BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Cleveronix A different way of telling a story

Baseshment I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Bea Swanson This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

jcappy "Winter Solstice" is a gem. Its great strength is its acting and characterizations. And it almost never gives in to its audience. Nor to the usual guy film boilerplate.LaPaglia and Janney are up to their usual high standards, but what amazes is that the two sons are remarkably up to their level. They are outright convincing both as individuals and as brothers. And are no more self-conscious, or less in control of their roles than the two leads. If anything, Aaron Stanford as Gabe may have almost stolen center stage.But no worry because the acting, the script, the direction seem to conspire against stardom and showing off. Low key is the intent and no manipulation is in order. The only reservation I have is the touch of romance between Jim and Molly. It may be argued that this is who they are, but I think that the movie's context and content, or the movie taken as a whole, insists on friendship and mutual support--and no more.Finally, this is chiefly a male movie. But to its great credit it never hints at male bonding nor aligns itself with male socialization. Every attempt by the father to assert his role is easily foiled by his peer sons, and every time father and sons act in the male mode, they are quick to relent. The father no more runs his family than does a single parent mother, although like them, he may occasionally try. In short, all the societal and peer pressures are present in this film, but male bonding or male authority are never shown to be a viable responses--not for the father, not for the sons, nor for the other guys that inhabit their world.

pc95 Dialogue in this movie very good. It's perceptive, emotional, and somber. Each of the lead characters in the movie are dealing with some sort of emotional stress, and it manifests itself in what is said and actions or non-actions pretty realistically. The romance created was very well handled too...nothing really over-the-top, but rather the pain and anguish the Dad is experiencing from the present and past emphasized. We know it will take time, and so the movie does a great job of inferring to us what will happen. Would've liked to have seen perhaps a little more development with the younger brother, but that's minor. On the whole the movie only runs about 90 min, and its pacing is deliberate, thoughtful, and slow, but its nonetheless a good movie and drama.

radudca I think everyone should see this movie, it is an example of a inexperienced director who dangerously gambled on a script he authored, without consideration for the character differences in personalities and how these differences reflect their emotions. The minimalist direction throughout provided no pacing, no emotional highlights to carry this film along and provide us--the viewer-- with a needed satisfaction that all good movies deliver. There is an excellent story here and it was not developed to the fullest.What contribution Sundance provided besides financial, we the viewer will probably never know. They could have stepped in and provided excellent development ideas. The beginning 10 to 20 scenes could have given us insight into the mother who was the heart and soul of these men's lives. It never happened and the first part of this film suffered because of it. The cinematography was excellent but used mid range scenes almost exclusively, thereby avoiding closeups of the actors and the needed emotional development you can achieve with the more intimate closeup techniques. What contribution to the development of this film Anthony La Paglia provided as the executive producer and experienced actor remains a mystery. A great rewrite of the screenplay in the beginning scenes could have provided a needed lift and more dollars at the box office. I realize the minimalist aficionados will love this film, that is their privilege and no one will change their minds. Still this is a film that could have been a classic.

hillary2008 They are making just tooooo many movies these days. At least it wasn't a recycled 60's sitcom or comic book. Pointless beyond description. Wanted to shoot myself 30 minutes into it. If I ever meet Anthony LaPaliga I'm gonna demand my $7 back. A coming of age saga? Please. Go rent Breaking Away. Loser brother "A" gets into a fight at the quickie mart for? Loser brother "B" drives around in a clapped out Datsun B210 and dreams of sleeping on someones couch in Tampa? The best part of this sublime piece of !@#$ is when dad throws their beds out on the lawn for the night. Allison Janney is wasted. Anthony LaPaliga has done better. Will do better. Can anyone say "Mulligan?"