Film Review: Forgotten Fortune

 

by robotGEEK

When a retired mailman in a retirement community who is suffering from early onset dementia witnesses a murder, he tries to convince his friends, family and the local police of what he's just witnessed to no avail. As is the case with dementia patients, it's hard to know what's real and what they're just imagining or misremembering. But when his close friend is also murdered, he will stop at nothing to track those responsible down and bring them to justice. 

While Forgotten Fortune doesn't break any new ground, it definitely wears it's heart on it's sleeve (a good thing) and there is a strong message to be found. What I admired about the script was that it revolves around something we all will have to deal with at some point, or something that's already very real in our lives, and that is aging, assisted living, our twilight years, and noticing the signs of dementia and Alzheimer's. I found it rather charming wrapping this very real world thing around a story that is party comedy, part drama, part mystery and all charm. It's the kind of film you should watch with your aging parents or family members because I do feel the message it brings forth is so important. 

The supporting cast of amateurs is led by none other than Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk), Jimmie J.J. Walker (Good Times) and Brian Shoop (Tulsa King) who all do a fine job. Although this little indie film can come across as something you'd see on the Hallmark channel, I think it succeeds as a film about the challenges of caring for the elderly with a lot of charm and spirit. Again, I do believe it's a good film for them to watch - it's simple, charming, keeps you invested and has a nice message at the end of the day. I will admit though, I did not see that wild twist at the end coming at all. That was definitely a pleasant surprise. I should mention that the title refers to a subplot, but I don't want to give too much away. It's a very safe film, meaning it's a film you can throw on literally anywhere, like at home or even a business waiting lobby and there's nothing inappropriate. 

Follow Me On Instagram

 

by robotGEEK

If you've been following me for a while, you may have noticed I'm barely active on here anymore these days. As is usually the case, life circumstances have changed my schedule and I've just found it quicker and easier to do small mini reviews on social media, more specifically my Instagram account. And as is the case with social media, because of how the algorithm keeps shifting, we've slowly become content creators whether we wanted to or not. But because I have such a large following on that specific platform, I just focus my time and energy on there more than anywhere else when it comes to talking about movies, trivia, pop culture and anything related to my obsession with cult-related stuff. 

I think moving forward this site will strictly be where I post reviews for films I am hired to review and I'll continue to stick to posting my thoughts and reviews about the content I personally enjoy watching on my Instagram. And if you'll notice, I am quite active on there, typically making around 6 posts a day. So I encourage you to give me a follow over there if you can at the link HERE.

robotGEEK

Short Film Review: Stay in the Car

by robotGEEK

 Based on real events, Stay In The Car tells the story of a young woman named Salem who is "along for the ride" while her mother and her accomplice are making a run for something throughout the city in their El Camino. As the night progresses, Salem begins to sense an uneasiness and soon starts to realize she may be in danger and must figure a way out.

First of all, this is a very well made little thriller. For a film that takes place entirely inside a vehicle, I was mightily impressed. Director Calvin Ghaznavi and Director of Photography Conrad Holzman found a surprisingly clever way to shoot an entire short film within the confines of a 2 seater vehicle and it works wonderfully. There's almost a claustrophobia that adds to the constant tension because of this. What I loved most about this is that other than the constant "stay in the car" warning from her mother every time she made a stop, there is virtually little to no dialogue. Everything that needs to be said is said through the razor-sharp tension and Salem's (Lara Hunter) face, and most importantly, her eyes. Her eyes tell the entire story of what's happening and it is very impressive. Ashley Alva (Bird Box) as Salem's mother and Timothy V. Murphy (Law & Order: Organized Crime) as her accomplice round out the cast nicely and deliver the goods. 

The tension is palpable right from the beginning and it never lets up. The direction and cinematography are very well-done, Amanda Ross's script (based on her personal experience) is emotionally charged and the performances shine. Stay In The Car is one helluva thrill-ride. 

Stay In The Car will be screening at the upcoming Credo 23 Film Festival on March 28th at 12 noon. The Credo 23 Film Festival will be from March 27th-29th at the iconic American Legion Hall, Post 43, on Highland Avenue in Los Angeles, CA. 

Fore more info, including tickets, visit the official website at StayInTheCar.com. 

If you would like me to review your film, you can reach me at my official robotGEEK Instagram page at HERE