"An Insignificant Harvey"

 2011 * Not Rated * 1h 19m This is just one more example of why I love indie movies. This is a sweet little film with a big heart. You can tell it was made on a budget, but that's part of its charm. It's a slice of life story that takes place in a small, ski town and focuses on three characters. 

Harvey (Jordan Prentice) is a little person who works as a janitor at the resort. His best friend is Lucas (Steven McCarthy) who's a wacky, lovable outcast. They've been close since they were in an orphanage together as kids. One day, Harvey is introduced to Dakota (Kristin Adams), who works as a pole dancer at a local watering hole. She's a sweetheart and he's immediately smitten with her. 

Lucas' big dream is to build a toboggan run, which he and Harvey work on together. One day, a stray husky dog befriends Harvey and the two of them become best buds. Meanwhile, Harvey, against all odds, tries to pursue Dakota. It's a fun movie with some absolutely charming moments. I really enjoyed it and hope you do as well. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card), Prime Video, and Freevee. And to rent on Apple TV. 

"What Doesn't Float"

 2023 * Not Rated * 1h 9m This is just a little indie gem of a film. I wasn't sure what I was in for when I put this one in my queue. Actually, I feared I was in for some pretentious filmmaking and was expecting to quit it after ten or fifteen minutes. But what a pleasant surprise. Sure it's an indie, but what separates it from a lot of other movies is the lack of a plot. It's comprised of a series of little short stories, poems or rather haikus if you will. They're all seemingly unrelated for the most part. But what almost all of them have in common is water--whether the vignette takes place in the sea, or there's an aquarium as the focal point of the story. And each little story is just as long as it needs to be. None is more than ten minutes long. They're all very entertaining. 

The acting, camerawork, editing, and stories are all very well done. It's too bad this movie isn't better known. One thing is for sure is that you'll be smiling at the end of the film.

I don't know anything about the filmmaker but if this film is any indication, I think he's on the road to great things and look forward to seeing what he does next. Kudos to everyone involved!

Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy and to rent on Amazon Prime.

3 1/2 out of 5 stars