Mikes Film Talk

Dandelion could be called “Sing a Song of Love.” The film is all about love: The love of music and that talent allowing you to write and then perform. Familial love; that love for parents who, at times, frustrate and annoy you. Love between adults; elusive and heartbreaking, this one is the hardest to understand.

This movie is also about dreams. The pursuit of and abandonment of said dreams.

The Story

Dandelion first and foremost is all about her music. She is struggling to realize her dream. Singing, writing music, creating music. That is her dream. Dandelion is stuck singing at a local bar to customers who do not listen. She lives with her mother and things are not going well.

A flyer for a music festival in South Dakota seems to offer a lifeline of sorts. She packs some things and heads out. Once there she meets Casey. A musician who has his own problems and broken dreams.

The two team up and this is a changing point in Dandelion’s life.

The main Cast

KiKi Layne is Dandelion.

She manages to carry this film very well. Her character is full of frustration and wanting to live the love of her life. Music. Her goal is to have her own band and to record.

Thomas Doherty is Casey.

Casey is a man with a past. His dreams have fallen by the wayside. He attends the festival and he connects with the young musician. The two have a hesitant chemistry.

The Creators

Nicole Riegel writes and directs this love film. This is her third time in the hot seat of director. She made Holler (another shot at writer/director) both as an initial short and then a full length feature.

Riegel has that deft touch missing from so many new directors. She knows her story, the ascension of Dandelion and the journey she takes. She helms the project with palpable confidence. Keep an eye on this one. She makes good films.

Lauren Guiteras; the cinematographer, in unison with film editor Milena Z. Petrovic makes the movie…emote. Each scene, courtesy of the art department and all the rest, feels right. Before any actor speaks, we know the emotions and the theme of each setting.

The Rest of the Cast

The casting for this one felt right. Each actor brought something to the collective table. It is amazing to see so many performers feeling comfortable in their character’s shoes. This makes the film work, full stop.

The Rest

Riegel created a fully realized world here. Dandelion is a likeable character that we can empathize with. Her struggle to be heard, done so well in the bar scenes, is real. *The scene with the overly -loud bar patron towards the end is perfect. Kudos to Judy McQueen Bauer #nosmallparts

Casey also comes across as the man who keeps trying to recapture that “dream.” He has trouble dealing with the fact that he has traded one life for another.

Layne and Doherty make an interesting couple. The “dance” they undertake: making music together with instruments and without, feels spot on.

The Verdict

Dandelion is a “feel good film.” Nothing different there.

But.

We like the characters. All of them. Casey is annoying, but we feel his guilt and indecision. His pain, well hidden, is overlooked for his responsibility to family.

This is a “grown up movie.” It nudity, sex, alcohol and other adult activities. It is rated R.

I personally liked the music and Layne’s singing voice. Dandelion, the character, is a delight to watch.

This was a solid 4.5 star film (Out of a possible 5.) Dandelion opens today in theatres. Catch this one, it tells a story well; something that happens all too seldom these days.

The Trailer