| To Make a Film | ||
| Sell Your House | ||
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| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
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"Sell Your House" is the "Making of" indie doc based on the indie film "The Last Stop in Yuma." It's reminiscent of "Lost in La Mancha" one of my favorite films of all time (also a "Making of" indie doc). Perhaps, "I sold my house to make a film" or "House Sold, Film Made" would make for more descriptive titles, though admittedly clunkier. Fast pace, especially on the front end, with crisp fresh editing that propels and a strong sense of story despite the documentary challenge. The leads (writer director Francis Galluppi and executive producer James Claeys) endear, and we care if their friendship can weather the pressures of success and failure in the movie biz. "Sell Your House" documents the difficulties involved in getting a small film made, and then the constraints and compromises involved in distribution, and ultimately the cold hard reality of the likely financial rewards. That's interesting enough, but the film engages with a face-the-truth sense of dark humor and grit less concerned with standard documentary practices, and more headstrong about authenticity and, hell, just plain fun. The film gives you backstage passes to the making of an indie. That's a blast on its own. The storyline choices, snappy editing, and quirky captioning/graphic inclusions amuse, exude an "embrace life, embrace art" attitude, and yes even "endear." Last year I watched "Last Stop in Yuma" (on Prime), it's a pretty good indie, but I think I enjoyed "Sell Your House" even more. Most likely they didn't think to make one, but I'd also love to see the behind-the-scenes doc of "Sell Your House" as well. Alas, full disclosure, director Eric Foss is a family friend - and a good guy. Still, I wouldn't be insincere on his behalf - nor would he want me to. This is a well-made engaging film. |
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Grade..........................A- (3/4) |
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Copyright © 1998-2025 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also helps others tell their stories with words and video. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books, thoughtful experienced help telling your stories through words or video, or to schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Dig into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
Last Modified:
Thursday, 09-Apr-2026 09:42:14 PDT