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The Reception

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The Reception (2005)

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68 %
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Reviews Counted: 22

Fresh: 15

Rotten:7

Average Rating: 5.9/10

Rated: Not Rated

Runtime: 80 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:Jul 15, 2005 Limited

Synopsis: In an upstate country house over the course of a few days, the lives of four very different people intertwine revealingly in John G. Young's poignant and moving THE RECEPTION. The divorced Jeanette... In an upstate country house over the course of a few days, the lives of four very different people intertwine revealingly in John G. Young's poignant and moving THE RECEPTION. The divorced Jeanette (Pamela Holden Stewart) and the HIV-positive Martin (Wayne Lamont Sims) live together in the house (which was also used in YOU CAN COUNT ON ME), supporting each other's needs--except those pertaining to sex. While Martin disappears into the barn to paint, Jeanette drinks away her memories, but each needs something more. Unexpectedly, Jeanette's estranged daughter, Sierra (Margaret Burkwit), shows up with her new husband, Andrew (Dairen Sills-Evan), and the stage is set for uncomfortable situations, deep-seated lies and fears, and the unleashing of some powerful and hurtful secrets. As Jeanette prepares to throw a reception for the new couple, it turns out that none of the main characters is quite what they appear to be. Young's second film (following 1995's PARALLEL SONS) is a well-acted, well-written indie triumph, shot for just 5,000 dollars in eight days. It cleverly deals with such issues as homosexuality, betrayal, race, and loneliness with a combination of humor, intelligence, and truthfulness that hits home. [More]

Starring: Pamela Stewart, Pamela Holden Stewart, Darien Sills-Evans, Wayne Lamont Sims

Starring: Pamela Stewart, Pamela Holden Stewart, Darien Sills-Evans, Wayne Lamont Sims, Margaret Burkwit, Chris Burmeister, Paul Pagnucco

Director: John G. Young

Director: John G. Young
Screenwriter: John G. Young
Producer: Paul Pagnucco
Studio: Strand Releasing

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Nov 15, 2005

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Reviews for The Reception

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1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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Digitally filmed on a shoestring budget, "The Reception" is an ugly-looking movie occupied by artificial characters going through the motions of familial unrest and gay attraction.

Full Review Source: ColeSmithey.com | comment Comment
04/16/09
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Time Out New York | comment Comment
08/16/07
Dave Calhoun
Time Out New York

Casting, acting, pacing and storytelling are all expertly done and the film technically is an eye-pleaser.

Full Review Source: Film Journal International | comment Comment
03/01/07
Doris Toumarkine
Film Journal International
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
06/24/06
Time Out

...a rewarding and engaging 75-minute chamber piece.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles CityBeat | comment Comment
12/15/05
Andy Klein
Los Angeles CityBeat

...in feeling like we’ve been cheated out of fuller characters, “The Reception” doesn’t make its intended impact.

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
10/25/05
Rory L. Aronsky
Film Threat

We're cold on this Reception.

Full Review Source: E! Online | comment Comment
10/07/05
E! Online

Handsome and perceptive, The Reception serves as a reminder that it is possible to make a polished, worldly and witty adult entertainment on a modest budget.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
10/06/05
Kevin Thomas
Los Angeles Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It’s fine stuff, beautifully played, but there’s no denying that viewers will have to be patient with this 80-minute chamber piece.

Full Review Source: L.A. Weekly | comment Comment
09/29/05
Chuck Wilson
L.A. Weekly

Isn't much more than a high-toned soap opera, but it's a relatively sophisticated and occasionally affecting one.

Full Review Source: One Guy's Opinion | comment Comment
08/22/05
Frank Swietek
One Guy's Opinion

Never maudlin.

Full Review Source: Dallas Morning News | comment Comment
08/20/05
Mario Tarradell
Dallas Morning News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The dialog and the performances are smarter than your typical soap opera, but this earns a lukewarm reception from me.

Full Review Source: TheMovieChicks.com | comment Comment
08/19/05
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone
TheMovieChicks.com

there’s no mistaking the script’s irksome thinness

Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
08/08/05
Chris Barsanti
Filmcritic.com

[P]uts the greatest emphasis and care into the one aspect that no budget in the megamillions could have fixed: the script....

Full Review Source: Flick Filosopher | comment Comment
07/20/05
MaryAnn Johanson
Flick Filosopher

The film presents its lofty goals as transparently as its publicity materials, its clunky dialogue and diminished production value adding to its inordinate lack of sophistication.

Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
07/18/05
Jordan Reed
Boxoffice Magazine

[The] subtle, complex performances could put far more experienced and better-known actors to shame.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
07/15/05
Maitland McDonagh
TV Guide's Movie Guide

With its direct and nuanced treatment of the complexities of racial prejudice, sexual orientation and addiction, The Reception is a quietly ambitious and memorable film.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
07/15/05
Dana Stevens
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Well-acted but otherwise lackluster drama.

Full Review Source: New York Daily News | comment Comment
07/15/05
Jami Bernard
New York Daily News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Filmed in the wintry Catskills and bathed in white light, The Reception may be the best looking American film shot on digital video.

Full Review Source: Film-Forward.com | comment Comment
07/15/05
Kent Turner
Film-Forward.com

Terrifically acted and beautifully shot on digital video...The Reception is in many ways quite an indie accomplishment.

Full Review Source: New York Post | comment Comment
07/15/05
Lou Lumenick
New York Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
 
 
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