep their integrity or sell-out. This left me a little underwhelmed as the ending did not adequately capture the consequences that the main characters face/would face based on their decision. There is also another plot that deals with Bowden,Fife and McGee that has various twists and turns and holds its own, raising moral issues with the actions but also asks you to think about what you would do in the situation. 9/10 The music/video: Overall the music is minimal, as the story doesn't require too much. That being said, the piano provides a mood setting piece, as well as helping to create and develop a mood as well as furthering the story: 7/10 Conclusion: The budget was really low, the effects were minimal but the writing and the majority of the acting make the film a definite watch for something interesting that might not get adequate coverage, but does what it sets out to do. Overall: Between 7-8/10 because it is an interesting, fun film to see. Check it out if you have the time.

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A True Story. Based on Things That Never Actually Happened. ...And Some That Did.