Search - Vanguard Cinema Heart Of The Beholder [dvd] on DVD

Heroes Really Do Exist - And This Film Proves It

Margaret Morris | 11/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A wonderful film, well deserving of the awards it won and many more. This superlative film is based on a true story. It's not really a story of revenge though. It's much more: It's a powerful and touching account of how, even against terrific odds, justice can manage to prevail, and uplift and even change the human heart. Don't be surprised to learn that the production of Heart of the Beholder is a very meaningful labor of love -- this actually produces a special quality that shines throughout so that the audience senses that something truly different and remarkable is going on here."

As a movie store owner - I had to see it...

Steve Kuehl | Ben Lomond, CA | 06/21/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This movie has garnered plenty of self promotional support, festival screenings the last three years, and heartfelt arguments against the naysayers. In my five years of being a movie store owner and reviewing films, this one appears to the most difficult for me to find impartiality.

DVD: The DVD had a fair quality transfer, with the camera artifacts, mic sounds and lighting shortages showing up throughout; ironically, the best clarity appeared in a brief segment at the paintball sequence where they changed cameras. The DVD promo was a wash of other films that would be hard pressed in finding distribution, and the slide show segment pushed more of the films obvious slant (understandably).

Cast: The cast is made up of a "where did I see that actor before" every few minutes, including pros from Star Tek NG, General Hospital, Ally McBeal, Third Watch, Three's Company, etc. The film resonates like a Lifetime movie both in film quality and production, but with the nudity, sex and language.

Film: I spent more time watching the background props (posters, cases, store fixtures) as the first 20 minutes reminded me of how I started in this business. The Chuck Barry tie-in was a surprise, as was seeing Beta beating VHS in customer count. The whole premise is actually very sad and scary, as I would have reacted much differently had it been my daughter. The acting was painful at times, but I know this was a passion piece, and Sarah Brown had one of the best scenes showing her abs without fear or makeup (bedroom 3-way scene at the end) - not common in Hollywood.

I have had a religious group boycott my store before over carrying documentaries, so I empathize with the story. I will be carrying this film on my shelves as I feel it is a necessary story to relay, albeit the message is told with a "local" feel. Have no expectations, roll your eyes a few times at the forced schtick, but give it a try. NOTE: had I not been an owner I would have said skip it.

Thanks for the info Mr. Tipton."