Bob R
"Sold Out" is a triumph in music-based cinema. Tim Dahlseid's direction, combined with exceptional cinematography and stellar performances, creates a film that strikes a chord with its audience on a deeply emotional level. The storyline weaves a captivating tale of redemption and self-discovery, as a talented female talent scout mentors a struggling construction worker on his journey to become a singer/songwriter. The narrative unfolds with genuine heart, resonating deeply with its audience. It's a story of hope, of second chances, and of the unbreakable human spirit. For anyone who loves music, believes in the power of transformation, or simply enjoys a brilliantly crafted film, "Sold Out" is an absolute must-see. This is a cinematic experience that will leave you humming its tunes and reflecting on its powerful message long after the final note.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
09/14/23
Full Review
J. H
Man, oh man! "SOLD OUT" is the rhythmic heartbeat of the American Dream set to the passionate tempo of raw musical talent. It's the wild howl of the lone wolf on a moonlit night and the gentle whisper of dreams deferred, all woven into a tapestry of melodies and the age-old struggle for recognition.
There's a spirit in this film, much like the unyielding spirit of the open road. A female talent scout, with an ear as finely tuned as a ‘56 Chevy radio, hears not just the voice, but the soul of a man, buried beneath the debris of construction sites and the weight of everyday existence. This ain't just a story of fame, fortune, or the shimmering lights of the stage; it's a tale of rebirth, of the phoenix that rises from the sawdust, with a guitar in hand and a song in his heart.
The film dances, swings, and sways to the unpredictable beat of life. Our songbird from the construction site is everyman, everywoman, anyone who's ever felt the blues, but also the intoxicating rush of a dream being realized. Their journey together, mentor and mentee, is a duet of hopes and fears, set against the vast backdrop of city skylines and smoky bars, echoing with the cadence of Kerouac's own adventures.
"SOLD OUT" isn't just another tale in the vast ocean of music dramas; it's a lyrical journey of self-discovery, of finding one's true calling amidst the cacophony of life. It's a symphony of ambition, resilience, and the eternal quest for something more. The rawness, the honesty, the sheer poetic beauty of it all resonates with anyone who's ever dared to dream beyond their station.
To the makers of "SOLD OUT", I say, you've captured the very essence of the beat generation and translated it to the world of song. This film is jazz, rock 'n' roll, blues, and gospel, all rolled into a cinematic masterpiece. Bravo!
Here's to "SOLD OUT", a movie that reminds us that even when life's notes seem discordant, there's always a song waiting to be sung, if only we dare to listen.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
09/14/23
Full Review
Rachel K
"Sold Out" (2021) asks what is your passion - and how are you going to change the world - and also reminding us that you got to live your life at the same time as you're trying to make your career.
Strong-headed, passionate music scout Kat Revere is as flawed as the next person, but she is good at preparing songwriters performers to have a career.
As she talks early in the movie she reminds me of Michele Mupo aka Fuchsia (from New Jersey and got her start with Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam).
In the story Kat is a bit of a mystery to the audience and the male lead, and she's angry.
John is played by the engaging Sam Bardwell, who sings songs mostly by Jeffrey Foucault. It isn't clear if he wrote the songs based on the story, or if the story was informed by the songs.
The story of "Sold Out" is driven by trying to answer this question. What if you haven't "made it" yet? How do you keep going?
Mixed into the story of strivers in the making, recording and playing of music in the northern parts of the midwest.
The near universal element is about making a living from your creativity - this resonates with the move and tv industry, drawing, comics, all forms of storytelling makers.
Rather than staying in one genre of music, the guitar playing and singing bridge from prog rock, to folk and country, to Jazz and blues with cameos from professional Jazz and Blues musicians.
The overall visuals are strong, the sound and music are strong, and the story is mysterious but also full of the road of discovery. There are some strange decisions with camera angles in the coverage close-ups and medium shots in the first half of the film, but the dramatic composition of scenes and visual composition of scenes are generally strong, with good editing throughout the film.
I think the producers needed to trust the musical performances a little more - maybe 2 to 7 minutes more of that amongst the film.
The montage sequences and the cutting back and forth in time for the story of the characters is done very well.
The actors are generally amazing, and I hope to see more from everyone in front of the camera and behind the camera in the future.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
05/31/23
Full Review
bill d
So much soul, and gives you that warm feeling when you can sense that the filmmakers cared about the story.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
adam d
I rather enjoyed this film. Great cast! Interesting story. Worth checking out!
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Robert T
Loved it. The acting and story were kind of a dream of mine, I always wanted aife in the music industry and it made me feel like a part of the movie. Really liked the jam session. Also really liked seeing my old stomping grounds, Minneapolis. Great movie, 5 stars.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
09/17/22
Full Review
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