Indie Tries to Bridge CGI and Reality

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MOVIE REVIEW
Love Virtually
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Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 24m
Director(s): L.E. Staiman
Writer(s): Cheston Mizel, L.E. Staiman
Cast: Peter Gilroy, Cheri Oteri, Paige Mobley, Vincent Washington, L.E. Staiman, Ryan O’Flanagan, Harper Frawley and Stephen Tobolowsky
Where To Watch: available on Digital and On-Demand November 7, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: In the indie film world, LOVE VIRTUALLY emerges as a quirky contender, blending the eccentricities of virtual romance with the warmth of human connection. We are whisked away into a universe where tech obsessions intertwine with the beating heart of love stories, delivering a cocktail that is as unique as it is thought-provoking.

Director L.E. Staiman invites us into a world where digital and emotional have become almost inseparable. The film is painted with our societal tech infatuation, from social media antics to virtual currencies. In many ways, the film is an homage to other films that have dipped their toes into the virtual world for enhanced storytelling.

The characters, although ripe with promise, tend to resemble a collection of stereotypes more than they do fleshed-out individuals. Amidst the ensemble, Peter Gilroy’s portrayal of Roddy Danger, a gamer who is as endearing as socially awkward, brings a much-needed dose of authenticity. It's these sprinkles of humor and moments of genuine character development that offer a reprieve from a narrative that, at times, feels disjointed.

The film's visual storytelling is a paradox. The 3D animation is intended to reflect the digital alter egos of the characters. Yet, even though the CGI feels dated, it is more in line with the modern-day reality of what virtual avatars look like. I do wish they had gone a little further and made them more advanced-looking, as I feel this design will age very quickly.

As the film draws to a close, it takes an unexpected turn towards drama, a twist that feels disjointed from the rest of the film; most of the story is a pretty light-hearted trip through VR. Despite its narrative imperfections, LOVE VIRTUALLY is a welcome vision of the indomitable spirit of indie filmmaking. Born from the creative minds of Staiman and Cheston Mizel during the pandemic's early days, the film is a triumph of passion over limitations. Their storytelling zeal is the lifeblood of the project, carrying it from a mere concept through its execution.

The fantastic casting of Cheri Oteri and Stephen Tobolowsky enriched the film, enhancing its narrative and showcasing the project's ability to attract talent to indie films when there’s a story for them to be pulled into.

LOVE VIRTUALLY is a daring indie cinema venture, and while it may not reach the zenith of its lofty goals, it stands out as a notable exploration of our digitally entwined love lives. Its inventive genre mashup and commentary on our tech-saturated existence invite reflection, and the tale of its creation is a beacon of inspiration for the resilience of independent filmmakers.

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[photo courtesy of CANCELLED FILMS, SET IN MOTION]

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As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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