By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3 cats
Director: Tom Gilroy
Starring: Campbell Scott | Liev Schreiber | Ned Beatty | Peri Gilpin
Country: united_states
Year: 2001
Running time: 110
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0156096
Laura says: “Gilroy’s playwright background is stamped all over his film debut to its detriment, however. Gilroy’s decision to film over the course of a year was a plus for the actors, allowing them to form their bond gradually. Yet, every moment is jam packed with a philosophical or heavy moment, never giving his characters a chance to breathe or his film to form more naturally.” 2 1/2 cats
For Laura’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/springforward.htm”
Michael says: “This film stars Chlotrudis Awards- nominee, Liev Schreiber and Ned Beatty as Department of Public Works employees for a small town. The film drops in on them once a month for several months, and charts their path from first meeting to true friendship, despite their divergent backgrounds.
“The acting is superb, including supporting turns from Campbell Scott and Peri Gilpin (of ‘Frasier’), and the writing beautiful. Except for one segment toward the end which really stuck out like a sore thumb… I recommend this film. ” – 4 cats
Robin says: “You can overlook the amateur filmmaking of SPRING FORWARD as you watch the two fine performances by the leads. Ned Beatty has had a long career portraying a variety of characters from his ‘squeal like a pig’ victim in DELIVERANCE to Otis, the sidekick of Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) in SUPERMAN, and Sheriff Lester Banks in COOKIE’S FORTUNE. He gives Murphy the depth you expect from the actor and portrays the man as truly good and kind in a small-town way. Live Schreiber is also proving himself to be able to play a variety of types and he makes Paul a real person. He has a past, but it does not dictate how he will be in the future. His deference to and respect for Murphy are genuine as the older man’s kindness helps to temper Paul’s youthful exuberance and sometimes-foul mouth.” 2 1/2 cats
For Robin’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/springforward.htm”
Tara says: “I loved the story and Liev and Ned’s performances. It was quiet, understated and beautifully shot – I loved the rainbow palette of colors in the season transitional shots. What I didn’t like was the introduction of Campbell Scott’s character
and Peri Gilpin’s character, but then they disappeared. What became of these stories? I know sometimes it’s just a slice of life thing, but it still annoys me.”