Audience Member
They just wanted to buy a new camera, but the journey has changed their lives forever.
There's a big difference between B movie and Indie films, which sometimes people are confused with. This one is both of them. If Indie films are good, it will be easily recognised widely. Mainly because of attending film fests. But that's not the same case for B movies. This category films usually made with a low budget, and second tier actors, filmmakers. So the production quality makes all the difference and fall into not fit for even airing on the television. Hence, most of the time ends up direct-to-video. Even though with such tight circumstance, there are some enjoyable B movies out there. We just have not come across it.
You can do a quick research on this that this is not even known to a fraction per cent of regular film goers. I found it accidentally and as usual, I took my chances. Now I feel I have made a right choice. This is nothing new. The same old road movie, the same old message. One of the main roles would have been so perfect for Greta Gerwig to play. But anyway, this actress who I have never seen before had done a nice job too. There are some recognisable faces in it as well, like Lyndsy Fonseca and Eric Roberts.
Despite familiarity and predictability, the film was enjoyable. It had some good moments, as well as overwhelmed by adult comedies. This is the story of Claire who is in her 20s with a tender heart, but raised by an Agoraphobic mother. So she has no social skills, that changes one day when she befriends Danielle whose camera she had broken. The road trip begins to get a new camera. They set to travel another town which actually becomes a life changing event in their life.
?It's not our responsibility to suffer the consequences of our actions, but rather celebrate them.?
For a such film, the writing to direction, performances, locations, all were very much acceptable. But there was a moment during the last quarter, which served as a twist in the tale, for that I said 'not that'. Because I was not expecting the narration to end up with that cheap twist, since I'd enjoyed so far of the film. That line was so typical. Anyway, that's how the story goes and characters were designed. So no big deal, since it is not a mainstream film to criticise heavily for having no creativity. Though I'm wondering how film critics would react to a film like this.
For a moment I thought it was a Christian film. Because of an innocent character like Claire, and Danielle, a daughter pastoral. Then the following events were totally surprised me. Gay sub-theme, sex jokes, the narration did not shy away to exploit them. Like I always say, if you are aware of what kind of film you are watching, the risk you are taking, and expecting it accordingly, then there will be no such thing called disappointment. Despite it is not a must see film, I would say why won't you give it a try! You might not go to add it to your favourite list, at least there's a chance that you might get entertained.
6.5/10
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/30/23
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Audience Member
Really fun movie. Unique and quirky characters who have good chemistry on screen. We really enjoyed this film!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/01/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Lyndsy Fonseca and Kristin Wallace give outstanding performances in Moments of Clarity. They do an exceptional job of bringing their chemistry on-screen as their characters form an unlikely bond in this quirky coming of age story. The story follows their characters Claire (Wallace) and Danielle (Fonseca) as they embark on an adventurous road trip that forces them to step outside of their comfort zones. Along the way they encounter a series of individuals that each come with their own set of baggage and flaws. These diverse characters help each other overcome personal struggles in an off-beat way that adds humor to the dark issues the film touches on. I thought it was an enjoyable film and I recommend seeing it if you like dark comedies.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/25/23
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Audience Member
Moments of Clarity is a hilarious and surprisingly whimsical dark comedy that manages to shed light on various contemporary issues, including mental illness, religion, and contemporary family relationships. Kristen Wallace's performance is absolutely phenomenal, rightfully earning her the Best Acting award at the Boston International Film Festival. The film's diversified characters are intelligently and colorfully written, making them believable and delightfully memorable. The dialogue is sharp and funny, and the direction is powerfully mesmerizing. All in all, Moments of Clarity succeeds as an original, smart dramedy.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/04/23
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Audience Member
This quirky indie follows socially inept Claire (Kristin Wallace) as she ventures out of her small town for the first time with Danielle (Lyndsey Fonseca), the rebellious pastor's daughter. Director Steve Elam did a really good job with the visual display of this movie. My absolute favorite scene was the party scene; Elam was able to give this moment a really artsy and psychedelic feel that drew me in. It was great seeing Claire thrown into that atmosphere because she was able to experience so many new things. It was a well-done job by Kristin Wallace portraying the transformation of her character. Everyone should give this film a watch.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/03/23
Full Review
Audience Member
While the film's themes never really come together in a cohesive manner, the focus on female friendship is appreciated. Ultimately, this is a film where the talent involved is likely a bit better than the actual material on the page
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
02/04/23
Full Review
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