Skills like This

Skills like This
Directed by	Monty Miranda
Written by	Spencer Berger
Starring	Spencer Berger Brian D. Phelan
Production company	Shadow Distribution
Release date	March 20, 2009

Skills Like This is a 2009 comedy film distributed by Shadow Distribution released theatrically on March 20, 2009. The DVD released on November 2010 and the Premium Cable premiere on Starz and Starz On Demand 1.1. 2010. It was directed by Monty Miranda, written by Spencer Berger, and stars Berger and Brian D. Phelan.

Plot

A exhilarating and humorous study of youthful anomie, SKILLS LIKE THIS revolves around a group of close-knit friends whose shiftless lives go topsy-turvy when wild-haired Max drops his failed writing career and takes up something he believes he’s really good at: stealing. His first bank heist plunges him into an unlikely but thrilling romance with sexy bank teller Lucy, who, after handing over a bag stuffed with cash, finds herself torn between Max and the law. Faced with their friend’s new career path, the doltish but impossibly upbeat Tommy is primed for adventure, while straitlaced Dave, ever the adult, worries about the consequences. As Max steps up his crime spree, the friends have to make hard—if not hilariously awkward—choices about the direction of their lives. Artfully directed by Monty Miranda, SKILLS LIKE THIS, shows considerable intelligence and chemistry Variety and bristles with rock'n'roll energy—underscored by the sounds of Denver's music scene—SKILLS LIKE THIS is a comedy for anyone who's ever wanted to find something they're really good at, SKILLS LIKE THIS is as smart as it is funny.

Awards and Nominations

SXSW Film Festival "BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE AUDIENCE AWARD"

Edinburgh International Film Festival "BEST OF THE FEST"

Warsaw International Film Festival "FREE SPIRIT" - Special Jury Award Nomination

Jacksonville Film Festival "JURY PRIZE AWARD for BEST USA FEATURE NARRATIVE"

Cast

• Spencer Berger as Max Solomon
• Brian D. Phelan as Tommy
• Gabriel Tigerman as Dave
• Kerry Knuppe as Lucy

Production

Spencer Berger both wrote and acts in the film. It was directed by first-time film director Monty Miranda, who previously directed television commercials, short films and created a TV series

The film has appeared in over 17 film festivals world wide.

The movie was shot in Denver, Colorado. Principle photography was completed in 17 days.

In addition to highlighting Denver, Colorado's eclectic music scene, Skills Like This is an entirely Colorado based production. Skills Like This is the first feature length film produced in Colorado, by Colorado filmmakers to be picked up for North American theatrical distribution.

Reception

The film won the award for Best Narrative Feature at the South by Southwest film festival. The film won the "Best of Fest" distinction at the Edinburgh International Film Festival The film won the "Jury Prize for Best USA Feature Film" at Jacksonville Film Festival

In her review for the New York Times Jeanette Catsoulis writes, "the offbeat chemistry of the cast, along with Monty Miranda’s eye-catching direction (he knows when to move a camera and, more important, when to hold still) make all the difference: this is a movie that tries hard to skirt the obvious... Drawing much of its energy from an eclectic and fully integrated soundtrack, “Skills Like This” gazes indulgently on 20-something aimlessness and the comfort of assigned roles. In Mr. Miranda’s hands sloth can be more appealing than you might think."

In a Salon.com "Movies Not to Miss" column review By Andrew O'Hehir calls "Skills Like This" A cheerfully anarchic indie-slacker comedy that transcends at least some of the genre's clichés, mostly through the appealing lead performance of Jewfro-sporting actor-writer Spencer Berger as Max" he adds that "Berger appears to be a potential breakout talent"

In his review Mr. Movie, Gary Wolcott, critic for the Tri-City Herald and Atomictown.com writes, "...one more brick in the wall of proof that you don’t need millions of dollars and big name stars to make a quality movie. Mr. Movie gives the film his highest rating: 5/5 stars. Mr. Movie, Wolcott also adds Skills Like This to his THE BEST MOVIES of 2009 list

In his review Arya Ponto for Just Press Play writes, Skills Like This "Sets itself apart from other noted independent comedies by dropping the indie-cute hip and distances itself from other similar slacker-flicks by infusing a high level of fast-paced rock-and-roll energy... The coolest, funniest movie I saw at this year’s Indiefest."

In his review of "Skills Like This" for Variety Ronnie Scheib writes, "Scripted and thesped by a pair of improv comedians and deftly directed by tyro helmer Monty Miranda, the likable... slacker comedy "Skills Like This" coasts on laid-back absurdist rhythms as three twentysomething pals scramble to redefine themselves in the wake of one's self-affirming discovery of his talents as a thief. The recent worldwide economic nose-dive imbues this Denver-set pic with nostalgia for the days when disaffected youth robbed banks because of anomie instead of economic necessity. Slated to open March 20 at Gotham's Angelica Film Center, the pic could resonate with indie auds."

In his review for the Lincoln Journal Star L. Kent Wolgamott praises the film, ""Skills Like This" benefits from some well-drawn characters and performances. Miranda excels at finding the humor and heart in the story, keeping things briskly paced and never letting cliches get in the way. Over the past decade or so, "independent" film has come to mean pictures from the likes of Focus, Fox Searchlight and Sony Pictures Classics, all tied to major studios. "Skills Like This" is a real independent film - and a good one."

In the Movieweb review top critic Alan B. Orange writes of the film "Satiates any fantasy to rob a bank you might be harboring within your broke-ass soul. Cute, heartfelt, and very clever, this heist comedy never slights the audience with its quirkiness, proving to be a true cult gem for a new generation of film lovers." and gives the film a 4.5/5 score

A Newblaze review by Kam Williams states, "This is the wacky setup of Skills Like This, as charming an offbeat romantic comedy as anybody could hope to make on a micro-budget. The movie marks the remarkable directorial debut of Monty Miranda, who collaborated on the project with first-time actor/scriptwriter Spencer Berger." Kam Williams adds Skills Like This to his "10 Best Movies of 2009"

Westword story "Affleck movie sounds a lot like Skills Like This",

In the Dallas Morning News film critic Cary Darling writes, "...as the film goes on, it becomes darker and Max becomes a more compelling figure as he sinks deeper into his newfound life of crime. When a late-night cruise through a fast-food joint escalates into a holdup, the film sparks to life, and Miranda displays a vivid visual command."

In her review of Skills Like This for IGN, Cindy White wrote that the film "relies heavily on charm to make up for some rather glaring flaws in story, pacing and character", but she still appreciated its charms. She also criticized its concept as being simple, and that the film takes it "perhaps a bit too far". Writing that the film was fun if the viewer did not think about what was happening, White also considered it a film that was "very funny in spots" and enjoyed the actor's rapport with each other. She applauded the director's choice of indie bands to populate the soundtrack.

External links

• Official website
• Skills like This at IMDb

IndieWire Interview with Director Monty Miranda:

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San Francisco Chronicle Datebook Story:

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Film Click Interview with Monty Miranda and Spencer Berger:

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