Catching Up

Catching Up_720p(480P)

source: Catching Up

I wanted to love this movie based off of the concept. Watching it was so difficult for me... the acting of the lead is sad. Although, I do appreciate the idea of the actor playing himself, I think the film could have benefited from an experienced actor. Writing was eh... but I was distracted by the lack of compassion and honestly pure misery from the lead role. The music was also distracting. I'm not sure who thought the music choices were good but wow. Being handicap myself, I expected so much more from this film. I liked that it wasn't as cliche as most disability films are but the lead just felt like a victim the whole time and it was hard to relate or feel the true emotions from such a lackadaisical character.

Had a enjoyable evening with my partner watching this. Its really a pretty decent film, editing, cinematography are mostly on point. The dialogue goes from really decent, flowing and fresh to random out of place pop references, mostly to movies. Its not too frequent though but when it happens it hurts the at times already shaky acting a bit. Some actors were really good, the sister, played by Lydia Meredith, was really promising for instance even though she had a really small role but also the two leads are mostly on point. Isabella Pisacane is a nice red herring for the Rom-Com part, she intentionally really does look likes she would like to have sex with the lead in every scene until she is suddenly not anymore. The sometimes shaky acting does not hurt the film though, it sort of makes it feel more real and at times more endearing, some are obviously not experienced actors but proper editing smooth things over as far as possible. It can add some misplaced comedy, but who doesn't love that in a Rom-Com or film in general? There is decently written character development for the important characters and the film feels unique in some parts that are usually cliché. The music is a bit bonkers but I'm really impressed with this film overall as its probably really low budget. At times it feels like watching a filmmaker student film, but like a graduation one that is actually pretty good. I like how the theme of disability is actually explored a bit in a natural way and does not feel like a gimmick nor the main focus of the film. A random thing that was very noticeable is that there is a lot of picking up shots of the lead, but never a full placing down one? Maybe this is a tediously long or difficult process that can only be done by an actual trained person or something or it hurt the flow of a scene cause it was hard to get the right camera angles for it, I'm just speculating, but I would have liked it to be shown at least once fully as he is picked up a lot but we only see it cut to the final placement. Its too often to go unnoticed. One thing I thought was a bit left unexplored is the sex that happens at the end of the movie. Not a word is spoken about it after so the viewer is left with something that was forebodingly said about it earlier in the movie, something in the lines of: 'after she has a bad breakup you'll make her feel good as a friend', direct quote: "... she'll finally decides to suck you pecker." which sounded like the guy was talking about pity sex in a disparaging way. But the actual sex scene feels more like a nice gesture to a loving friend. It was interesting to see the topic of sex being used to comfort a close loved one even though there is no sexual attraction or relationship explored here. They could have maybe done more on this but maybe the confusion you are left with from the scene is how you are meant to feel as the lead certainly looks bewildered too. Also the sex is seriously implied but the she still has this long underwear on when she steps off him? It added to the overall confusion and I would have liked to see the aftermath of this, did Woods have to get involved? Also a little more communication during the scene could have given the audience some more insight in how this physically worked which is simply interesting as also stated by another character in the film. This film does a lot of the important things right, its an interesting and fun watch. I'd watch a sequel where the lead maybe goes after love a bit more productively and the interesting side-characters are explored a bit more. Its not a 10, I don't know what all the other reviewers have been drinking. But it is certainly a strong directorial debut and a thoroughly enjoyable film.

Catching Up was heartwarming, heartbreaking, humorous, and real. It is a unique perspective on the classic boy-meets-girl story. Bill Crossland's story, direction, and performance brought so much heart into this production. A new favorite of mine, looking forward to watching it over and over again!

I love that the movie takes place outside and inside of Philadelphia.

An absolutely incredible film that tells such a unique story and has everything you could possibly ask for. Writing and acting are out of this world. Dialogue is incredible, fast, and such a good balance of humor/ heart.

This movie is such a refreshing take on modern day life and love. It is a feel good, raw, funny and sweet ride!

Catching Up