Premium (2006) User Reviews

Enjoyable in a melancholy kind of way...

[njscreenwriter · 7/10 · 11 February 2010]

An enticing film - you begin to watch and within minutes you want to know how it ends. I think there's something in all of us that always hopes for it to work out for the guy, to see him get the girl. While this movie delivers that in a sense, it doesn't leave you with a traditional happy ending.

While the lead male role was performed well I didn't feel like it was very emotionally connecting. Perhaps that's just a reflection of his character, always playing it 'cool' and never really letting you know what's going on in his head. The role didn't offer much chance for an emotional curve.

Opposite the lead male role there is Zoe Saldana's character, and seeing this movie after knowing she's been in two of the biggest films in 2009 you begin to understand why. An impeccably understated yet convincing and satisfying performance. Quite simply a grace to watch on screen.

The other aspect that stuck out to me was the music - I would love to have this soundtrack playing in my home.

This movie is like a little gem you hide away in your private stash, only sharing with someone special, and only then watching once every so often, yet thoroughly enjoying it every time.

Great. Great. Great!!

[yuyiboy · 7/10 · 25 July 2008]

Apparently the MANY movies that imizrahi2002 claims to have seen have not opened his brain to great film making!! LOL (you shouldn't toot your horn so much) Thanks for not writing that book you said you could write. (close call there)

Anyway...This is a simple movie with a timeless story told in a very new way. It shows how a story doesn't have to be convoluted to be interesting. And how complicated life can get in the blink of an eye.

If you like the same story, but told with amazing Hollywood special effects, explosions and Harry-Potter-type plots..... Then listen to IMIZRAHi2002's review. (he or she should see a lot more independent and story-based films before talking the way he/she has about this type of movie. (that is MY opinion on his/her review ) 8-) Judge for yourself....

Great film for a night when explosions and effects are not what you are looking for. A funny, smart, heartfelt, intelligently written film.

Excellent

[UrbanFilmCritic · 30 June 2006]

Read my past reviews, and you know how rare it is that I sing the praises of any film made after 1985.

Premium is one of the best independent films I have ever seen. I realized after the screening at the Urbanworld Film Festival just how much garbage I've watched lately. I hope Mr. Chatmon is able to get a theatrical release so that everyone can have an opportunity to see the movie, but if it does go straight to DVD, it will be a rare gem in the secondary market.

I don't want to over-inflate the movie. It wasn't a complex story with a lot of special effects or over the top dramatizations. It was a very simple story that was divinely executed. Everyone did what they were supposed to do. The film maker had enough respect for his audience not be the director, the writer, the star, the key grip and the caterer. He selected his role, he focused on that and hired people to do the rest.

It's a character study and a date movie. And its good. I've been a champion of the urban independent film maker for a while. This movie reminded me why...UFC

premium? what, horsemeat?

[imizrahi2002 · 1/10 · 29 December 2006]

no disrespect meant to the horse... i've seen THOUSANDS of movies...literally... i could teach a course if i wanted to...including much of the history of film...innovators, etc... if you want to see a trite, shallow movie about a shallow person then this is the film for you... i can't believe ANYone could recommend this... i'm just hoping to save you the disappointment... i was looking forward to something enjoyable, based on many of the comments here...i kept thinking, 'it's GOT to get better...it's GOT to'. and it's not like it doesn't have it's moments... i think i counted two... but the ending made me forget what they were...

film could've been directed better.

[malemonnd · 2/10 · 25 December 2018]

I had a hard time catching this movie to watch. The trailer made it seem so interested. When you courts get into the film it seem cool, then it get sleepier, and sleepier, and sleepier, then it's just boring because the story didn't appeal you after a while. The actors/actress in the movie didn't do bad, it was more of how the story goes and how things were directed.

Excellent job by all

[botnfilms · 8/10 · 31 July 2006]

I'm a filmmaker myself and I see quite a few films. Premium was one of the most enjoyable and well done films I've seen on the festival circuit this year. Part of the genius is the direction. Pete Chatmon confidently lets this perfectly cast group of actors perform without trying to use any tricks to make the story more interesting or feel like a studio project. Zoe Saldana was excellent as usual but I was pleasantly surprised by the way the lead actor, Dorian Missick was able to handle himself in a cast that includes Hill Harper and Frankie Faison. Something is wrong if Missick does not get more leading roles. I did some research and discovered that the writer/director took his time and developed the script over a number of years. It shows. This is a film that any demographic group would enjoy. I expect to see it in THEATERS early next year.

Pay the Premium, it's worth it!

[user187802 · 10/10 · 9 July 2006]

I am not a "film person," per se. I accompanied my 17 yr. old son to the Newark Black Film Festival because he wants to be a film person, and I wanted to introduce him to the Film Festival world. I found Premium to be witty and hip, as well as, textured and sophisticated. A Black man's story about male/female relationships, strike that, any man's story about non-buddy relationships....now that is groundbreaking in the film world. Not only was it new, it was fun. I also found Chatmon's and Missicks' handling of the Q and A after the film aired kind of engaging, like the entertainment I had seen on the screen, which leads one to believe there is more good film where Premium came from. Premium showcases the strong and confident voices of the cast and the writer/director that deserve to be heard, because they "get it," and give it right back...so that you can be in on the fun and "get it" too!

Thoroughly Enjoyable!

[walter-downs · 9/10 · 14 September 2007]

I don't believe I have ever seen either Dorian Missick or Zoe Saldana in a movie previously; I loved their chemistry together. I have to say that Zoe Saldana has just become one of my favorite actresses. Her performance was impeccable, and she has great depth as an actress. I appreciate the kind of movie that Mr. Chatmon is bringing to the screen and hope he is blessed with the opportunity to evolve and showcase his talent and fulfill his vision. The movie starts out with an emphasis on the shallow and somewhat pathetic life that "Cool" is currently caught up in. Don't be fooled. The moment Missick and Saldana come together a new dimension opens. This is an enjoyable movie, and I hope it is well supported. Most people are searching for good movies to watch; tell someone to pick it up.

Thank You

[petedoublefilm · 10/10 · 25 January 2007]

I usually don't do this but I've recently started following the chat rooms on PREMIUM and it's been very rewarding to see the response. When we set out to make this film, from a script I started writing in 1999, our objective was to show that emotion and the human experience is something that is universal. I believe we have succeeded in doing that. Putting black characters in the film does not make it only accessible to black people and this film has something for everyone. After all the festivals, reviews, comments, and awards the film has received, it seems like we're striking the right chord and people agree. PREMIUM is all about adding more to the cinematic menu so be sure to check it out when we hit theaters and DVD later this year! Spread the word...

Refreshing

[harold-lanford · 8/10 · 9 April 2008]

This movie got my attention while flipping cable channels. Its one of the better love movies out there that no one knows about and is a must have if you are into Black cinema or not. I haven't really seen Dorian in action before but have become a fan of his work. Zoe is of course a beautiful woman and only gets better. The plot is also great and well written, it could be considered a perfect date movie or one that you watch when you just want to stay home and cuddle with your significant other. I don't know why this movie didn't get more headlines during its preview and release (it should have), but the fact that its not a well known movie actually makes it a better movie.

Premium-It's About Time! Don't Miss The Movement

[mazatalent · 10/10 · 31 January 2007]

The word Premium is often defined as "having or reflecting superior quality "or "gift" or "bonus". Pete Chatmon's film in no way falls short of it's title. Premium is a gift to the viewer, the cast and the film industry on a whole. Whether it's the cast, the cinematography or the screenplay, Premiuim screams superior quality. This film gives a new crop of actors a chance to display their gifts on screen. The actors are phenomenal and relate to each other with a sincerity that makes you forget your watching a movie. It is the classic young love story that has seldom been told; One that does not end with everyone getting what they want, but everyone knowing exactly what they want and need to succeed at love. Loved it, loved it, loved it. If I had to describe Premium in one word, it would be GENUINE! And if I had to two, it would be THE BOMB!

A MUST SEE, 5 stars, 2 thumbs and 2 big toes up!!!

[borne2write · 9/10 · 12 August 2006]

This is a great movie. I have had the pleasure to watch it with Pete Chatmon on a screening of this awesomely written movie. The acting is great, the plot movement is even better. I am honored to see this movie. This movie is a must see.

Pete, You've done a awesome job with this movie. GAME of INCHES will grow as well and hope to gain such accolades as PREMIUM, A wonderful movie.

The acting is strong as well.

From the beginning of the movie to the middle which sets up a great ending. I can't stop talking about this movie. It is a MUST SEE indeed. I truly PREMIUM...

Premium----A Must See Film!

[shea2888 · 8/10 · 15 February 2007]

Premium is one of the best films of the year. It is exciting, intriguing and jaw-dropping. The story line is one that all audiences could relate to in some way or another. Each character is well scripted and portrayed. The writing is phenomenal as well as the directing. The direction especially stood out, the characters are directed in a way so they are believable and so the audience could sympathize and feel compassion for them. Premium is not the average love-story, it had twists that keep you wanting more. Its depiction of African Americans as well, was mind-blowing. Viewers are able see African Americans in a different light, other than the average stereotypical character seen in films. I am recommending this film to any and every one. A different approach is finally taken to express creative freedoms. Pete Chatmon did an excellent job with both the writing and directing. Chatmon will hopefully be recognized for his amazing creative abilities and the film's overall presentation.

Are you ready?

[jaspermail · 10/10 · 22 January 2007]

Folks..it's about time. I know that I'm not the only person out there completely frustrated with the quality and content of what has most recently become known as "black film". I'm not trying to take money out of anyone else's pocket, but there hasn't been much choice as of late. That's where PREMIUM enters. This film has in depth characters that have backgrounds and experiences that I can more readily relate to. I see myself in Zoe's character (Charlie). Mostly, I appreciate the fact that those of us in the black community who grew up with two parent households, in the suburbs and accumulated thousands of dollars in students loans attending ivy league schools can now see ourselves on the big screen. Please go out and support this movie...I can't wait to see what's next!

Fine piece of art

[HrSookoll · 8/10 · 8 May 2022]

Thats a really pleasent surprise. Nice one and touched me.

One dude who is trying a breaktrough in a world as an wannabe actor and making money as a gas station employee, and a woman who is getting married soon, but she doesnt know if it is right, because her finacee is a kind of goat but wealthy.

They have some history. They get along again by unfortunate events, and so the story goes.

Zoe Saldaña is so pretty in this movie btw. So i dont understand why all the grain was added, didnt give any good but killed much in picture quality so -2. You can never do 7mm digitally. Hope they remake without digital grain.

Loved it.

[craigquinn14 · 9/10 · 24 March 2008]

When will the director do more movies like this one. A really good romantic comedy. The lead character was very annoying which made interested in what made him tick, sort of the anti-hero if you will. the scenes between he and Zoe Saldana's chemistry were dead on. I could watch Zoe all day in any movie any time. Only thing i didn't care for was the CUT TO's. it got kind of choppy at times, but other than that i was thoroughly pleased. I could totally relate to the characters. I can't remember seeing a African American independent romantic comedy. Thanks. Now do another one please don't disappear like so many talented directors do.

Fabulous

[danceability · 10/10 · 6 June 2009]

FABULOUS!, "Premium" is about a woman (Zoe Saldana) who is about to get married, but after going to a gas station, she surprisingly meets her ex fiancé, Cool. Old memories come back to her and she tries to scurry away before they can engulf her thoughts and make her think twice about her engagement. The problem is she ends up in a car accident and right back at that same gas station to get her car fixed and maybe her relationship(s) fixed too. Her fiancé meets Cool. Cool reacts. Her fiancé reacts. She reacts. Watch the movie to find out how these three work this confusing situation out.

Pros: I spent 75% of the time watching this movie peeking through my fingers. There were so many uncomfortable moments (I mean that in a good way--as in, I felt like I was Zoe Saldana's character and pretty much every reaction she went through, I could sympathize with her), and I kept mumbling "Aw man, this is awkward." The beginning was shaky, the middle was interesting, and the end was exactly how I expected it to end, but not how I wanted it to end. I'm not a hopeless romantic; I'm a realist. But sometimes realists can be romantics too. In this movie, romance and love meet with the ideals of marriage and the decisions made are hard but true. Hill Harper is a GREAT actor. I hadn't followed his acting career at all up until this moment, but I had to grin at the bed/blanket scene. That was definitely a switch of roles! Best Scene: The garlic scene--you know you're comfortable in a relationship when you can talk like that to each other, plus the face Zoe made was hilarious. I thought that scene was very cute.