A successful artist looks back with loving memories on the summer of his defining year, 1974. A talented, but troubled eighteen year old art student befriends an elderly alcoholic genius painter who has turned his back on not only art, but life. The two form, what appears to be at first a tenuous relationship. The kid wants to learn all the secrets the master has locked away inside his head and heart. Time has not been kind to the old master. His life appears pointless to him until the kid rekindles his interest in his work and ultimately gives him the will to live. Together, they give one another a priceless gift. The kid learns to see the world through the master's eyes. And the master learns to see life through the eyes of innocence again.

When I first read about this film on the Monterey Media web site I was taken in by the story and the cast so when they were good enough to send me a copy for review and marketing I was more than happy and all I can say is the film does not disappoint. In a time when it seems all we get in theaters is water-down horror movies,raunchy teen comedies and films with no story and all special effects I was looking forward to seeing a film with substance. Based on the true story of John Talia Jr., a then 18-yr-old with youth on his side and the desire to be the best artist he could. Nicoli Seroff is an aging, jaded former Russian painter who is in the later stage of his life and a once famous painter that has been written off by his critics, he now finds refuge in a bottle. When young John goes to see him for advice the older man at first does not want to be bothered but as time goes on the two form a bond that will change both their lives forever. A sensitive film that comes to life through it's art, cinematography and one of the best soundtracks I have heard in years. The cast is as incredible as the film itself, Armin Mueller-Stahl and Trevor Morgan are dynamic both together and separate on-screen, their chemistry is unmatched by any film I have seen to date. The always fantastic Ray Liotta is amazing as always as John Talia Sr,the father of young John. The story takes place during one fateful summer in which a young man will finally find his way in life and a old man who believed life had passed him by finds new life thanks to this unlikely bond. Local Color has easily become not only one of the best films I have seen this year but it is one of the best all time...a perfect film. It is a film about art and life that paints a picture of perfection that will have you laughing,crying and feeling emotions you have never felt before while watching a film. Local Color is a masterpiece of cinema that demands your attention and rewards you in the end with hope and a smile, a feel good movie you will never forget. There will be a summer theatrical release and I highly recommend you searching this out and making it "the" movie to see, the DVD will follow on September 8th so marked your calendars and be sure to buy this must-own film. Released by Monterey Media. ***** Out Of *****