FuzzyTagz
If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
KnotStronger
This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
jaxscript
I too saw this film at the Atlanta Film Festival. Overall I enjoyed this film, but I still felt like it was a little too cryptic for its own good. It was a little hard to follow at times. There was some good and bad acting in it, but the disconnect I had was believing Robert Pralgo as the father. This was not due to a poor performance but bad casting as Robert looks far too young to have what appears to be a 25 year old son. (And an 18-21 year old daughter) For the budget they had on this, they did a good job. The script was a little vague at times and rambled some, but eventually the main mystery is finally explained. There were a few things that never made sense, like why the girlfriend had a foreign accent, but it wasn't critical. If you like to support indy films then I recommend watching this film at least once. I think all of the people involved in this film did a fair job of making an interesting film, but I am sure they will grow and do better work next time. You can see the promise in the work done here.
keliezer1
While watching I am the Blue Bird, at a private screening in Atlanta, I found myself more and more intrigued (even though at first, I was a little bit thrown off). The movie's perplex beginning quickly had made it known that the plot was going to be more than just "black and white" and the script was to be filled with "color," metaphorically speaking.Clearly, the mastermind of the script wanted you to see the meaning that lied deeper within the movie and its every scene. The director made some good choices with the screen shots, distinguishing reality and imagination, which you start to grasp gradually throughout the movie. I enjoyed the soundtrack that beautifully match with to the content and the rather talented (not to mention handsome) actors, as well.This movie is definitely for those who want to challenge themselves(in different ways to different people), and to those who really enjoy thinking outside of the box. I would definitely recommend this suspenseful indie flick to others.
singlespeedross
I saw this over the summer at the Atlanta Film Festival because of its entry in the Narrative Competition. I thoroughly enjoyed the film, and while I felt a little confused, everything was understood by the time the credits rolled.Artistically, I liked the decision to use two separate styles of shooting, depending on which frame of mind/time period we were watching. It was a clever way to distinguish the Ethan's memories from his present day experiences.The family experiences felt real and honest. I was touched by the confidence in the exploration of family values, trust, friendship, honesty, drug (ab)use, and relationships.The movie was well cast when it came to the leading gentlemen and ladies, but some of the others left me wanting, well, more. The performances that felt real and honest were Ethan (Justice Leak), Ally (Tara Jean Verrette), Camille (Elizabeth Keener), and Charles (Robert Pralgo). In particular I appreciated the interactions between Ethan and Ally, as brother and sister. It stood out to me as an older brother with a younger sister, as I watched them interact and take care of each other. I also liked the pairing of Camille and Ethan, who I felt had genuine chemistry.I would recommend seeing this film.
nickthegoat
I saw "I Am the Bluebird" at a recent private screening in LA and was thoroughly impressed with this film. There were about forty people or so, and the director was there for a Q&A afterwards. I was told that the version we saw was a new, shorter cut than the cut that screened previously, so I can't comment on what was different. I can say that the film I saw moved at a pretty brisk pace for most of its 90 minute running time. It was slow in the beginning, but that didn't bother me so much, as it felt intentional, and at times I felt the film deliberately put me in the shoes of its main character, Ethan, who is recovering from amnesia (or similar condition). He is often frustrated, and in the dark, and at times so are we as the audience. I enjoyed the journey, and it paid off nicely in the end for an emotionally satisfying ending. Well done to those involved.Technically, I thought the cinematography and music were both great, and added immensely to the tone and emotion throughout the film. The soundtrack reminded me a little of "Garden State", which is a good thing considering that boosted that film's success, though this film's soundtrack seemed much more on the indie side. One thing that I really did enjoy about this film that most movies (at least that I've seen) don't dive into much is medical malpractice. This film points a lot of in that direction, and I was really interested in the outcome of Ethan's discovery. Without giving anything anyway, I will say it was ultimately convincing, though a bit on the sci-fi side, but I bought it. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to watch a low-budget indie movie that forces you to think a little.
