P.J. (2008) Reviews

• Splendid

  charliehana2008-11-12

  In these difficult times a thoughtful movie with an inspirational message is more than welcome. PJ delivers on both fronts. Howard Nash and John Heard's characters are both in search of solace and solutions and in the setting of a mental facility both struggle to find their individual paths. John Heard portrayal of Dr Shearson is a well crafted and believable performance. Howard Nash's PJ is a conflicted portrayal of man searching for meaning. Patrica Ray is masterful as "PJ's" girl friend. Vincent Pastore adds a comical spin and lightness to the darker portions of the movie. Neal Argo's music ties the elements of the film with a superb musical talent. Finally, Russ Emanuel's direction brings it all together with a fine touch for young director with great promise.

• A good story that keeps getting better

  joseph-1312008-11-13

  PJ, based on the award-winning play, is about a man (known only as PJ), brought to a hospital with severe amnesia and apparent insanity. Armed with only the man's initials and a phone number held by someone who refuses to stay on the line, Dr. Shearson, the hospital's leading psychiatric specialist, sets out on a personal journey to find out who PJ is, and bring him back to reality. The effect PJ has on Dr. Shearson and all the other people around him is poignant and far from the expected. As the film progresses, you are lured into the darkest, yet understandable reaches of each character, and you walk away wiping your eyes. Although I haven't seen Howard Nash in a film before, he is surely a rare, emerging talent, whose career is well-worth following. For an independent film, I found that seeing so many known and talented performers such as John Heard, Robert Picardo, Patricia Rae, Vincent Pastore, Glynnis O'Connor and Hallie Kate Eisenberg very captivating, refreshing and entertaining. PJ's original violin and orchestral music, composed by Neil Argo, is inspiring and spiritual - it evokes feelings of grace and redemption while intensifying the emotional bonds with PJ's characters. This film is for anyone that believes there's good in the universe.

• An Undiscovered gem

  Cinemade2015-09-20

  The acting is top-notch, the story too. But then again, any individual opposed to organized religion will absolutely love this movie. The 3 major religions all say someone (an ordinary person)will be "chosen" to intervene & save the lives of others, and will then pass this power on to someone else. That is the crux of this story. All the main characters are(alternatively)intrigued and threatened by the patient who knows their story. What to do? Commit him, or hear what he has to say? It's the challenge the Bible says we must all one day face. At the end of the day, it's discovered that PJ's there to help others and not snare them. I loved it!

• A well done, truly independent film.

  ScoBee2009-01-05

  With the line between what is low/no budget and "Indy" growing wider every day, PJ is a great representation of what true independent film making should be. Made on a shoestring budget by first time director Russ Emanuel, PJ succeeds where many features with ten times the budget fail. Delivering a skillfully shot, brilliantly scored and well acted piece of dramatic entertainment. The only real criticism should be in the screenplay which I felt was a bit too self motivated and had tendencies toward contrived, overly sentimental plot paths rather than establishing rich, dimensional characters that drive the story. This, unfortunately, led to some weak performances from the main character played by John Heard as well as a few of the ancillary, smaller characters. Patricia Rae, Howard Nash and Vincent Pastore, however, pick up the pieces and deliver some significant performances worthy of the accolades that the film has so far garnered. If for nothing else, watch this film for the cinematography by Seth Melnick and the soundtrack by Neil Argo. Both are stellar for the size of the production.

• Nice job!

  filmlover052009-01-03

  As you can tell my by name, I love films of all types. That includes big-budget studio films to low-budget independent films. For a $250,000 budget, this film really stood out. From a stellar cast including "'Home Alone' Dad" John Heard, "Star Trek: Voyager's" Robert Picardo, "Maria Full of Grace's" Patricia Rae, and "The Sopranos" Vincent Pastore, to a heartfelt effort by the crew, this is a winner all the way. I did some research and I see reviewers who have seen this film and film festivals this film has been in all seem to agree. I wasn't surprised that Patricia Rae WON Best Actress at a Miami Fest and that this was a Best Feature Film winner at the New Jersey Film Fest. I can't wait for this to come to DVD, hopefully soon.