Is Things Not Forgotten Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 2015 release of Things Not Forgotten stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Memories from the past stifle a family's hopes for the future as three generations of men strive to move forward and break life's vicious cycle of self deprecation. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Memories from the past stifle a family's hopes for the future as three generations of men strive to move forward and break life's vicious cycle of self deprecation. —N.L. Starr A play about three generations of men who find themselves in a predicament that forces them to confront the demons of the past through the exposure of secrets held by their wives in the present. A dying grandfather realizes that he must reconnect with his son whose resentment toward him is slowly beginning to deteriorate the relationship with his son. A father is forced to come to grips with the consequences of actions made in the past and for the first time, see the same patterns in himself that he so vehemently criticizes in others. A son who truly loves his father and fears disappointing him, must find a way to tell him what he's been hiding before he finds out on his own. One family; three men, three stories and three secrets, to be revealed in an emotional world of time constraints. —C.D. Shaw"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of DuJuan Paxton, the performance in Things Not Forgotten feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Nic Starr is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 11 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Things Not Forgotten truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Things Not Forgotten explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Nic Starr respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Things Not Forgotten is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of DuJuan Paxton or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Things Not Forgotten is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.