Cinema Society

REACH FOR ME

Average
Rating

1.5

Tuesday, February 23, 2010, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Invited Guest: Seymour Cassel

SALUTE TO SEYMOUR CASSEL and REACH FOR ME

Seymour Cassel is an acting treasure.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1935, his early career was tied to fellow actor John Cassavetes. He made his movie debut in Cassavetes’ first film, Shadows, on which he also served as associate producer. In 1961 he co-starred with Cassavetes in Too Late Blues and 1962’s The Webster Boy. He also appeared in The Lloyd Bridges Show in an acclaimed episode “A Pair of Boots” directed by his friend Cassavetes. Cassel appeared on such popular programs as Twelve O’Clock High, Combat! and The F.B.I.

In 1968, Cassel was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Chet in John Cassavetes’s Faces. Other collaborations with Cassavetes included a starring role with Gena Rowlands in Minnie and Moskowitz, supporting roles in The Killing of a Chinese Bookie and Love Streams, and a cameo appearance in Opening Night. Having also appeared in major Hollywood productions such as Dick Tracy and Indecent Proposal, Cassel has always been very supportive of the American independent film community, especially in the wake of Cassavetes’ death. Cassel had a small role in Steve Buscemi’s directorial debut Trees Lounge and appeared in three films by Wes Anderson: Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. Cassel appeared for four seasons in comedian Tracey Ullman’s hit television series Tracey Takes On.

Tonight we are honored that Mr. Cassel will be in attendance to introduce and discuss his latest film, REACH FOR ME:

REACH FOR ME

Old and bitter, Alvin is content to waste away the last of his disappointing life at Valley Meadow Hospice. Alvin simply wants to be left alone, but his wish is not granted when Kevin becomes his roommate. Young and full of “life”, Kevin refuses to squander the precious moments he has left.

Deeply in love, Kevin and girlfriend Sarah are devoted to making Kevin’s final days fun and meaningful. Stirred by the young couple’s zest for life, Alvin takes a chance and pursues Valerie. With Valerie, Alvin confronts his fear, loneliness, and regret and learns to love, maybe for the first time. Reach For Me is a heartwarming, uplifting and very funny movie about love and living life to its fullest ... It’s never too late.

Directed by Levar Burton, REACH FOR ME stars Seymour Cassel, Alfre Woodard, Lacey Chabert, Johnny Whitworth, Adrienne Barbeau and Charlene Blaine-Schulenburg.

Running Time: 90 Minutes

Not Rated

Send a Comment

8-Mar-10: Paul - Rating: 3

As someone who has been going to Sundance for years I feel the commentators here are a bit jaded. This was a low budget, independent film with all its flaws and idiosyncrasies. What is important to me is that it succeeded to tell a layered story about missed opportunities, regret and redemption in the face of imminent death. It appeared to succeeded at some level as can be attested by the emotions many of you admit to.

1-Mar-10: Neil - Rating: 1

One of the WORST movies ever made. Could have spend the evening watching pain try. It's NOT Andy's fault.

Here is an interesting read bout our "less than disguished" guest: http://tinyurl.com/ykypm8x

28-Feb-10: Nancie - Rating: 1

Gosh Andy, did you view this film prior to showing it to us? Ay-yi-yi! I give it a minus 1 and hope for a great rest of the season.

28-Feb-10: Tom Lafleur - Rating: 1

Not my favorite movie... A movie on death could have touch everyone, but it failed very hard...

I agree: "Even life support couldn't save it. Do NOT resuscitate!"

27-Feb-10: Mroe - Rating: 1

Maybe it's my lack of familiarity with Mr. Cassel's earlier work (I really only know remember him from Wed Anderson's films) that maybe Mr. Cassel isn't a leading actor but better fit in the supporting roles. I too thought he was very rigid, his use of the G.D. word (not that I am prudish to that language) was just over used and got "old" very quickly. I thought the entire film /script was very rudimentary. I will admit that I did tear up a little bit because I actually believed that Sarah (Lacey Chabert) did love Kevin and so it was sad to see his young life slip away. Sorry but I think this is the lowest I have ever rated a film.

25-Feb-10: ms - Rating: 1

I think it's all been said..... I felt like I was watching a bad 'after school special' I love LaVar Burton but I think he needs to stick to acting (and reading)

25-Feb-10: Polly Clark - Rating: 4

I loved it. A true finding of oneself and a love story.

24-Feb-10: Jerry - Rating: 1

How could this stinker have won any awards?

I wanted to like it because we had a guest. But, the movie was just unbelievable. The bad script was only topped by the bad acting. It is the kind of movie that gives independent films a bad name.

It has a zero chance of getting any significant distribution.

24-Feb-10: JF - Rating: 1

Ugh. Would have given it a zero if I had the choice. Awful in every way. Could the director, at the very least, have thought to ask the young actor portraying a stage 4 terminal cancer patient to lay off the gym equipment for a couple of weeks? Seriously.

24-Feb-10: Georgi - Rating: 1

The old and bitter part was so pervasive it made my skin crawl. I hope that Mr. Cassel doesn't read all of these reviews, because a great part of this movie was his non likeable, selfish character. And the producer casting her self in the role of a suicide/angel with no emotion at all was nearly as bad. Too bad that cute guy had to "croak" and not Alvin. I wonder why you had this movie and who promoted it? Was it a fundraiser for Hospice? Even life support couldn't save it. Do NOT resuscitate!

24-Feb-10: SMM - Rating: 1

I have to agree, it was pretty terrible. I hate to admit it, but I did get teary-eyed, so they must have done something right, but it felt a bit manipulative. The talk afterward was interesting. Did he really say he thought it was an Oscar-caliber movie? Seriously?

24-Feb-10: jh - Rating: 1

Maybe I've been spoiled by all the 4s and 5s this season or maybe REACH FOR ME is just not a good film. The best thing is has going for it is producer/star Charlene Blaine-Schulenburg who was delightful in person and excellent as Alvin's wife.

24-Feb-10: Mickey Kopol - Rating: 2

Dear Andy:

I love the way you bring celebrities, actors, writers, directors, etc. to the films that are shown to the Cinema Society. Thank you for that. However, last night's film was disappointing. After the hype about Seymour's allegedly stellar acting career, I thought his performance was incredibly wooden. I was touched and tearful at the ending, however, most of the film was not very good. Sorry.

24-Feb-10: judy s - Rating: 1

It started out on a bright note,noting all the services that were provided. From there it went to a low that I dreaded. Even the dialogue by the invited guests was self-serving. Wasn't the real message supposed to be the glory in final moments? I didn't get that, only my own sad memories of loved ones I said goodbye to.

24-Feb-10: Margaret Downing - Rating: 3

Andy-- I can pick this movie apart technically: production values, editing - you name it - was of questionable professional quality. HOWEVER, I was very moved by the story as my still red eyes can attest. I loved the casting. I took the message to heart.

24-Feb-10: Rich Gordon - Rating: 1

Andy,

I know you don't make them, only show them. But last night's "stinker" takes the Cinema Society to a new all time low. What a horrible film. Nothing worked: Not the directing; acting; script; cinematography or casting. Frankly it was painful to sit through. Were we really supposed to care for this guy?

Bring on more shorts.