International Falls

source: International Falls

I found this movie on Showtime by chance and I'm glad I did. i used to live in Minnesota, so I had heard of International Falls and there was the comedian storyline, so those two elements drew me in, not quite sure what to expect. This movie release was probably lost in the COVID shuffle, which is too bad because I think it's a nice little indie project that really packs a wallop in the third act. Love the clear sense of place showcased (especially impressive since half the movie was shot in Santa Clarita). The town becomes a character, especially when Tim and Dee venture out on to the frozen ice--that was a nice sequence. Can't believe that they had David Koechner originally cast as Tim---I don't think that would have worked. The film isn't perfect. I don't believe how polished a comedian Dee becomes with only two performances under her belt. And they could have easily trimmed a couple minutes towards the end (for example, do we really need to see Dee moving into her own new place?). It seems like the director can't decide where to end the movie. But "International Falls" is far superior to the Tom Hanks/Sally Fields "Punchline," which mined similar territory long ago. Good job all around. Yes, it's talky, but listen to what the characters are saying. Lots of heart and wisdom here. Worth your time.

This movie was horrible. I was surprised that it was allowed to be filmed in International Falls. The movie makes fun of the people living there, and not in a funny way. I do not think the makers of this film knew anything about International Falls. The main character was pretty nasty, openly swearing and insulting. The woman in the story had a husband who was nice, but he had been unfaithful. She acted like a spoiled child about it. It must have not been the extramarital affair that was the real message of the film. I don't know people's personal lives, and I do not want to. It is more complex than that. I think the real message was that the husband was a "square". I cannot find an redeeming qualities in this film.

I'm not a huge indie movie person, but I really enjoyed this film. I found myself drawn into the characters and story, which felt real and authentic. Having grown up in the the town, I enjoyed seeing the shots of the area as well. Some of the accents were a little over the top, but otherwise this movie was spot on. Kudos to the director, cast, and crew, and I hope this movie gets the viewership and recognition it deserves.

International Falls is tremendous. Rob Huebel and Rachael Harris are both funny and heartbreaking with memorably great performances. May very well be the best film I've seen this year. Bravo to all concerned.

As someone who grew up for many years in International Falls it was fun to see all the sights of the town and the lake in a movie. (The accents were a little much though. They really went all in on that aspect! Rachael's accent was closer, but only because it wasn't so indulgent like most, especially the woman in the liquor store.) As a movie lover of all genres, I found the emotional ride of this one a welcoming experience. The actors are genuine and the script is superb. I didn't feel like any of the dialogue was off pace or out of touch with the tone of the film. I was engaged in listening to the two main characters converse and joke with each other, I almost got lost in the moment. Their chemistry was so good. Some reviews I have seen called it slow and without purpose but I think they just prefer in your face, loud entertainment. If you want a comedy that will have you rolling on the floor, this isn't it. Its a story, and they told it well. It was funny, in a low-key way. Dark in a funny way. Heartbreaking if anything. I laughed out loud a couple of times, it got awkward a couple times. Isn't that life, though? It's an artistic piece and I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a well told story that is authentically human.

Dee (Rachael Harris) is a bored wife and mother in International Falls, Minnesota. She dreams of being a stand-up comedian. She's a hotel desk clerk where Tim (Rob Huebel) is the new traveling comic doing shows in the hotel. The start is a little awkward with her cheating. I also noticed that her accent switches from Fargo to sassy Rachael Harris throughout the movie. It's weird that some characters go fall Fargo while others are doing a lot less. Eventually, there is some good character work with Dee and her husband. The stand-up comedy is almost never funny and that causes problems of its own. The ending is one of those problems. I understand the writer falling in love with the gas station bit but her closing should be one joke and out. The joke could even bomb but she just has to get over the hump of finally finding her joy. That's her journey. It's not about the mistress or her marriage. It's not about anything other than a middle age woman finding her own joy for the first time.

Loved it. Real. Funny. Sad. Hopeful. Comedy nerds will dig it.

Wonderful performances from Rachael Harris and Rob Heubel, a charming, hilarious and poignant script, an Indie that reminds you of the great ones when little Indie films were first making waves. Very well done all around.

I live in International Falls, and I remember when they came here to film all the bits in town. It was a big event and everyone was super excited to see our town on the big screen. And it WAS very cool, however, WHY DID YOU MAKE THE LOCALS SOUND LIKE THEIR FROM WISCONSIN??? Literally nobody talks like that here, and never will anyone talk like that here. Everyone in the theater cringed when they started talking, and halfway through the movie the theater was half emptied. I personally didn't make it further than 5 minutes before I shut down completely. Who would have thought I wouldn't be able to stomach this movie because of the cheap exaggerated NOT EVEN MINNESOTAN accents??? Absolutely ear grading, and nobody in this town likes the movie, and we all laugh and mock the way they talk. Again, Amber, WE AREN'T WISCONSIN, OR IRELAND, OR WHATEVER YOU THOUGHT WE WERE WHEN DECIDING HOW THEY SHOULD SOUND. InNeRnAsHiNaL Fahhhls sucks.