Shuffle

SHUFFLE

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Coming to DVD from director/writer Kurt Kuenne, Theatre Junkies and Social Media Films comes a film that takes a look at life giving one a chance to clear out the SHUFFLE.

This film tells the story of Lovell Milo (TJ Thyne), a photographer who is stuck in his life. After the death of his wife Grace (Paula Rhodes), Lovell keeps waking up in different phases of his life. One moment he is a small boy trying to have a relationship with his father Dr. Milo (Chris Stone) but also meeting Grace for the first time. Then waking up after Grace's death dealing with a one-night stand who he wants no attachment to.

He also wakes up in his 20's, 30's and as an elderly man! Seeing a therapist about it all isn't helping. Oddly however, in each shuffle there is someone telling him to 'pay attention' as Lovell begins to make mental notes each time he wakes up in a different situation.

Piecing it all together is painful but necessary if Lovell is ever going to find happiness in this life.

FINAL WORD: Thyne as Lovell is such an interesting character to watch. There is so much depth in his face so even when he doesn't speak, everything you need to know is written on his face. If his name seems familiar then you also know his work from the recent series BONES as Dr. Jack Hodges. This film is such a fantastic venue for Thyne to move away from other characters that he has played.

Rhodes is endearing and lovely as Grace. It is rare that childhood sweethearts end up together in such a way but with Lovell Grace knows that her life will be with him. It’s a good life that Lovell cannot change - no matter what he might try to do.

Other cast include: Meegan Halloway as Shelly, Dylan Sprayberry as Young Lovell, Elle Labadie as Young Grace, Michell Krusiec as the One Night Stand, Patricia Belcher as the psychiatrist, Tamara Taylor as Linda, Whitney Anderson as Amy.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give SHUFFLE three and a half tubs of popcorn out of five. This truly is a wild ride of emotion and a story filled with complexity and human emotion. Having a choice between color and black/white is such a brilliant idea I can't even stand it. I have never received a film that offered me a choice and I must say, the black and white version is truly wonderful to watch.

The DVD includes the video dairies from the Festival circuit, a Making-of Documentary and the critically acclaimed black and white version of the film, which I highly recommend.

In the end - pay attention!