Exclusive Film Review: Unveiling the Magic of ‘Candlewood’ In New Milford – Red Carpet Glamour

I have a deep love for movies.

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There's a unique experience in being told a story on the silver screen. In my younger years, I often wondered about the lives of actors, actresses, directors, and producers. Back then, with no TMZ or internet, our imagination filled in the blanks.

What is a movie set like? How does the magic happen? As I grew older, the mystique began to fade, and we learned more about the intricacies of movie making and the real lives behind the scenes. It might have diminished the fantasy, but my interest in the topic remained.

When I heard about a movie being filmed in New Milford called "Candlewood," my colleagues and I decided to follow the process every step of the way. Fortunately, the creators, Myke "Foo" Furhman (Director/Producer) & Victoria Flores-Argue (Writer/Producer), were willing to share their journey with us on the I-95 Morning Show.

We interviewed them before filming began and continued to cover the story through all its phases. They even invited me to the set, which was a fascinating experience.

The day finally arrived when they were ready to unveil "Candlewood" to the world, starting with New Milford. A special deal with the Bank Street Theater allowed locals and contributors the first look.

The world premiere was a grand affair on Saturday night, complete with a red carpet, exclusive screening, and an after-party with the entire cast and crew. Myke and Victoria graciously invited I95 to cover the event, and here are some snapshots from that evening.

REVIEW:

I've never attempted a review before, but I'll give it a shot. Victoria's writing was original, sharp, and pleasantly surprising. Drawing from her personal experiences and anxieties about being an outsider in New Milford, she crafted an exaggerated & entertaining take on clashing cultures.

The movie explores what happens when country folk meet entitled city slickers. How is this invading force perceived by the people who built the community? Are the outsiders seen as enemies threatening tradition and the community's foundation? Victoria raises and answers these questions skillfully.

Myke's direction and vision shine in every frame. He ensures that you never forget New Milford is a real place with real people deeply connected to it. I called it his love letter to the "Best Town in the USA" when Myke joined us on the I95 Morning Show. His wit is evident throughout the movie.

The cast and crew poured their hearts into the project, and it shows on screen. Lisann Valentin delivers a powerful performance as Veronica, showcasing dedication in challenging scenes. If you want a good example of her dedication just look at the scene where a glass of water is forced down her throat as she fights for freedom while kicking and screaming.

Joel Bryant impressively embodies various facets in one character, seamlessly transitioning between funny, menacing, and vulnerable. His portrayal of a dad navigating the challenges of a blended family resonates. I know what that blended family thing looks like, he got it right.

Isable Lysiak and Coulter Ibanez shine as the kids, depicting the complexities of step-sibling relationships.

Jeffrey Alan Solomon, portraying Eli Boardman, stands out with an amazing performance. Talking to him on set and at the after-party, it's clear he brought the character to life, making Eli relatable.

After witnessing the movie and understanding some of its behind-the-scenes elements, my respect for filmmakers and actors has grown. They built a world viewers could identify with, starting from scratch. The movie's success is not just theirs; it's also a win for New Milford.

This film has the potential to bring the community together, much like the impact of the Mr. Deeds production over twenty years ago. The attention to detail and the care put into the movie give the people of New Milford something to call their own without excluding a wider audience.

I particularly admire the way the movie concludes. I've never seen a man walk with such confidence and strength. It was a powerful stride that perfectly closed out the movie.

On Monday Myke "Foo" Furhman came into the studio to talk about making the film.

The entire chat is available on the Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Show Podcast on Apple & Spotify