Freedom Park (2004) Reviews

• It's not really a movie

  humbaba2004-09-18

  So this was made locally and is getting a showing at a local theatre(Worcester,MA)....I like independent movies.I often drive into Cambridge or Boston to see something unique. But this movie is just dreadful. An idiot plot that would be offensive to Italians--if it was a real plot. There is no real acting-- no one comes out of this film looking good. It has the quality of someone's (bad)home movie. Example:A cop who pulls a gun on someone..for what? No idea,he had no reason to pull the person's car over to begin with. This is more than overly broad comedy,this is just plot less,moronic film making at it's absolute worse. When it was over I just wanted to run away from the theatre as fast as possible--I feared seeing someone involved in the making of the movie standing around looking for a compliment.

• Triple Threat - Fantastic, Fun, and Family-friendly

  kcirone2004-09-13

  "Freedom Park" is one of the highest quality independent films I have seen in some time. It features good acting, an interesting premise and a well-written plot, but that's not what makes it great. "Freedom Park" does several things that a standard indy romp doesn't do. First, instead of going for shock value it strives for mainstream acceptance without sacrificing the emotional depth of the characters or the humorous elements. Second, the movie has heart. There are classic good guy/bad guy conflicts in the multiple intertwining plot arcs and you will find yourself rooting for the good guys more often than not, but you will also identify with the bad guys, who could so easily have been played as one-dimensional jerks but are instead endowed with depth and humor. Andrea Ajemian, the female lead and producer of this film, has a gift for comedy and is just adorable to boot. Tim Fields and Matt MacDonald have a great charisma and chemistry that makes them extremely likable as the main characters. The child actors in this film are well cast and show a lot of emotional depth for their ages. Add in some great cameos by Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy and legend Louis Tiant and you have all the star power you need. On limited release in Massachusetts, "Freedom Park" will hopefully be picked up for major distribution sometime soon and if nothing else released on DVD. Go see it, take your kids, your parents, your friends and loved ones, you will not be disappointed.

• Top Notch Family Movie

  jsmde2004-09-20

  At a time when most movies are deluged with special effect, the only "special" effect I noted in Freedom Park is the incredible enthusiasm of everyone involved. Most of these actors were just everyday people, coming together with a common interest, to make a movie. In fact, many of the scenes didn't require acting at all, just that the people be themselves. The result is a natural, wholesome, non-offensive, funny story line that could have taken place in Anytown, USA. I found this movie to be extremely entertaining, well written, well acted, with comedy that is easy for all ages to understand, and emotional interests that are followed through well. I especially liked the efforts at tying together all the different scenes into what can realistically be projected as a small town atmosphere. I can identify with scenes and locations that could easily be a part of my own town. Everyone involved with this movie is to be highly commended.

• get yourself to the theater!

  christinelangill2004-09-22

  This movie is one of my new favorites! I have seen it twice already. If I didn't know ahead of time that it was an independent movie, I would have had no idea. It is extremely well-made. The acting is amazing...from the appealing leads to the impressive child actors. The story is original, and the movie is packed with hilarious moments. It is also nice to see an independent movie without the overwhelming barrage of sex, drugs and violence. There is nothing objectionable in this film. When I saw it, the kids were cracking up, and the adults were laughing right along with them. This movie has something for everyone. I hope this movie gets a wider release so even more people can enjoy it. Everyone involved should be very proud. Check it out today!

• FUN FAMILY MOVIE!

  vitroshe2004-09-26

  Did Humbaba watch the same movie I did? After reading his incredibly negative comments about Freedom Park, I can only conclude he must have a personal ax to grind against someone involved in making of this film. I heard about this movie through news accounts and movie reviews (all of them very positive by the way), and decided to see for myself. I am so glad I did! I found the story line entertaining, the characters endearing and most tellingly I left the theatre with a smile on my face. Being an educator of children, I can truly say that this is a lovely movie for the entire family. P.S. I am also an Italian American and found nothing offensive to my heritage.