Shuffle [Import]

Feels like Frank Capra meets Twilight Zone. Favorite film from the festival circuit this year. Must see! Epic score, beautifully shot, tight script.

To provide full disclosure about this review, I am huge fan of Kurt Kuenne's films. If you haven't yet seen Dear Zachary - you need to. In any case, Shuffle was a well-paced movie that kept me thinking and trying to solve the mystery of lost time. I don't want to give away spoilers but the back and forth through different aspects of the main character's life provided a wonderful mosaic into the life choices he made and how funny fate is in terms of changing the game on people. Kurt's signature film style comes through with light and dark moods supported by outstanding orchestral overtones that are always well timed for big emotional crescendos.

This is one of those movies that will spark more questions at the end in terms of understanding the journey you have been on the whole time as a participant in the protagonists puzzle. The film is really trying to make a point around how we step through life and what each of the moments mean ultimately. There are several emotional punches littered throughout as the movie dances around certain life and death issues so have some Kleenex nearby. I was ultimately satisfied with the movie's construction - I chose to watch the BW Directors cut version which added a bit more heaviness to the story. In any case - definitely worth watching and while there is no gore or chains of foul language there are some adult themes so provide guidance for kids.

I love this film! I have seen it twice on the big screen. First at The Phoenix Film Festival where it won Best Picture and Best Director! Very well deserved prizes I might add. Then at Phoenix Comicon where it was the opening night film of the Comicon Film Festival!

The film makes me think of a cross between an episode of The Twilight Zone and the film: Memento! The theatrical version was in Black and White. It was truly meant to be seen in Black and White. The DVD has both a black and white and color version. I recommend watching the black and white first!

The Writer, Director, Composer Kurt Kuenne is extremely talented at what he does. He pays a great attention to detail. Additionally, T.J. Thyne is perfect as the lead actor in Shuffle.