Well, I just got back from checkin this one out, and I have to say, it is a winner.

Actually, the best thing about it was its simplicity. There is nothing ground breakig here. Good, strong, legitamate visuals, coupled with a well paced story. The story wasnt anything terribly new, with the exception that we havent taken the time to examine THESE kids lives before. Most of the shots, while great, were nothing I found myself going "OH my God, how did he think of that?" (with the exception of one continuis 360o dollie shot during a death scene, that I WILL be stealing. I mean, uh.. paying homage to. )

It was just a really good movie. Good characters, good story, good job. Remember, this film got Hollywood jumpin. Im telling you, seeing it was simply inspirational. I left thinking, "I could have made that." (well, maybe not about Asian kids, but the Irish equivilant anyway.)

I recommend, If nothing else, just to see whats getting Hollywood wet these days.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans

Once i made myself ignore the boom mic popping in and out of the top of the frame, i could focus on the actual story...and when i did, it was a very good different kinda movie. Certainly didn't expect the plot to turn that way, which was refreshing. Beginning with the ending is becoming kinda played in my book, but it was pretty effective here. I liked it.

Once i got back home and marinated on the actual story a bit, i wasn't as impressed b/c i found or thought of some things that totally wouldn't make this thing believable. But hey, all in all, it's def. a jewel.

I had the same problem with the boom mic, but it was really a projection issue. I dont think it was shot in anamorphic widescreen, so the projector needed to be tilted up just a tad from the norm. Not so much to hide th boom, but to make the text in his "word a day" bit readable. Most got cut off the bottom.

As for it not being anything amazing, thats my point. This film wasnt something un anatainable. This could have been made by many filmmakers, but it was made by him, and kudos for it. Just makes me think my odds are all that much better.

Also, hes sort of a Robert Rodriguez all over again, (as are many film mkaers) It does still happen. He made a feature (not for $7,000, but even so, if Robert had had more to spend, he would have.) Same with Eduardo Rodriguez. One little film (in his case, a short) and hes got a 3 pic deal. I have always been one that believed, "If they can do it, so can I." "Better Luck Tomorrow" is a perfect example.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans

I've seen it on a pre screening DVD and the boom mic problem was not there as far as I remember.

I agree, nice little thing about a model minority but this time they played around with the clichees which I found very refreshing

99% of the time when you see a boom mic in the shot it's because your projector monkey is not doing his job. Nonetheless a camera operator probablly should try and keep full-aperture as clean as possible (Because most of our nation's theater chains lack quality and competance).

It was well worth the watch but I had some issues with the film. I felt the cinematography was very solid. It wasn't overly flashy, but it created a nice atmosphere that progressed parallel to the characters.

The first half-hour was great, but then the charachters became inconsistant and it became a different movie which was much less interesting IMO.

I think Hollywood bit less at the calliber of the film than the relatively cheap price-tag for a film with a large gauranteed market.

Nota "Uses full-aperture to make cameos" Mono