Very disappointing...

One of the worst movies I've ever seen

Memorable, crazy movie

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Its a good movie if you want entertainment, but it lacks credibility. In real life, no one ever puts their college eggs in one basket, especially on an Ivy League school like Columbia and especially when they do not have the financial wherewithal to pay the tuition. A "real" Jersey Shore waitress would have applications ( and probably acceptances) from cheaper state schools and even community colleges where many working class high school graduates start their education in real life. I also find it hard to believe that her father, who got through three years at Columbia, did not make more of his life so that his wife did not have to work as a housekeeper.It was interesting learning about the work permit process and the dangers described about life on a fishing boat bought back memories of the "Perfect Storm".

Other than quotes from co-screenwriter Gabrielle Berberich that appeared in the print media promoting the three-day Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ, I knew nothing about "Greetings From the Shore" when I was asked to introduce it Saturday night, April 5, 2008. Having seen it, I think the film is a wonderful example of a fully realized, completely relatable story that a lot of people would want to experience with others in a movie theater. New Jersey has exported enough natives around the country who will want to see this quintessential summer coming-of-age-at-the-Shore story. May they take with them friends who would be surprised to see the 'other' Jersey. The acting was well done: With her subtly expressive facial features, lead Kim Shaw has a promising future ahead of her. Paul Sorvino, who spoke from the stage afterwards, expressed the cast's collective gratitude for the chance to perform in a well-crafted narrative.

It's refreshing to see a small, independent movie with such a big heart, lovable characters (played by an able, attractive cast) and stunning cinematography.Who knew the Jersey Shore had such beautiful locations? I'm so accustomed to seeing films set in The Garden State that look like a trash dump, not like some tropical paradise. The light is golden and feels almost nostalgic, like a film from another decade.But life isn't exactly paradise for the down-on-her luck main character (Kim Shaw), who's trying to fulfill her dream of going to Columbia by working all summer and praying she gets financial aid. Her dad's dead, her car breaks down, the job and housing she had lined up both vanish, and she's forced to either admit defeat or turn that frown upside down and make the best of things. Shaw is cute as a button and you want her to succeed. She finds work as a ESL teacher for the kitchen staff at a local restaurant/boat club and gets involved with a group of bad boy drifters who she's supposed to be teaching. Later than sooner, she learns what they're up to and falls for the cutest bad boy of the bunch (David Fumero).Coming-of-age, end-of-innocence, romantic-comedy, thriller...whatever you want to call it, it works. Kudos to the filmmakers for making such a feel-good film...it would be great to see more indie films that show us the sunny side of life more often than focusing on just the dark clouds of human experience.

The lead actress (Kim Shaw) in this movie is fantastic. She is a sweet character who has vulnerability and strength. The setting of this film on the Jersey shore at resort/restaurant gives a feel to it like "Dirty Dancing." The cast is rounded out with other memorable characters – Paul Sorvino for example, as well as the manager at the restaurant (good comic relief!) There are really nice moments throughout this film and the build-up of the movie's romance is good. Mid-way through the film though, it starts to lag. It feels like the stakes could be higher – either on the romance-end or in the conflict that is felt between the workers and the rich "frat boys" or in the main character's grief over the loss of her father (which gets lost in the story). It's lacking that "compelling something" to pull me into the next scene and next. I needed something more to make me feel like I NEED to know what is coming next. It is worth noting that the movie finishes on a strong note with a "showdown" of sorts.The locations, directing, acting, and cinematography are all strong. The story could have been stronger. Cutting out some of the middle scenes and/or trimming them down would speed up the pacing and improve this movie in my opinion.I feel like this movie is a 6, or maybe a 7 out of 10. Since it is an indie film, I rounded up to a 7 (since it is hard to make a good movie with less money). If you like romances that aren't formulaic romantic-comedies, this is a nice coming-of-age one.