One Of The Most Feel-Good Soul-Nourishing Flicks Around
At this year’s South by Southwest film festival, within all of the mayhem, invitations, networking functions, movies to see, venues to checkout, bands to watch and people to connect with, it is without a doubt that one of the things I’m most glad about attending… was The Baltimorons premiere on March 8.
It was absolutely no surprise to me that this movie, which was directed and written by Jay Duplass (The Puffy Chair, Cyrus, Jeff Who Lives At Home), emerged as the audience award winner for the Narrative Spotlight category at this year‘s festival.
The Baltimorons is the type of wholesomely soul-nourishing comedic experience that going to the movies is all about. It is one of the most feel-good flicks around. I would even argue sitting at home on the couch with your loved one watching this film is one of the best ways to enjoy an evening at home. It is not flashy, it is not loud, it is not by any means a blockbuster with high budget. This film sucks the audience in from the get-go by simply just being so charming, warm, and cozy.
It’s funny… I was thinking to myself whilst watching the protagonist Michael Stassner (Young Rock, Modern Family) thinking his behavior and movements as a big burly teddy bear are very much like Charlie Brown from the Peanuts stories we watched as kids. At the end of the premiere imagine my amusement when Jay Duplass admits that Charlie Brown was a character reference for Strassner’s character in the film.
Liz Larsen did a phenomenal job here with her character arc in being first an uptight and professional dentist, but then slowly but surely warming up to Strassner’s character as the two explore Baltimore together through hilarious and cute situations.
I honestly cannot say enough good things about this film and would insist everybody sees it.
Congrats to Duplass and his team for this astounding piece of art.