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DVD Angel’s Perch
 Rating: 8.0 Genres: Drama Director: Charles Haine Writers: J.T. Arbogast Stars: Joyce Van Patten, Ally Walker, Ashley Jones |
| Storyline Angel’s Perch is the story of Jack, a successful architect living in Pittsburgh, who must make the trip to his tiny hometown when his grandmother Polly, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, is found wandering outside her house one morning. But what was intended to be a two day, under the radar trip to town becomes more complicated when Jack is unable to move Polly into an assisted living facility. Torn between the career opportunity of a lifetime, caring for his last living relative and running from his own painful memories, Jack’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel. As the town prepares to honor Polly’s life by crowning her “Queen of Cass” and the pressure to return to Pittsburgh mounts, Jack struggles to hide behind the walls he has built. And when he finally reveals his secret to an old childhood friend, he is forced to choose between standing still or facing the pain of his past, so that he can finally move forward. Set almost entirely in the small, historic logging town … Written by Anonymous |
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| Plot Keywords: appalachia, west virginia, alzheimer’s disease | |
| Details: Country: USA Release Date: 23 June 2013 (USA) |
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DVD Angel’s Perch
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I just attended the premiere of Angel's Perch held in Charleston, West Virginia tonight. This truly is a beautiful, charming film. It will touch close to home if you have a family member or friend who suffers from Alzheimer's disease and if you do not, it will still move you and help you understand how hard it is to see someone you love go through such a devastating illness. It also has its humorous lines as well, so don't fret! It is not completely full of drama and lacking personality. You will get a few laughs in as well. Lovely scenery in Cass, where the movie is mostly filmed. I have been visiting Cass and riding the trains since I was a young child and continue to visit at least once a year despite living in Munich, Germany now. This is the first time I have ever typed a review about any film, but I enjoyed it so much that I had to post a comment and fully recommend it. It is hard to write a review while leaving out any spoilers so I will end it here. Be sure to see it if you get the opportunity. You will not be disappointed.
Saw "Angels' Perch" at the cinema last evening after following the production and filming online for months. It was set and filmed in Cass, WV, with a few scenes in Pittsburgh.
The theater was full and one heard sniffles and belly laughs both, during the showing. Gathering in the lobby of the theater after, it was obvious that we didn't want the experience to end.
I'll only give you the story line set-up: Jack is making a name for himself as an architect in Pgh, PA. Nana, his devoted grandmother, lives alone in Cass, WV where Jack grew up, and is beginning to show symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Jack returns to Cass to make arrangements for Nana's care, with a make or break project presentation due in Pgh in one week.
You'll have to see it yourself for…the rest of the story. What you will see and feel is the true personality of West Virginia and her people captured in this film. There are no caricatured hillbillies, no "Deliverance" types or mudding' scenes….just real people and some of the characters were played by real residents in and around Cass. Don't miss it! Ask your local theater for a showing. You will not be sorry! Excellent movie!
Thank you for this story, JT Arbogast!
This is a beautiful example of a film filled with old time values. It is admirable how Jack, a young adult, finds a way to do the right thing when his big break is dangling right in front of him. He struggles with balancing a demanding career, his personal issues and dealing with the trials of taking care of his Grandmother who is battling Alzheimer's. Each main character has a strong personality that finds viewers whispering, "I know someone like him or her". There are a few hidden twists that viewers are not aware of until well into the movie. The movie is so well written, that one is left wanting more when the film ends. J.T. Arbogast managed to capture the full array of feelings that family members experience when dealing with a relative with an awful disease.
This movie does a beautiful job of telling the story of Alzheimer's without resorting to clichés. It lets you experience the heartbreak of the disease from the side of the family and the victim. It also addresses many of the concerns that come with caring from those who used to care for us.
It's no surprise that the theater was filled with sounds of people crying. What was a surprise was how many times we also laughed out loud. The script didn't rely on emotional manipulation, but simply let the story unfold and the humanity of its characters shine.
The scenery of the movie was beautiful, and anyone who lives in or has visited Western PA and West Virginia will appreciate seeing the location stand out as an additional character.