Cheap Return to Innocence (DVD) (Rocky Costanzo) Price

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Customer Reviews of Return to Innocence

Wonderful indie film by a new director, recommended!
The DVD/movie is about the fictional story of Tommy Jackson, a physically, emotionally, and sexually abused 13-year-old boy; the story was actually adapted from a novel. However, the movie feels real and is primarily about a sexual abuse case. The film is moving right from the opening scene, where the FBI arrests the boy's mother for making pronographic videos of him and selling them on the internet, as he stands in a room with a camera, clad in only boxer shorts--a very haunting scene. The rest of the film focuses on his relationships with two therapists in his new home, a treatment center, called New Horizons. However, the nature of Tommy's relationship with his counselor develops into a crossing of boundries that is exposed by the other therapist. But Tommy although seemingly confused and hurt by the events, will defend and even strike back to preserve their relationship, "keeping the secret." He pushes it all the way, resulting in a dramatic court case that examines the issue of sexual abuse from the angle of a professional on the subject, but with a twist, and who is defending his freedom and career.
At first, I wondered why the director chose a black and white medium, but then it became clear. This media added intensity to the film, or in the director's words, was used to make the film appear timeless, that is appropriate to any time period. The film is almost done documentary style with a voice over given by the lead character, played by Richard Meese, whose whole presence and voice are perfect for this role. Tommy, played by Andrew Martin, gives a very gifted performance for his age, 14, and due to the subject manner. The only acting perhaps could be improved upon was near the opening where a group of kids fronm the center are standing around talking. Their dialogue sounds as if they are merely line reading from a card, and doesn't sound natural. Of course these weren't real actors but kids the director asked to be in the film that were playing near by at the time of filming. Note this is not a violent or pronographic film and contains no nudity, sexual activites, etc. or even much profanity (it was unrated, just to clear all of this up but not because it contained all of these things) Although eventually by some, this film may be pigeon- holed as a "gay interest" film, but that would be misleading even inspite of the one apparently gay character protrayed (though under very negative circumstances this characte is, but yet only a character) in the film and the subject material of sexual abuse and relations between adults and minors. Both of the therapists Tommy are involved with are married men with children. (Not exactly the dirty old man molesting young boy theme here.) Rather, the film as does the character looks to examine loving relationships between men and boys, in a truly caring way, not the NAMBLA way.
Anyhow, I would especially recommend this film to those who work with abused children and mental health/health care professionals. Having worked in this area, I thought this film was a good protrayal of a kid with these issues and behavior. Really, this film could be enjoyed by many people and therapeutic even to a mature audience, or those dealing with these issues. The film is very emotional and uplifting and provides some closure and resolution, all good elements in a film and therapy. The only thing is the film did focus more on the adults in the situation, rather than Tommy, but that's the context of the story. It does not dwell on or dive into great detail of Tommy's previous or even current experience of "abuse" but nevertheless, the viewer sees Tommy's emotional resolutions in the course of the film. Go out of your way to see this film and you may have to as it isn't in theatres, on tv, or available everywhere--but worth watching.

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Return to Acting School
I am NOT a professional movie critic but I still can fine a bad movie. The story line was good, not as good as the novel, but I have yet to see a movie that's better than the book. I felt the actors were being carried through thier lines. They felt hollow and unconvincing to me. I felt that the relationship between Chris and Tommy should of been given more time on the film. To be thrown in to thier relationship, without decent actors, created an empty void for me. I also felt the Black & White aspect of the film degrated the film even further. It looked cheap and homemade. Though this topic is highly taboo in America today, it still should of been made to show how this type of "LOVE" truly begins and that all things aren't always as the seem to be on the surface. Thus breaking the darkness that surrounds people who love those how turly care about them. Regardless of gender, skin, or age difference.

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Very Powerful
When you aren't expecting much from an indie movie, sometimes you can be caught off guard the way I was with this one. These scenes were so powerful and in your face that it was hard to take at times. I liked the attorney the best. He was calm throughout the difficult scenes. I also thought the main boy did a nice performance. Good job all around including the dark music, which only added to the darkness of the movie.