Flourish (2006)

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

It's complicated... I really like the directing, acting and writing but, there are issues with the way it's shot that I just can't deny. As much as I love the storytelling and the fantastic performance but, there are also certain scenes that didn't need to exist.

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Maddening movie. In a good way. Almost a psycho-drama or comedy. And lots going on. Like a puzzle movie in some way. Like a comedy of manners in others... Always keeps you on your toes, challenges you to stay with it. It does what it wants and is better for it. And I think it actually works better when you stop trying to make sense of it and allow it to wash over you. And just revel in its amusing, digressive narrative spasms. Or whatever. There is a lot of nuance here, all in all, and I found that a second viewing really deepened my appreciation of this risky, bleak, and funny film: about a crazy girl wanting to tell us a crazy story, and hoping we like her because of it...

I do not recommend this movie for the following reasons: 1) The story is confusing, 2) It puts you to sleep, 3) The camera work is poor quality. I am a fan of Jennifer Morrison from the TV show "House," but her acting was unacceptable here.It was almost as if there was no director and the poor girl had to figure it out on her own. The cinematography reminds me of a home video, like something my little brother would do. It's a shame, because there was some potential here. But whatever potential there was has been erased by poor quality in every area, specifically the direction, production design, cinematography, music, and editing.I think the filmmakers didn't know exactly what their goals were: to make us laugh? Scare us? Because the only thing they succeed in doing is confusing us. Rather than wasting your time watching this amateur production, go to the movie theater and watch a real intelligent movie.I highly recommend watching a good thriller like "Fracture," "Donnie Darko," or "Disturbia." "Flourish" wants very badly to be like those movies but simply fails because the screenplay has no destination. It's like riding a plane for hours without knowing where you're headed -- forever. If I were to grade this movie I would give it a D+.

The director of this film, Kevin Palys, is clearly talented at writing clever dialogue, but understands little about cinematic structure. "Flourish" starts off promising, but quickly reveals itself as an amateurish effort that wanders aimlessly. A half hour passes by and we still don't know what the protagonist wants. Palys would be better suited for sitcom writing. Jennifer Morrison is an appealing actress, but Palys fails to get anything impressive out of her; his direction results in a mundane, forgettable performance. The cover design for the DVD is also appears to have been concocted at the last minute by an amateur graphic designer. I applaud Palys for making an effort and at least trying to engage his audience. However, his script would have benefited from several rewrites before production.

I saw a screening of this film and it is indie film making at its best. It contains just the right elements of humor and suspense. The film was very well cast and the performances were very strong. There is also a great soundtrack provided by the voice of Jen Morrison and the original songs of Julian Sakata. In fact the song at the end flowed so well with the story that no one moved from their seats until the lights came up in the theatre. Very rare sight for an LA movie crowd. The Story moves very well. Its's interesting to watch all of the characters unwind, and there is something tragic and comedic about the whole thing. The Characters are interesting and really drive the story. Direction is solid. The script is well written. Great overall film.