EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: '2 BUDS' Episodes 5-8

If you enjoyed the first 4 episodes of ‘2 Buds’, episodes 5 - 8 will have you caught hook, line and sinker.  Every aspect of the series is stepped up in the last four episodes.  Chase Lee’s writing and direction became crisper, and he hits a nice stride with a different, yet effective plot point near the end of the series.

Kevin Martin’s acting is far better in the second half of the show than in the first, and he seemed to hit a groove that wrapped his arc nicely.  As for Lee, his dramatic and comedic timing stay strong, yet there is something more endearing in the second half of the season and that has to do with his writing.

As a first time writer/director, Chase Lee found an interesting, different and cool story with ‘2 Buds’.  Part of me wants to see this series with a bigger budget and numerous writers and directors.  Everyone on the project seemed to know what they were aiming for, and for the most part, they hit the target.  There are still some issues, mainly editing and some cheesy moments in the dialogue, but overall the second half of this show reeled me in and held on.  

This is  a solid effort from a production crew with little or no budget, and a story worth telling.  Although, I wish the show hit a groove a little earlier on, I’m glad I stuck around for a really good second half.  Once you sit through the raunchy male humor, ‘2 Buds’ brings the human heart.

3.75/5  

George McCann

Tribeca Wrap Up 2014

The Tribeca Film Festival, in my opinion, is one of the few indie festivals around.  Yes, they have some big names here and there but, for the most part, they are independent and I love it!  This is my second year at Tribeca and I thought I would give a little wrap up/rundown of the films and events I saw.  Here we go!

The World Premiere of 'Gabriel':

Directed by Lou Howe and starring Rory Culkin.  I am very, very mixed on this film.  It is the tale of a mentally ill young man's search for love.  Although it has a superb performance from Rory Culkin, I didn't feel the film was firing on all cylinders.  There were aspects of the film that Howe specifically left out of the story (he spoke about this in a Q&A) that I think would have better served the film had they been in the movie.  I do think it is an interesting film that people should have an opinion on one way or another.  A release date has not been set.

The USA Premiere of 'Starred Up':

Directed by David Mackenzie and starring Jack O'Connell, Ben Mendelsohn and Rupert Friend.  This film is the tale of a young man in a young offenders' prison who is "starred up" to a more secure prison due to his violent nature.  'Starred Up' is one of the best, most haunting, disturbing and brilliant prison films I have ever seen.  O'Connell, Mendelsohn and Friend all give subtle outstanding performances.  David Mackenzie made a choice to not use much music in the film and it leaves the audience feeling isolated, desperate and palpably tense.  I don't know if/when 'Starred Up' will get a release date due to the violent and rough content in the film but, if this came out in December, it would be a major Oscar contender and is my second favorite film of the year.  It left me thinking days after the film ended.  I can't recommend it enough, but be prepared; it is a tough viewing experience.

Tribeca Talks: A Conversation With Aaron Sorkin:

This was my favorite event of the festival.  My screenwriting hero, Aaron Sorkin spoke about his career, the film industry and took some questions from the audience.  Listening to Sorkin speak about his television and film career was an amazing privilege.  He clearly spoke from an honest place and just listening to him speak was like being in a masters screenwriting class.  I can't really express what the event was like because... you just had to be there.  What I can say is this, if you get the chance to hear Aaron Sorkin speak, SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY.  It will likely be an experience that you will never forget.

I will leave you with this quote from Mr. Sorkin:

"The most valuable thing you have is your own voice." ~ Aaron Sorkin

That was my experience at The Tribeca Film Festival 2014.

- George McCann