A fresh and uncompromising account of emotional self- immolation and romantic flux. And it has a happy ending to boot.
The Reception (2005)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:22
Fresh:15
Rotten:7
Average Rating:5.9/10
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
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Reviews for The Reception
Young's small-scale, effortlessly cosmopolitan grasp of marginal lifestyles and alternative sexuality is comforting by dint of its occasional clumsiness.
The Reception's spartan aesthetic allows director John G. Young to really tap into the story's painful racial and sexual hot zone.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 49% 49% | Taking Woodstock |
| 26% 26% | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard |
| 47% 47% | The Girl From Monaco |
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