Mother Ghost (2002)
Keith Bennets mother passed away a year ago, and he feels like he has moved on with his life, until one morning his mothers jewelry shows up on Keiths bathroom sink. The same jewelry she was buried in. Keith tells his wife Karen, about the jewelry and that is the last straw. She claims he is distant and has shut her out. Now he thinks he is seeing things that aren't there and if things don't improve, she will take their only son and leave. Forced with the ultimatum, Keith launches himself on a day of reclamation. Keith winds up on the phone with a popular radio Psychiatrist who guides Keith through what he cannot see on his own. Keith discovers a new man and a new attitude. Several people are listening to Keith's plight on the radio and are making changes of their own. Is this dead visitor all in Keith's head or is she truly a Mother Ghost?
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Film Perfection
If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.
There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.
It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...
This film is cinematic drama story telling done exceptionally good.The acting and directing are not TOO polished, yet everybody involved in this film, appreciates the truthfulness of the story elements.Without spoiling anything, it's about a man going thorough a personal crisis, and he just happens to do it in-front of everyone.Although realistically the chances of dealing with real issues, and resolving them in a 1 hour period is slim, the story is believable and the empathic bonding with the audience works well.The only ones who will not appreciate this, are the ones not emotionally mature enough to face their own feeling (yes, I mean you action/macho only no-feeling-to-be-hurt guys).If you've ever experienced loss, or in a complex relationship, or personally know someone who has - (which is about almost everybody), you'll probably appreciate this film.On a more personal note, although the film has the usual disclaimer that all of the characters are fictional, and that the story is not true, I believe it's very true. Although the plot is probably fictional, the people are based on the filmmakers' experiences, and we can see that in the ending credits with the dedications to the filmmaker's lost ones.I usually go after the "easy" viewing stuff, but this one was well done, and I'd recommended it to anyone looking for a goodhearted intimate film, which doesn't leave you untouched at the end.
I thought Mother Ghost was an excellent movie. I highly recommend it, especially to people who might be having a hard time dealing with the loss of a loved one. I have been a fan of the Mark and Brian Radio Program, from where Mark Thompson is most well known, so when I heard about this movie I thought I would check it out. I came across it by chance, as a local radio station was giving it away. I watched it and was very impressed with it, so impressed that I called KLOS Radio (where Mark and Brian work) and spoke to Mark directly. I told him that I really enjoyed his movie. So for those of you that enjoy humorous yet thought provoking movies, you will enjoy this.
Mother Ghost screened at the Long Beach International Film Festival and enjoyed a strong, positive audience response. Everyone laughed at the humor that sprung naturally from the plot and characters, and either cried outright or fought back tears at the climax. Mark Thompson's performance is reminiscent of George Clooney in strength, good looks and humor. In addition, Kevin Pollack pulled off the best rendition of a screen psychiatrist one could ever hope for; pure genius!This film is a genuine surprise in its remarkable use of non-traditional structure. Although it is linear, it is not really three acts; it is a powerful emotional journey in one act, almost like a play. The director, Rich Thorne, and lead actors Mark Thompson (of Mark & Brian fame) and Kevin Pollack pulled out some wonderful surprises for such a simple story: a man struggles to deal with grief after losing his mother. Using creative staging, situations and humor, the story propels an otherwise mundane premise into a real treat for the senses. Fans of either Bergman, Fellini or Hitchcock (yes, they can go together!) will definitely appreciate this fine film.
I screened the world premiere of this movie at the Taos Talking Pictures Festival. I would like to say that this film was one of the better films that I saw at the festival. It is chalk full of emotional queues from parts that make you laugh to parts that make you cry. The character Keith learns much emotional growth in the film, and in turn I feel that he brings that growth to the audience as well. Make no mistake this one's going to make it. Good luck Mark, Rich, and Rod! You deserve the best from this wonderful piece of art.Your friend,Stephen Stone