Okay, okay, this blog post has kind of a brazen title.
BUT, struggling writers and filmmakers are locked in mortal combat with movie distribution and publishing industries that have a bigger appetite for dollars than for good stories. We need to remember that if we have something uplifting and interesting to say–the audience is indeed out there. And it is hungry!
These are NOT reviews from sales agents (one of whom basically said my movie was derivative garbage). These are NOT reviews from distributors (many of whom passed on my movie). These are NOT reviews from professional critics (who were actually pretty fair and positive).
These are reviews from the most important people–audience members. They are complete strangers from all over the world who chanced to watch my flick. They’ve touched my heart and inspired me.
(These reviews are pulled from Amazon unless otherwise noted.)
FROM BEVERLY (via fanmail):
I will be 74 in a few days, and have loved sci-fi since I was 12, and borrowed my first Ray Bradbury paperback from some Americans who had moved to our small Jamaican town to set up a pottery. And I am still here.
Just saw Interstellar, and liked it a lot, but have just finished watching 95ers: Time Runners and it is BETTER! Warm, clever, helluva story, fine acting, smart direction, camera , sound etc- the whole clock ticks!
Congratulations. Cant wait till your new one comes out.
FROM AMAZON CUSTOMER:
One of the best science fiction I have ever seen…
FROM ROY:
Fun from the beginning. Put your seat belts on, and keep both hands inside your car at all times. This is going to be a crazy, and exciting ride. Don’t overthink it, just enjoy yourself. I will watch it again soon, I am certain.
FROM PAT:
This is a movie that makes you think….it is almost better the second time after you have unraveled the mysteries in the movie & you get to pick up on some of the missed nuances.
FROM LANCE (via fanmail):
Just finished watching Time Runners. Found it as a “midweek extra” at our local Family Video store. The theme on the box intrigued me — wow, what a fabulous movie! I liked it at so many levels.
I did something I’ve never done before: watched the whole movie a second time, listening to the directors’ commentary….
What an incredible story of perseverance (the MAKING of the movie), what a great backstory, what wonderful film-making (thanks, Tom, for keeping in all of the “extra” touches — I even liked Sally’s rewound “learn Martian first” comment being left in!!!), and it was so special you guys letting your kids “interrupt” during the commentary.
Thanks, too, for including the “thank Heaven” and “thank you, Lord” comments at the end of the commentary. May He indeed give you venues for at least a soon novelization of some of the rest of the parts of the story-arc (writing and publishing are quicker than movie-making! You totally captured my interest and imagination!
FROM geotti (via IMDB):
A must see for (scientifically inclined) fans of time-travelling movies that have a longer attention span than the average teenager and like to think.
I’d love to see both a prequel and a sequel expanding on the world the team has created…
FROM ZORAN:
…I would like to say to all sci-fi lovers who decide not to see this movie that they are missing something. Movie is captivating attention from start to the end and makes you think about it for days.
For that I give all 5 stars.
If creators of this movie read reviews here please go ahead make 2nd part I can’t wait to see it.
FROM RANDY:
I admit I needed to restart it several times to be able to get a sense of the storyline, but I don’t think that’s because the story is lacking anything.
Upon reflection, I would say there is quite a bit more thematic material to this story and more drama potential than the rest of the movies you would want to compare it to.
I like movies that give me something to think about in terms of intellectual topics, you know, cutting edge science, psychology, sociology, movie making, so I am well pleased with 95ers: And further the lead actor Alesandra Durham did a fantastic job and so I liked watching this movie very much because of her, and the storyline and special effects for the story are great.
FROM JASON:
Why do I like this movie? Simple enough question.
It was obvious a low budget film but this movie proves that the budget isn’t as important as the quality of the acting, story telling and educating that a movie does in a particular field.
It was one of those movies where the intelligence of the audience isn’t insulted with crass subject matter and cheap language. It is a smart scifi movie that even someone who isn’t “into” scifi can enjoy. I wish I had seen sooner. The true essentials of a quality movie is there. Acting, Story, Subject matter and the complicated explained with an intelligent simplicity.
FROM P. WOLF:
A better understanding of time travel is rarely found.
I’ve studied the science since my teens. This movie follows the principles over loop causality. If you want science fiction that has a founding in real science then here it is.
FROM TONY:
Even a low budget could not stop this movie from being an intricate and thought provoking ride.
FROM V (via Facebook):
Thank you. I haven’t enjoyed a movie this much in ages.
I am watching it on Easter afternoon, seems like good timing. I have a 3 day old granddaughter, new life and beginning, reconnected with old friend, gentle spring rain, fresh blooming scent of a lilac bouquet, soft breeze blowing in open windows, sound of children playing, songs of birds and your movie. Near perfect day. Thank you for the gift, please continue. You are all so talented, its is a sheer joy to have all my senses so wonderfully stimulated, but to have my imagination, intellect and intuition firing simultaneously-just amazing. You were part of an incredible day in my life today and responsible for a large portion of what made it so right.
