Cinema Society

LIGHTBULB

Average
Rating

3.6

Tuesday, April 21, 2009, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

TUESDAY, APRIL 21

5:00pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

LIGHT BULB

(Auditoriums 4 Only)

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Opening Night Film, Cleveland International Film Festival

Closing Night Film, Santa Barbara Film Festival

From the Director of DANNY DECKCHAIR:

LIGHTBULB

"A terrific little yarn about pluck, perseverance and friendship overcoming the odds, LIGHTBULB is exactly what's needed in these troubled times." - Lael Loewenstein, Variety.

Eliciting an exuberant standing ovation at its world premiere, Jeff Balsmeyer’s LIGHTBULB is a “radiant testament to the American spirit.” – Santa Barbara Independent.

“The script is great, the dialogue engaging and honest, and the performances…were all superb.” – Movie City News.

Matt has nearly thought of it all—from the remote control beer mug, to the 10-second toothbrush, to an assortment of “animated” wristwatches. Yet, despite all of these failed attempts to get rich quick, he still finds inspiration from the likes of Thomas Edison to the guy who invented bubblewrap. Matt is sure the next “big idea” is just waiting to be “received” by him. But ideas cost money—which Matt doesn’t have. And his compulsive gambling best friend and business partner Sam isn’t helping much either. When Matt loses his last (borrowed) cent at the casino, his flight attendant wife Gina gets fed up and leaves him. Forced to find work at a furniture superstore, Matt should be distraught—but he hasn’t given up on thinking up his own “lightbulb” invention. Based on screenwriter Mike Cram's own story, LIGHTBULB is a quirky rags-to-riches tale featuring a slew of talented actors—including Dallas Roberts (“Walk the Line”), Jeremy Renner ("The Assassination of Jesse James" and the upcoming "The Hurt Locker"), Ayelet Zurer (“Munich”), and Marguerite Moreau (“Wet Hot American Summer”). This feel-good film will surely inspire the masses.

Running Time: 91 Minutes Not Rated.

Send a Comment

26-Apr-09: M.Roe - Rating: 3

An entertaining film that definitely needs polish (as I believe was mentioned in the flyer). I liked the story and acting due to maybe not so famous actors but recognizable ones and good ones at that. The film felt more like a "direct to video" type of movie that if I had "happened" upon at the video store I would have been happy but not so much if I had to pay $9.50

24-Apr-09: Trish Ashe - Rating: 4

A most enjoyable film; able to look past the sound difficulties and not-quite-perfect cinematography due to some of the gems: "Women are such emotionally resilient creatures" (depicted quite well), Edison's quote that people don't know how close they are to success when they give up, and the tap into the Universal Mind theory. Not a frame was wasted; like a tight poem. Especially enjoyed the closeups, honest emotion, and fast pace.

23-Apr-09: jh - Rating: 5

LIGHTBULB and NECESSITIES OF LIFE are near opposites. Whereas LIGHTBULB was frivolous, boisterous, and contemporary, NECESSITIES OF LIFE was serious, quiet, and timeless. Opposite types of films; same rating, a five.

22-Apr-09: JFY - Rating: 3

Sorry to say, not quite the winner that it was played up to be. It was a well made, well acted, dramedy with a decent story, but nothing really that special.

Would mildly recommend it, if it ever gets wider release.

22-Apr-09: Wendy Parker - Rating: 3

Thought this was quite a delightful film; I recognized many of the "seasoned" actors who did such a good job with their protrayals. The story and all aspects of the film were quite nicely done.