I mean just look at the tag line, haven't we all seen a hundred inspirational hallmark channel/lifetime channel original movies with that exact tag line? A movie about "learning life's lessons, blah blah blah." Basically, a technically competent but utterly generic paint by numbers film. There's really nothing wrong with it, it just sits there. Never really soars, never really does anything. Actually there was one really stupid thing: this girl walks up to the main character, completely at random and starts dating him. I thought there was going to be a punchline or something...no, some random hot girl just started dating the main character for seemingly no reason. It just felt so random, I was a bit confused after-wards. And then she falls in love with him, for some reason, and they break up because? I don't think anyone in my theater bought their relationship for one second. I think she was literally in maybe four or five scenes. Other than the totally superfluous love interest I guess it was OK.
22 Reviews
Nothing special about this 1970's period piece but worthy of a watch
Ed-Shullivan8 September 2014
The film is about a 40 something aged man who is reminiscing about his teenage years growing up in a small US town where his dad ran an auto garage. The lead is played by Gabrielle Marantz who plays a character named Matt Rupert. Matt's father "Doc" Ruppert played superbly by Xander Berkeley is a former war veteran who is trying to eke out an honorable living by running his own tow and automotive service station but he has some competition which is currently getting the better end of the business throughout town since his competitor has the towing licenses for the district locked up.
Matt has a brother who has no interest in the families auto repair shop so the support to keep the business running falls on Matt's shoulders. What Matt dreams about is getting away from his small town life and not spending the rest of his life repairing cars in his dads' garage. After witnessing his parents argue each night about unpaid bills, no hot water, and a fledging auto repair business that may be on its last legs, Matt has some big worries that most kids don't.
Matt's best friend Schulz, played by Corby Griesenbeck, is having trouble of his own at home and so the two young men have conspired to blow this pop stand and head out on to the highway singing "life is a highway". But wouldn't you know it? Life gets in the way in the form of parents, cars, girlfriends, bikers, money (or lack of it) and friendship, not necessarily in any order. Matt's story of reminiscing of his life in the 1970's is a story that we can all relate to and I must give the writer/director/actor Carl Thibault credit for putting together a decent storyline and music score. Where the film fails though is to give us a story on the big screen that resonates with its audience and captivates us for 90 minutes or so as well as some other great films such as Stand By Me or the "must see" A Bronx Tale.
I am not suggesting you avoid the film as it has some good qualities to look for in a film, such as Xander Berkeley's performance as a hard working war vet with strong principles, just don't expect it to transcend you for the next 90 minutes in to another world and with a story that will stay with you. Once the popcorn is gone, you probably will want more food rather than feel compelled to stay in your seat as you would with the aforementioned films.
Matt has a brother who has no interest in the families auto repair shop so the support to keep the business running falls on Matt's shoulders. What Matt dreams about is getting away from his small town life and not spending the rest of his life repairing cars in his dads' garage. After witnessing his parents argue each night about unpaid bills, no hot water, and a fledging auto repair business that may be on its last legs, Matt has some big worries that most kids don't.
Matt's best friend Schulz, played by Corby Griesenbeck, is having trouble of his own at home and so the two young men have conspired to blow this pop stand and head out on to the highway singing "life is a highway". But wouldn't you know it? Life gets in the way in the form of parents, cars, girlfriends, bikers, money (or lack of it) and friendship, not necessarily in any order. Matt's story of reminiscing of his life in the 1970's is a story that we can all relate to and I must give the writer/director/actor Carl Thibault credit for putting together a decent storyline and music score. Where the film fails though is to give us a story on the big screen that resonates with its audience and captivates us for 90 minutes or so as well as some other great films such as Stand By Me or the "must see" A Bronx Tale.
I am not suggesting you avoid the film as it has some good qualities to look for in a film, such as Xander Berkeley's performance as a hard working war vet with strong principles, just don't expect it to transcend you for the next 90 minutes in to another world and with a story that will stay with you. Once the popcorn is gone, you probably will want more food rather than feel compelled to stay in your seat as you would with the aforementioned films.
Heavyhanded and lacking magic
mrmsmith22 April 2006
After reading other comments I expected a feeling of magic like that of All the Real Girls, but all I got was a heavy-handed self-conscious film that left me feeling like I missed something. The music was decent but often too loud and too repetitious by the end. The transitional shots of the farmland and roads were beautiful but didn't seem to fit the tone of the film. One scene that appeared to be pivotal to the plot, was over too quickly and never fully explained and thus not as pivotal as the music and cinematography suggested. The acting of the girlfriend (?) was distracting, and the character was just as confusing. Anyway, I agree that The Garage is a slightly better hallmark drama that won't terribly offend anyone, but if you're expecting great narrative or film-making, look elsewhere.
Watching Bolts Turn
akkittelson9 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Great cast (except for one huge exception) and some nice shots of a beautiful landscape, but otherwise this movie is enormously flawed.
Why am I going out of my way to write a critique? Am I just mean? Perhaps, but I have some thoughts that I think are worth sharing, or at least I have a bone to pick because I feel I am owed some time back.
This story is unbelievably boring. It is like watching concrete grow or like watching bolts turn. Hardly anything of interest happens. The only compelling aspect is the family's predicament, but sadly that isn't the focus, and it doesn't satisfactorily change.
Any time something seemingly central is about to happen, something else unrelated and peripheral happens instead.
There is no cause and effect. When the main character finds his dad among a group of men sharing a hooker, he does nothing, which is weird. That would be the perfect time for the main character to rethink his loyalty to his dad, which would help him decide to agree to leave town right away. The central conflict is that the main character's best friend wants to leave town as soon as possible, and the main character doesn't quite yet. His excuse is that he wants to help out his dad. Once he finds out that his dad isn't the man he thought he was, he should change his mind.
Also, the main character's best friend says he needs to get out of town because he can no longer withstand his father's abuse. It would be so much more powerful if he is ultimately beaten to incapacitation by his father, rather than being hit by a car. His father is the looming danger. Having his father beat him to death would make the rising stakes culminate, and it would make the main character's plea "Just one more week..." so much more meaningful.
There are peripheral and loose ends that never tie in. This movie needs to be much tighter.
Compounding the torture of the boring story, the plot flaws and the dangling ends is the unbelievably awful performance by the actress Tania Ramonde. Her performance might be the worst on-screen performance I have seen in years, if not ever.
I don't blame her; I blame the director.
How could the director think that her oddly wandering eyes and contrived "sensuality" (I put it in quotes because I do not find her to be sexy at all) are pleasing to either the story or to an audience's eyes? I had to hide my eyes. I really did.
Also, her character just appears out of nowhere. Why is she walking around this strange and desolate town all alone so late at night? Why is she dressed like she lives in modern day Beverly Hills? And if this town is so small, how come she and the main character do not know each other before this night when she just walks up out of the darkness?
This brings me to another point about the setting: Where are the stores and the cars and the people? Was this project so low budget that they couldn't afford any props or extras? It's like a ghost town, except without the ghosts.
In summary, I care about the plight of the family, and I think that most of the acting is quite admirable. I just think that the story is clichéd, boring and long-winded and the acting by the ingénue is...I won't be rude and say it again because I don't want to burst her bubble. Like I said, I blame the director.
All in all, I give this movie a 3.
Why am I going out of my way to write a critique? Am I just mean? Perhaps, but I have some thoughts that I think are worth sharing, or at least I have a bone to pick because I feel I am owed some time back.
This story is unbelievably boring. It is like watching concrete grow or like watching bolts turn. Hardly anything of interest happens. The only compelling aspect is the family's predicament, but sadly that isn't the focus, and it doesn't satisfactorily change.
Any time something seemingly central is about to happen, something else unrelated and peripheral happens instead.
There is no cause and effect. When the main character finds his dad among a group of men sharing a hooker, he does nothing, which is weird. That would be the perfect time for the main character to rethink his loyalty to his dad, which would help him decide to agree to leave town right away. The central conflict is that the main character's best friend wants to leave town as soon as possible, and the main character doesn't quite yet. His excuse is that he wants to help out his dad. Once he finds out that his dad isn't the man he thought he was, he should change his mind.
Also, the main character's best friend says he needs to get out of town because he can no longer withstand his father's abuse. It would be so much more powerful if he is ultimately beaten to incapacitation by his father, rather than being hit by a car. His father is the looming danger. Having his father beat him to death would make the rising stakes culminate, and it would make the main character's plea "Just one more week..." so much more meaningful.
There are peripheral and loose ends that never tie in. This movie needs to be much tighter.
Compounding the torture of the boring story, the plot flaws and the dangling ends is the unbelievably awful performance by the actress Tania Ramonde. Her performance might be the worst on-screen performance I have seen in years, if not ever.
I don't blame her; I blame the director.
How could the director think that her oddly wandering eyes and contrived "sensuality" (I put it in quotes because I do not find her to be sexy at all) are pleasing to either the story or to an audience's eyes? I had to hide my eyes. I really did.
Also, her character just appears out of nowhere. Why is she walking around this strange and desolate town all alone so late at night? Why is she dressed like she lives in modern day Beverly Hills? And if this town is so small, how come she and the main character do not know each other before this night when she just walks up out of the darkness?
This brings me to another point about the setting: Where are the stores and the cars and the people? Was this project so low budget that they couldn't afford any props or extras? It's like a ghost town, except without the ghosts.
In summary, I care about the plight of the family, and I think that most of the acting is quite admirable. I just think that the story is clichéd, boring and long-winded and the acting by the ingénue is...I won't be rude and say it again because I don't want to burst her bubble. Like I said, I blame the director.
All in all, I give this movie a 3.
Feh.
HeathenClerk22 April 2006
Half-decent acting, nice cinematography- story wasn't plotted well, characters entered and left with little to no explanation or foreshadowing or really any reason. Story possibly overshadowed by possibly that these are memories of the writer/director, and not enough time was spent making it wholly understandable to an audience with no prior knowledge of his memories. Very anti-climactic, ambiguous rationalizing- and a still shot of space. Main character's thrust not very well explained other than generic "leaving the farm" type of moment at the beginning, not enough tie-ins to previous reinforcing principles and moments earlier in the story. Hoped for more- 3/10
Emotional story
Fortune-Films4 June 2006
A truly moving story. Wonderful composition of shots and a strong theme make this is a compelling indie movie. Not one to miss! Watch for new faces that demonstrate some sound break-out performances! The filmmakers took great care in crafting this story and it clearly shows as we follow Matt's journey though the film. If you can watch this film at one of the many festivals it has been accepted to, you should. Don't wait for a DVD release, but rather watch it on the big screen. The cinematography alone makes it worthwhile, and the strong story strikes home for most father/son relationships in real life. It can make you reflect on your own personal situation and that is the message of a powerful film.
Solid coming-of-age drama, moving and well-acted.
garygo28 March 2006
Just caught this movie at the San Fernando Valley Film Festival and was really taken aback by its quiet power. Very much in the "Stand By Me"/"Last Picture Show"/"Summer of '42" mode, it will hopefully find a wider audience outside the fest circuit. Very well-acted by a mix of newcomers and veteran talent, "The Garage" has a great, evocative look, and subtly brings back its late 1970s, pre-MTV time period. It's one of those universal stories about small town life that anyone who's ever left home--or thought about it, will definitely be moved by. The music and cinematography were impressive, too. Check it out if it lands at a festival or theatre near you.
really enjoyed it!!
jarangua7 February 2006
'The Garage' is great viewing. If you are past your youth, this will remind you of your younger time, when you had choices to make that would shape your destiny. If you are at that youthful 'turning point' time in your life, you will definitely relate and if you aren't at that place yet, you will learn about the turning points of decision that are soon to be headed your way. 'The Garage' succeeds in evoking many feelings from it's viewer. There are moments of warmth, humor and sadness as well as hopeful expectation and the audience is privy to feel them all. Remember your first love?...your first great loss?...the camaraderie of your best friend?...'The Garage' will bring them all to mind again.
Strong Story, Excellent Performances, Truly Heartfelt!
CraigWeintraub15 July 2006
Just watched the movie at the LONG ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM EXPO on Long Island, New York. What a great film! More films should be made like this one. Audiences wait for a movie like this to hit the screen as it gives them a reason to feel a film, instead of just watching one. I really enjoyed the story and the depth of the characters. I learned after the film that it was semi-autobiographical of the writer/director Carl Thibault. I also learned that this was his first film, and what a way out of the gate! His direction was flawless and the performances he got from his ensemble cast came together to execute a story that was truly heartfelt! The photography alone is a reason to see this film!
Two thumbs up!!!!!!
dsmith51125 September 2006
It was so refreshing to see a movie containing real life experiences. No offense to the sci-fi or action heroes of today. We have just become so busy, and fast paced, we forgot the quieter days of yesteryear. When, what you had was just right, and family and friends were most important. The story was something so many can relate to including myself. There were no cell phones, mp3's, DVD's or cars that have the directions right in them. It was a story of trials and triumphs that was very well told. Two thumbs up to the writer. He has a story that is told all unto often today. The acting and the directing were terrific.They put me back to a time of my youth that has been long since forgotten.
Get a little grease on your hands
nepaliama12 November 2007
My husband has a 1967 Chevy SS convertible and a 1968 Chevy Impala, and has built a garage as an appropriate temple to his icons. I have never understood why until I saw this film. Skirting devilishly close to cliché, this coming-of-age-movie never succumbs. Instead, every time you think you know what's coming, something a bit different shows up. The characters are real, their agony shared, and their interactions cause laughter and tears. The 35 mm film and natural lighting provide an appropriate texture to this real-life, grease-on-you-face experience. Watching this movie was like flipping through a scrapbook of everytown USA and spending a day in your past. Even those of us who did not grow up in a small town have small towns inside us. The music was original (nice guitar work; some really good rock) and the acting brilliant for such young actors. I wanted my husband, father and son to see it immediately.
Wonderful
Labracadabera12 November 2006
Great film.......I laughed, I cried and I've done a lot of thinking and reminiscing since seeing it.
I think anyone can relate to this film about coming of age. It brought me back to a time in my life when people would constantly tell me "these are the best times of your life" when actually I thought they were some of the most confusing and difficult times! Yet some of the things we hated as kids we tend to spend our adult life trying to recapture.
I recommend this film to anyone.....especially anyone who loved where they came from but couldn't wait to grow up and move on.
Go see this film and enjoy!!!
I think anyone can relate to this film about coming of age. It brought me back to a time in my life when people would constantly tell me "these are the best times of your life" when actually I thought they were some of the most confusing and difficult times! Yet some of the things we hated as kids we tend to spend our adult life trying to recapture.
I recommend this film to anyone.....especially anyone who loved where they came from but couldn't wait to grow up and move on.
Go see this film and enjoy!!!
loved it
yates0131 March 2010
I came away from this film with a warm feeling of nostalgia. A longing for those long summers of youth. In the evocative way of movies like Stand by me I was transported to a time before the realization that all people are flawed and that it's just the human way. The complications of adulthood loom and start to encroach on the childhood idyll. I loved this film. I loved it's slow grace as we moved through the days, bonded with characters over shared memories and grew. The cinematography is not contrived but frames the story in a non intrusive warm hand that allows the viewer to gently travel the story with the characters who develop before us but don't overwhelm. This movie is not for everyone. But it was for me and anyone else who appreciates reminders of our own personal journeys. Loved it...loved it...loved it.
Like watching my son's growing up again
optomom6725 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The Garage is the only title that describes the film. I watched it like I was watching my son's in there early adult life. Wondering which path to take. Making their life decisions. To go or to stay. Young people have to make their own friends and life. This film told that story of family,friends, and life decisions (without any profanity), really refreshing. Carl Thibault hit the jackpot with this film and I congratulate him. I understand that Carl is planning another film in the near future. I hope he keeps to the standards that he used in making The Garage. I will look forward to seeing this feature film in more festivals, or perhaps on TV and DVD , so that more people will get to enjoy a time to be remembered. Congratulations to Carl Thibault, the new writer to watch for.
A remarkably solid debut
Billybob-Shatner1 August 2006
I caught this film this past week at a film festival, and was very happy I did. The film is both well directed, and well acted. It's not edge of your seat entertainment, nor do I imagine it was intended to be. But what it is, is a very effective, believable and absorbing character study that's both technically superb and believable in its execution.
Though he might not look like a conventionally leading man, Gabriel Marantz more than carries the film. He portrayal of the lead character is both believable, and rife with pathos. Solid film and I highly recommend it.
Though he might not look like a conventionally leading man, Gabriel Marantz more than carries the film. He portrayal of the lead character is both believable, and rife with pathos. Solid film and I highly recommend it.
It kept me thinking long after I left the theater!
dgorick27 February 2006
It took me back to a time of best friends and unlimited opportunities, where the world lay at your feet waiting for you to decide what you wanted to do and where you wanted to go. A time of youth and innocence when the realities of life were still on the distant horizon. A time when your desire for something more in life made you leave the security of friends and family and race to that distant horizon and beyond, to embrace all the possibilities and make them your own.
Well written and well shot, it definitely evoked the pace and feeling of growing up in small town America without sugar coating the experience. I loved it.
Well written and well shot, it definitely evoked the pace and feeling of growing up in small town America without sugar coating the experience. I loved it.
Very creative, well done, and realistic.Worthy of a major release.
markhammond557 February 2008
"The Garage" shows life as it as. The cast talked to each other rather than at each other. The viewer felt that the cast was just as interested in what the other characters in this film had to say as the audience was. This movie wasn't like many of todays' movies are, where the cast just recites lines. The writing resembled Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, it depicted real people in real situations.It showed life as it is, not as many want life to be. Carl Thibault, as the writer and director has raised the bar for future low budget and independent movies. The directing couldn't have been better. There wasn't an unbelievable scene in this movie.The movie flowed just as real life flows,with good and bad times. I personally thought Mr. Thibault was an older gentleman, with more years of personal life experience to draw upon, as he was able to depict in his writing and directing, more realism then most big name writers and directors with "Major credits" show in their movies. The cinematography was also very good, watching the movie one didn't feel that they were in a movie theater, but in the scene with the characters; which is where the cinematography in a movie should take its' audience, but often doesn't. "The Garage" is worthy of a major release, and Mr. Carl Thibault has proved to be deserving of attention by the film industry powers that be, as both a writer and director. I'd give this movie a higher rating but one should always feel that there is room for improvement.
My Review
joemamaohio29 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
In this true coming-of-age story, young Matt is ready to leave his one-horse town and travel with his best friend Schultz. The only thing keeping him in town is his father's garage, which isn't doing good business. He doesn't want to abandon his father, and decides to stick around a little longer (of course, falling for the new girl only helps solidify his decision).
Schultz wants to leave more than anything, because he's in an abusive home, but Matt still doesn't want to fully make up his mind. Only after a tragic event does Matt finally realize that he has to look out for himself and not for others.
"The Garage" delivers in every aspect. You're drawn into the story and equally as drawn to Matt and the predicament he finds himself in. Its stirring, moving, and profound in a very low-key way. Definitely worth a viewing.
Schultz wants to leave more than anything, because he's in an abusive home, but Matt still doesn't want to fully make up his mind. Only after a tragic event does Matt finally realize that he has to look out for himself and not for others.
"The Garage" delivers in every aspect. You're drawn into the story and equally as drawn to Matt and the predicament he finds himself in. Its stirring, moving, and profound in a very low-key way. Definitely worth a viewing.
"Recent Festival Screenings"
urbanwolf17 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
These reviews were given by Moviegoers after recent film festival screenings...they were posted on various web-sites...I hope they don't mind me posting them here.
1) I thought this movie was a great depiction of many small town people and their lives when they turn teenagers. Many are so used to being around that small net of people, that they find it difficult to pack up, leave, and follow their own dreams. The Garage does a great job at portraying the life of a kid that is stuck between leaving or staying, and the choice might seem easy to some of us, but we are able to see that it is very difficult. I truly enjoyed this film and could not take my eyes of the screen....
2) This is a great movie about the relationship between a father and his adult son. It focuses on the dilemma of the son, Matt, who plans to break away from his home life and find his place in the world. Many things keep happening that keep him from leaving home. He becomes motivated to leave when his friend, who was supposed to go with him, dies. This enables the young man to decide to leave home. Through out the movie, the central theme was the father-son relationship. Not only was the main character struggling to tell his father that he wants to leave home, but, the father of his best friend is violent toward him. The end of the movie wraps this theme up in a way that I thought was unique. It ends by showing the viewer Matt's relationship with his son in the future. Although it is a bit lengthy, the movie is a delightful, yet sad, story about breaking away from the family and finding one's own path.
3) The Garage. The fact that the story is a coming of age story set in 1970's small town Texas should not deter you from seeing this film. The cinematography is wonderful, the acting is great, and if you think seeing another film of this genre is close to torture, then you really should see what Carl Thibault has created, breathing fresh, new life into the genre. This film took the SoCal award for Best Screenplay catch this film at a festival near you to see why
4) This film succeeds on so many levels, it is difficult to review. Perhaps it is best to start with what it does not do. While telling an "every town" coming-of-age story, the film never succumbs to cliché. Somehow it invokes the "automobile as vehicle of redemption" in such a visceral, physical way that you can smell the grease and feel it on your skin. The same film on video would have been a disappointment. The grain of the film itself adds texture. I immediately thought of a dozen people from three generations who I feel need to see this movie--for the simple but heartrending truths it tells, for the reminiscences it stirs, for the music (original and fantastic), and for the acting (surprising given the youth of the actors). Bravo--an American classic.
5) Saw this feature film at a festival in CA earlier this year. I really enjoyed it. Growing up in a small town, I could definitely relate to the main character and what was pushing/pulling him. For me, there was something nostalgic about the viewing experience. In my mind, this film is deserving of its many accolades. Bravo indeed.
6) Writer/Director Carl Thibault has made a really good film. I just watched this movie at the San Joaquin Film Festival and it blew me away. The basic story is not new. Set in a small town in Texas in the late 70s, the main character, Matt, must make the most important choice of his life. He can stay buried in the going-nowhere job of mechanic in his father's run-down auto repair garage or he can escape to the outside world and rise above the dead end life he's destined for. This film is beautifully photographed, acted, directed, written, edited, and scored. It never has that feel of low budget. Thibault's excellent film is independent cinema at its best. I actually give this picture 4 and a half stars. (out of 5 stars)
1) I thought this movie was a great depiction of many small town people and their lives when they turn teenagers. Many are so used to being around that small net of people, that they find it difficult to pack up, leave, and follow their own dreams. The Garage does a great job at portraying the life of a kid that is stuck between leaving or staying, and the choice might seem easy to some of us, but we are able to see that it is very difficult. I truly enjoyed this film and could not take my eyes of the screen....
2) This is a great movie about the relationship between a father and his adult son. It focuses on the dilemma of the son, Matt, who plans to break away from his home life and find his place in the world. Many things keep happening that keep him from leaving home. He becomes motivated to leave when his friend, who was supposed to go with him, dies. This enables the young man to decide to leave home. Through out the movie, the central theme was the father-son relationship. Not only was the main character struggling to tell his father that he wants to leave home, but, the father of his best friend is violent toward him. The end of the movie wraps this theme up in a way that I thought was unique. It ends by showing the viewer Matt's relationship with his son in the future. Although it is a bit lengthy, the movie is a delightful, yet sad, story about breaking away from the family and finding one's own path.
3) The Garage. The fact that the story is a coming of age story set in 1970's small town Texas should not deter you from seeing this film. The cinematography is wonderful, the acting is great, and if you think seeing another film of this genre is close to torture, then you really should see what Carl Thibault has created, breathing fresh, new life into the genre. This film took the SoCal award for Best Screenplay catch this film at a festival near you to see why
4) This film succeeds on so many levels, it is difficult to review. Perhaps it is best to start with what it does not do. While telling an "every town" coming-of-age story, the film never succumbs to cliché. Somehow it invokes the "automobile as vehicle of redemption" in such a visceral, physical way that you can smell the grease and feel it on your skin. The same film on video would have been a disappointment. The grain of the film itself adds texture. I immediately thought of a dozen people from three generations who I feel need to see this movie--for the simple but heartrending truths it tells, for the reminiscences it stirs, for the music (original and fantastic), and for the acting (surprising given the youth of the actors). Bravo--an American classic.
5) Saw this feature film at a festival in CA earlier this year. I really enjoyed it. Growing up in a small town, I could definitely relate to the main character and what was pushing/pulling him. For me, there was something nostalgic about the viewing experience. In my mind, this film is deserving of its many accolades. Bravo indeed.
6) Writer/Director Carl Thibault has made a really good film. I just watched this movie at the San Joaquin Film Festival and it blew me away. The basic story is not new. Set in a small town in Texas in the late 70s, the main character, Matt, must make the most important choice of his life. He can stay buried in the going-nowhere job of mechanic in his father's run-down auto repair garage or he can escape to the outside world and rise above the dead end life he's destined for. This film is beautifully photographed, acted, directed, written, edited, and scored. It never has that feel of low budget. Thibault's excellent film is independent cinema at its best. I actually give this picture 4 and a half stars. (out of 5 stars)
The Garage was a wonderful piece of work
palomamariamettler8 December 2013
The Garage was a wonderful piece of work, reminding me of a great meandering film called Tender Mercies in 1983, it was timeless also. Carl Thibault captured the small town feel and the raw realism of family dynamics in the rural areas of America. I could relate to many scenes, emotions and the entire feel of this film. My congratulations to the whole cast and crew, this was a wonderful experience to be a part of as a viewer.
The Garage was a wonderful piece of work
Awards 2007 - Park City Film Music Festival: Won - Feature Film: Audience Favorite 2007 - Southern Fried Flicks Film Festival: Won - Best Feature 2006 - California Independent Film Festival: Won - Best Director 2006 - California Independent Film Festival: Won - Best Picture 2006 - Fargo Film Festival: Won - Carl Thibault 2006 - Fargo Film Festival: Won - Narrative Feature Film 2006 - Long Island International Film Expo: Nominated - Best Cinematography/Honrable Mentions 2006 - Rome International Film Festival: Won - Narrative Feature 2006 - Twin Rivers Media Festival: Nominated - Feature Film
The Garage was a wonderful piece of work
Awards 2007 - Park City Film Music Festival: Won - Feature Film: Audience Favorite 2007 - Southern Fried Flicks Film Festival: Won - Best Feature 2006 - California Independent Film Festival: Won - Best Director 2006 - California Independent Film Festival: Won - Best Picture 2006 - Fargo Film Festival: Won - Carl Thibault 2006 - Fargo Film Festival: Won - Narrative Feature Film 2006 - Long Island International Film Expo: Nominated - Best Cinematography/Honrable Mentions 2006 - Rome International Film Festival: Won - Narrative Feature 2006 - Twin Rivers Media Festival: Nominated - Feature Film
The Garage: great pace, authentic characters, compelling simplicity
uninima24 March 2012
It has such a painterly quality, visually, which struck us at every turn. And the story was common, familiar, strongly told and emotionally authentic. The characters were clear, believable, and most importantly, lovable. Even the untrustworthy girlfriend, and the abusive dad. One had to forgive them their imperfect humanity, because the filmmaker helped us understand them. My husband, an artist himself, has quick impatience with what he calls "head-knockers," and we usually bail out after fifteen minutes or so. He liked it as much as I did, found the pacing perfect, and I think he related to it too as a man who came of age in similar conditions. I am now eagerly sharing it with everyone I know. Thanks again to Carl Thibeault and his gifted companions for sharing the gift. I can't wait for the next one!
Well Done!
danactorwriter23 November 2006
Well Done! An Excellent Showing for Thibault's first Directing/Writing Debut. Great Acting, Great Cinematography, and a good story. A cable network should definitely pick this movie up.
Below is some info I googled on how to write a movie review. I included this useful info to meet the IMDb number of lines minimum for posting a review. I think my concise comments were enough. Extraneous comments are unnecessary.
How to write a movie review, a guide
Writing a movie review is a great way of expressing your opinion of a movie. The purpose of most movie reviews is to help the reader in determining whether they want to watch, rent or buy the movie. The review should give enough details about the movie that the reader can make an informed decision, without giving anyway any essentials such as the plot or any surprises. Below are our guidelines and tips for writing a good movie review.
1. Watch the movie
The first step in writing the review is to watch the movie. Watch the movie in a relaxed environment you are familiar with. You do not want to be distracted by an unfamiliar room. Watching the movie a second time will help you absorb a lot more detail about the movie. Most movie reviewers take notes as they watch the movie review.
2. Give your opinion
Most movie reviewers will give their opinion of the movie. This is important as the reviewer can express the elements of the movie they enjoyed or disliked. However, as in all good journalism, the reviewer should also give impartial details, and allow the reader to make their own mind over an issue the reader liked or disliked. Opinions should be explained to allow the reader to determine whether they would agree with your opinion .
Many regular movie reviewers will develop a following. If one can find a reviewer who shares a similar taste in films, one can confidently follow the reviewers recommendations.
3. Who is your audience?
You need to consider who your likely readers are. Writing a movie review for children requires a different approach than if writing for a movie club. Ensure you report on the factors that matter to your likely audience.
4. Give an outline
Give the outline of the movie, but don't give away essential details such as the end or any surprises. If there is a big surprise you want to entice readers by telling them something special happens, just don't say what.
5. Actors
If the movie contains actors, as most do, detail who is starring in the movie and how well you think they acted.
6. Structure
Did the movie follow a regular predictable story line, or did it get you thinking like a Quentin Tarantino movie?
7.Cinematography and lighting
Give details about how well the movie was shot and directed. Was the lighting good in the moody scenes? 8. Music
Did the movie have its own score like Koyaanisqatsi or ET, or did it feature songs from popular artists?
9. Read, read and read
Read and check your review thoroughly. It can be embarrassing to find errors in your work after it has been published. This is especially important for reviews that will be published on the Internet, as search engines are always looking for the correct spellings of key words.
Below is some info I googled on how to write a movie review. I included this useful info to meet the IMDb number of lines minimum for posting a review. I think my concise comments were enough. Extraneous comments are unnecessary.
How to write a movie review, a guide
Writing a movie review is a great way of expressing your opinion of a movie. The purpose of most movie reviews is to help the reader in determining whether they want to watch, rent or buy the movie. The review should give enough details about the movie that the reader can make an informed decision, without giving anyway any essentials such as the plot or any surprises. Below are our guidelines and tips for writing a good movie review.
1. Watch the movie
The first step in writing the review is to watch the movie. Watch the movie in a relaxed environment you are familiar with. You do not want to be distracted by an unfamiliar room. Watching the movie a second time will help you absorb a lot more detail about the movie. Most movie reviewers take notes as they watch the movie review.
2. Give your opinion
Most movie reviewers will give their opinion of the movie. This is important as the reviewer can express the elements of the movie they enjoyed or disliked. However, as in all good journalism, the reviewer should also give impartial details, and allow the reader to make their own mind over an issue the reader liked or disliked. Opinions should be explained to allow the reader to determine whether they would agree with your opinion .
Many regular movie reviewers will develop a following. If one can find a reviewer who shares a similar taste in films, one can confidently follow the reviewers recommendations.
3. Who is your audience?
You need to consider who your likely readers are. Writing a movie review for children requires a different approach than if writing for a movie club. Ensure you report on the factors that matter to your likely audience.
4. Give an outline
Give the outline of the movie, but don't give away essential details such as the end or any surprises. If there is a big surprise you want to entice readers by telling them something special happens, just don't say what.
5. Actors
If the movie contains actors, as most do, detail who is starring in the movie and how well you think they acted.
6. Structure
Did the movie follow a regular predictable story line, or did it get you thinking like a Quentin Tarantino movie?
7.Cinematography and lighting
Give details about how well the movie was shot and directed. Was the lighting good in the moody scenes? 8. Music
Did the movie have its own score like Koyaanisqatsi or ET, or did it feature songs from popular artists?
9. Read, read and read
Read and check your review thoroughly. It can be embarrassing to find errors in your work after it has been published. This is especially important for reviews that will be published on the Internet, as search engines are always looking for the correct spellings of key words.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
