Ben's at Home (2014) Poster

(2014)

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6/10
Secular Bros with Redeeming Qualities
dansview9 November 2017
My first impression involved disdain for the characters portrayed. But then I pulled back to analyze. Our main character's life revolves around pop culture and media, he swears, he's sarcastic and sardonic, and he's disconnected from nation, family, God, etc.

But he's actually a sensitive person. That's why he doesn't like bars, finds the world a bit overwhelming, loves dogs, and was genuinely hurt by losing his girlfriend. Meanwhile his friends show genuine concern for each other and him. The central conflict of the film involves the guys being hurt that our protagonist won't attend a bachelor party for their good friend.

I did not finish the film, as I'd had enough. But that doesn't mean I am condemning it. I just found it depressing. I hope he came to his senses and went to the party, and began to get out of his house more.

We aren't supposed to evaluate a movie solely based on whether we like what is being portrayed. It's all about process. Having said that, there was a decent amount of character development of the main guy, and at least a clear picture of his social set.

There's a good blend of comedy and sentiment, and no clichéd soundtrack bombardment. It resembles a John Cusack film like High Fidelity. Guy has trouble growing up, can't find the right girl, and feels more attached to his dog, buddies, and pop culture interests, than to God or nation.

I didn't see any actual nudity or violence. There is some strong language and suggestive sexual overtones. The actors are not gorgeous or perfect. They are average, like most of us, and the setting is Toronto, not America or Europe.
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10/10
Lovely and Funny indie film made with passion
photos-108-90413416 September 2014
I caught this film when I attended the very fun Rhode Island International Film Festival. It won for Best Feature and I honestly felt it was well deserved. I was very surprised that the actor playing the lead is not in other major motion pictures as he absolutely carries the film and is wonderful throughout. It felt very cool to see an as of yet undiscovered star.

I really enjoy the film, identified with the main character's plight, and laughed out loud a number of times. Was shocked to learn that the filmmakers raised the money themselves and the whole thing cost under $50k. Incredible achievement.

The filmmakers said in the Q&A that they were influenced by the Duplass Brothers and Lynn Shelton and I definitely can see that.
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10/10
Outstanding
daniellaw2031 March 2015
This romantic comedy is full of amazing Toronto talent. It will warm your heart and make you laugh. They have been raking in tons of well deserved awards worldwide. The most recent ones were "Best Feature" at Canadian Film Festival in Toronto and "Audience Choice Award" at Gasparilla in Tampa. It is jammed pack with Canadian comics. It is directed, produced & co-written by Mars Horodyski. Dan Abramovici not only stars as the lead actor, but he also co-wrote and produced it as well. This team deserves everyone's support so they can keep making more great movies and make a mark in the film industry. Make sure to watch out for the movie in Theatres near you across Canada... and hopefully on Netflix too!!
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9/10
One of the best Indie films I've seen in a long time
callbackheadshots16 September 2014
I can't wait for this to come out.

I caught this film at the Montreal World Film Festival after reading the full page spread about it in The Montreal Gazzette. Honestly, I expected to hate it... The premise is about a guy who refuses to leave his house so I went more because I was curious about how they would make that work.

They really did. The acting is amazing and the story is surprisingly sweet and funny. This is a guy who makes it work from home and how he does it is consistently hilarious. The lead actor, Dan Abramovici, is someone us Canadians recognize from television commercials and he makes a star making performance as Ben.

Its a testament to everyone that the film flies by and the jokes and little moments stayed with me to this day. Here's hoping they land a distributor and get a nice world wide release.
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9/10
A great independent film in Toronto
ComedyFan20103 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
After Ben's relationship fails he doesn't want to leave his house anymore. And it isn't too hard. Actually from what I read the generation of Millennials doesn't go out as much as the ones before anymore. We he goes a bit over the top as he doesn't want to leave the house at all, not even for best friends' wedding. At least he takes his dog out.

The movie is very well done. I loved all the characters including Schnitzel. Even the ones who had a small part were very well developed. It is easy to connect and has moments to laugh.

The date with the girl from the right side of the couch was fun. I was actually surprised by Ben not being into her over competitive swearing because he was even worse in his gaming scene. But her big time love for foosball made me laugh.

Hi relationship development with Jess was also really good. Very honest and relatable.
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10/10
A Comedy with Charm.
pbelle21419 May 2015
It took a truly talented team to create a film of this magnitude. Perfectly balancing bro- comedy and heartfelt relatability, Ben's at Home transports you into a world that looks like yours but is somewhat fantastical.

The situations and people that ben interacts without throughout this movie make it seem like another day in our lives, but the way that they are so article and humorously handled creates a world all it's own. Amazing dynamic between all the actors, making it believable and wonderful. Schnitzel's performance was notably exceptional.

Minimal sets, a small budget, an incredible group of actors, and an outstanding script. This is not one to miss.
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10/10
Won the Audience Choice award in Tampa and deservedly so
laheadshotsandreels1 April 2015
I caught this film when I attended the always fun Gasparilla International Film Festival.

I don't always go for indie films but this one absolutely won me over because of the simple but affecting story and the wonderful performances. The lead actor, Dan Abramovici, reminded me of a young John Cusack and indeed the tone mixed with the outstanding soundtrack brought to mind High Fidelity.

The film technically is also a remarkable technical achievement as it takes place almost entirely in one location but that never once fills constricting or repetitive. A testament to wonderful direction, cinematography, editing, and the outstanding cast that makes every scene hilairious or heartfelt. Often both.

Very funny. Sweet. And an incredible accomplishment considering it cost under $40k. Can't miss.
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