Me and You and Everyone We Know (www.the-usher.com)

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Richard (Hawkes) is trying to come to terms with his divorce. His two sons Peter (Thompson) and Robby (Ratcliff) now have two homes and live in two completely different neighbourhoods but they just want to be listened to. Heather (Slayton) and Rebecca (Townsend) want to share their first experience together by teasing Andrew (Henke). Christine (July) just wants her art to be seen but they will all have to come together to get what they want.

Once in a while a low budget, independent film comes along that is full of charm and quirkiness that it instantly becomes a cult classic, this is one of those movies.

Known more for her experimental short stories and performances, Miranda July brings her unique look at the world to the big screen. If you want a film that has real characters living in the real world, you have to watch independent movies because this is the only way the average person can ever connect with a character. None of the characters are rich, super intelligent or have jobs that are out of the ordinary, they are just plain and simple people getting on with their lives as best they can. This gives them instant charm and you invest in them straight away.

This all due to the talents of first time writer/director/actor Miranda July. There have been many an artist that has made an impact with their first feature and then never lived up to their potential but with the skill that oozes from this movie you can't help but think we have only just tapped into her talents. It is in the character development and the dialogue where the film excels. This isn't life changing material or ones that will be quoted from years to come but it suits the dynamic of the characters and drives the story along.

As with most independent comedy/drama is it the ensemble cast adds credence to the story and the characters. Leading the line is the performance of the always-excellent John Hawkes. He has made a career out of playing supporting characters on both TV and film but his role as Richard really gives him the chance to shine. Brad William Henke is excellent as Richard's best friend and work colleague Andrew. He gets draw into a strange conversation with Rebecca and Heather, played by the two talented young actresses Natasha Slayton and Najarra Townsend. Carlie Westerman is wonderful as the kitchen equipment collecting Sylvie. Almost stealing the film are the performances of Miles Thompson and Brandon Ratcliff as Richard's sons Peter and Robby. Brandon Ratcliff provides many of the laughs as the brothers discover the perils of instant messaging. Finally there is the performance Miranda July herself. As Christine she plays a quirky performance artist who comes into Richard's world just as he needs something new in his life. Her character is instantly endearing and you cannot help but love her outlook on life.

'Me and you and everyone we know' is a gem of a movie. Its only down point is that when the film ends you really want to know more about the characters that you have become so invested in. This is quirky and slightly offbeat and you cannot help but enjoy everything about it.

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in Widescreen 1.85:1 Anamorphic with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the transfer is good especially for a low budget film.

BONUS FEATURES

Interview with Miranda July (27.48 mins)
The writer/director/actor takes honestly about her career and her first motion picture. Here she talks about the short films and one-person performances are she drew upon in writing the script. She reveals how she likes to incorporate her feeling in her performances and writing, as she likes to make connections between her characters. Miranda also discusses how the Sundance Writers Lab helped her with her script. This is a very honest and interesting interview that gives you a fascinating insight into first time and low budget filmmaking.

Cast and Crew Interviews (19.17 mins)
Miranda July, John Hawkes, Brad William Henke, Brandon Ratcliff, Miles Thompson, Natasha Slayton, Najarra Elias, Tracy Wright and producer Gina Kwon talk about working on the film, what attracted them to the film and their characters.

Behind the scenes (10.43 mins)
Watch B-Roll footage of director Miranda July at work as the production films at the mall.

Theatrical Trailer (2.38 mins)
Watch the preview trailer for the movie Other releases Previews of 'Last Days', 'American Splendour', 'Elephant' and 'Tarnation'

OVERALL

The DVD treatment of 'Me and You and Everyone we know' is very good, especially for a low budget film. While the DVD might be missing a commentary track this is more than made up for by the interview with Miranda July. Fans of the film will be pleased and those of you who are discovering it on DVD will really enjoy it.

DVD

American Beauty

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2005