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Movies / On DVD / The Reception
The Reception

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The Reception (2005)

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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

No Details Exist
 
 

Reviews for The Reception

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1 - 20 (sorted by fresh rating)
Text View | 1 2 >> >|
Arrange By:Fresh | Rotten | Comments | Name | Source | Date
 
 

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

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

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
Chuck Wilson
L.A. Weekly

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
Dana Stevens
New York Times

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
Doris Toumarkine
Film Journal International

The Reception's spartan aesthetic allows director John G. Young to really tap into the story's painful racial and sexual hot zone.

Full Review Source: Slant Magazine | comment Comment
06/28/05
Ed Gonzalez
Ed Gonzalez
Slant Magazine

Boasts some moments of emotional truth.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
06/04/05
Frank Scheck
Frank Scheck
Hollywood Reporter

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
Frank Swietek
One Guy's Opinion

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
Kent Turner
Film-Forward.com

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
Kevin Thomas
Los Angeles Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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
Lou Lumenick
New York Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

[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
Maitland McDonagh
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Never maudlin.

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

A fresh and uncompromising account of emotional self- immolation and romantic flux. And it has a happy ending to boot.

Full Review Source: Village Voice | comment Comment
07/12/05
Mark Holcomb
Mark Holcomb
Village Voice

[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
MaryAnn Johanson
Flick Filosopher

Young's small-scale, effortlessly cosmopolitan grasp of marginal lifestyles and alternative sexuality is comforting by dint of its occasional clumsiness.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
07/12/05
Ronnie Scheib
Ronnie Scheib
Variety

We're cold on this Reception.

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

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
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
Chris Barsanti
Filmcritic.com

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
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com

Well-acted but otherwise lackluster drama.

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