Quite often, we at HIT are gifted with free movies from indie filmmakers who ask only an objective review in return. Now, I must confess, it's hard not to root for these guys because they are us and we them (to a degree). However, we do our bestest to let these works stand alone and absorb any slings and arrows that their much more equipped (only in the way of money I mean) brethren might have to take. It's just that bigger movies are bombarded with bigger slings if they deserve it. It's only fair. That said... onto THE REVIEW.

The Butler brothers' "Confessions of an Unmarried Couple" revolves around the re-hashing of a relationship. When Dan (Brett Butler) returns to the apartment of his ex Lisa (Naomi Johnson), the former couple is faced with a plethora of questions even several months after their breakup: What went wrong? Whose fault is it? Are there any residual feelings? Is there anything wrong with your girlfriend being down with another lady's bushy parts?

What exactly Dan's motives are in returning aren't entirely revealed until later, but one thing's for sure: he has a list of items he needs to get back. Having to sneak inside Lisa's apartment, Dan attempts to steal back a rather large possession (I won't give it away- this is one of the funnier scenes in the film).

The film shifts between this encounter and the couple's individual confessionals (ala Real World et al.) from various points in their relationship. Some of the most hearty laugh-inducing moments in Confusions occured for me during these confessionals. The Butlers do not pull punches when getting to the nitty gritty of today's relationships. Their characters are frank, earnest about their experiences.

One problem I do have with the film is that it tends to be static. While I like the use of the confessional convention, the actual scenes do not vary enough from them. Most of Dan's and Lisa's conversation takes place in her kitchen where little new information is revealed- they are bent on recounting their past mistakes (I realize that this is most likely how a re-meeting between former lovers would go down, but it doesn't work as well here considering this is mainly what happens during the confessionals). They just  linger awkwardly and shrug at each other for a lengthy period of time.

I will say that for young filmmakers the Butlers have a solid grasp of their indie film medium. On a half a shoestring budget they've concocted an entertaining tale with only 2 actors. Their writing is often superb: witty dialogue and honest portrayals make for a pretty good indie brew.

- rev. by KY Joe for HIT. (for more info on the film contact Substance Productions @ brettbutler@rogers.com