Mistress America (2015)

I wanted to but couldn't!

Expected more

Brilliant and touching

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

Overall I liked this movie. There are moments that just genuinely surprised me, and in a movie world full of tiresome cliches that's always a really really good thing. I think the casting was done well. I was surprised to see the blonde actress playing the lead. I don't even know her name, and I'm not going to Google it. But I've seen her in smaller roles and she was much less entertaining. This was a good role for her, she did really well in it. The problem with the acting was that it was very turn-taking. "I'll say this this now it's your turn to act." At many points the acting seemed more like a script reading than actual acting. Didn't care for the beginning scenes and set up of the movie. It felt rushed and chaotic. Some of the scenes seemed as if they had been shot with a low-end camcorder (specifically dorm scenes). It's not a life-changing film at all. Slight moral lesson included, which always adds value to film. Entertaining.

Just a few months ago, I could watch the excellent film While We're Young, directed by Noah Baumbach, and I now discovered that Mistress America, his most recent film, was available on a Video On Demand platform. I'm glad it was like that, because even though I wouldn't consider Mistress America as good as While We're Young (my favorite one in Baumbach's filmography as a director so far), it definitely ended up being quite an interesting movie which combines a solid story, a well defined structure and a cunning sense of humor which naturally flows from the situations and the eccentric personality of the characters. In this regard, I have to make the obligatory warning about the themes frequently handled in this particular facet of "indie" cinema: yes, it's another look to "pretty people's problems" which might seem ridiculous in any other context. In order to appreciate this kind of films, it's necessary to become an accomplice of the characters and accept their frivo... I'm sorry, "complicated" lives as something worthy to be contemplated. Some spectators might be incapable to take that leap, something which is perfectly valid. But when the narrative transcends those obstacles and expresses genuine substance, the experience can be interesting and very entertaining, like Mistress America. The nucleus of Mistress America lies on the relationship between the characters Tracy and Brooke, whose organic evolution depends on the solid performances from Lola Kirke and Greta Gerwig (respectively). Besides, they are accompanied by the good work from the supporting cast, including Heather Lind, Michael Chernus, Matthew Shear and Jasmien Cephas Jones; they are all unknown actors, but they feel absolutely credible and spontaneous in their roles. On the negative side of Mistress America, I have to mention a late revelation, which feels simultaneously predictable and artificial, whose purpose was introducing the classic last- minute conflict to create some drama and suspense about its resolution. Comparing Mistress America to other "indie" films, I liked it more than Frances Ha (which was also directed by Baumbach) and less than Drinking Buddies. But whatever the way it is, I think it deserves a recommendation, not only to those who are into "indie" cinema, but also the people disappointed by the bland and repetitive "studio" comedies. I don't know whether Baumbach will someday play for the "big leagues", but I think it might end up being interesting... or maybe, his style might get ruined. It's better not to find that out; I prefer more modest movies instead of an expensive disappointment.

'MISTRESS America': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)Acclaimed indie filmmaker Noah Baumbach, reteams with actress Greta Gerwig (for the third time); to make this hilarious, but very sweet, quirky comedy flick! The film was directed by Baumbach, written by Baumbach and Gerwig, and it costars Gerwig and actress Lola Kirke (of 'MOZART IN THE JUNGLE' fame). The movie tells the story of a depressed college freshman, who finds new inspiration for life; when she meets her 'soon-to-be' stepsister. The film is classic Noah Baumbach; who's becoming one of my favorite filmmakers!Tracy Fishko (Kirke) just started her freshman year, at Barnard College; and she's having trouble fitting in. She develops a crush on another student, named Tony (Matthew Shear); but he begins dating another girl instead, named Nicolette (Jasmine Cephas Jones). Tracy's mother (Kathryn Erbe) is about to be married, and she advises Tracy to meet her fiancé's daughter, Brooke (Gerwig). Brooke is full-of-life, and she inspires Tracy, in ways she's never experienced before. So Tracy writes a fictional short story, influenced by Brooke, and she begins spending a lot more time, with her 'soon-to-be stepsister' (as well).The movie is brilliantly written, and beautifully directed! The characters are extremely likable, and quirky, and the dialogue is all very witty, and fun too (there's so many classic, quotable lines; all through the movie)! The film is also really inspiring, hilariously funny, and it has a great (nostalgic) 80s feel to it, as well. I absolutely love it, and Noah Baumbach!Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/CoUgbXLzKSQ

This movie is no more than a couple smiles on your face.If you are looking for a movie about life , this one is for you . Although its labeled as a comedy , i would say that i've found more drama in it than comedy.Half an hour before the end the movie became a little depressing and a little boring for me .Also the cast job was not so good , i don't know why but i found it hard to believe the stuff the actors said , I'm not saying they are bad but they are not good either. The plot is OK , really if it was a little funnier and less depressing this movie could be a decent title , so far it deserves 6/10- from me and a wish i wouldn't have seen it.