The Age of Commercialism

Beautiful, moving film.

Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

The movie is wildly uneven but lively and timely - in its own surreal way

Jennifer Morrison really shows that she is an under-utilized actor. In fact, both Jen and Jesse Spencer are 180-degrees from their inoffensive roles on House, MD. Surrounded by a wonderful ensemble of actors, they create a story that thrives on suspense and humor. A very deliberate, concise work with a steady tone.The writer/director demonstrates a high degree of authorship. And yet the writing idiosyncrasies are not self-conscious or showy. And the performances only elaborate on what's already there. Jennifer Morrison, in particular, seems self-possessed in the role -- living out and behaving each moment rather than 'acting' it.Further, this is a movie interested, it seems, in mise-en-scene rather than montage; fully bodied performances, fluid masters, and purposely under-cut. A movie that chooses long-take tableaux -- like an Altman film, or the Dardenne Brothers, or Gus van Sant -- over fragmentation via cutting. Pretty good stuff.

I do not recommend this movie for the following reasons: 1) The story is confusing, 2) It puts you to sleep, 3) The camera work is poor quality. I am a fan of Jennifer Morrison from the TV show "House," but her acting was unacceptable here.It was almost as if there was no director and the poor girl had to figure it out on her own. The cinematography reminds me of a home video, like something my little brother would do. It's a shame, because there was some potential here. But whatever potential there was has been erased by poor quality in every area, specifically the direction, production design, cinematography, music, and editing.I think the filmmakers didn't know exactly what their goals were: to make us laugh? Scare us? Because the only thing they succeed in doing is confusing us. Rather than wasting your time watching this amateur production, go to the movie theater and watch a real intelligent movie.I highly recommend watching a good thriller like "Fracture," "Donnie Darko," or "Disturbia." "Flourish" wants very badly to be like those movies but simply fails because the screenplay has no destination. It's like riding a plane for hours without knowing where you're headed -- forever. If I were to grade this movie I would give it a D+.

Flourish DVD Film Review By Ed Hulse 10/30/2006 @ Video Business A reasonably clever mystery/ comedy hybrid that echoes Martin Scorsese's After Hours, Flourish has an Alice in Wonderland vibe that keeps it amusing even when innumerable plot complications and bizarre characters threaten to send it spiraling into incoherence. Gaby's odyssey brings her in contact with an unlikely spy, an exploited fiancée, a philandering military man, his pious mistress and other oddballs. At the finish, several questions remain unanswered, but that hardly matters. This neatly turned out indie is one of those films that isn't about the destination but the journey. With a sharper script and a little more directorial discipline, this easily could have been a major mainstream movie. Though worth seeing, the absence of exploitable cast names will hinder the film's rental prospects.http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6386609.html?text=flourish+dvd

I saw a screening of this film and it is indie film making at its best. It contains just the right elements of humor and suspense. The film was very well cast and the performances were very strong. There is also a great soundtrack provided by the voice of Jen Morrison and the original songs of Julian Sakata. In fact the song at the end flowed so well with the story that no one moved from their seats until the lights came up in the theatre. Very rare sight for an LA movie crowd. The Story moves very well. Its's interesting to watch all of the characters unwind, and there is something tragic and comedic about the whole thing. The Characters are interesting and really drive the story. Direction is solid. The script is well written. Great overall film.