3/5 "We Are Immortal Til Our Work Is Done"
  by Michael Bolts (Superior, WI)
David Strathairn (Good Night and Good Luck, Blue Car) plays Bruce who has a job as a magician. His wife Sophie, played by Stacy Edwards (Houdini, In The Company Of Men) has a deaf father, Mr. Prappas, played by Arthur Hiller (Roswell, Beverly Hills Cop 3) who Strathairn is taking care of because Edwards doesnt want to. Strathairn gets into a car accident involving Frank, played by the brilliant Nicky Katt (Boston Public, Boiler Room) and they become friends. Strathairn even finds out that Katt's daughter is deaf just like his step-father and he also meets Katt's wife Sara played by the lovely Lake Bell (Surface, I Love Your Work). Meanwhile, Edwards is spending time with Dr. Addams, played by Christopher McDonald (The Perfect Storm, Terminal Velocity) who used to go to High School with her. Filled with great performances especially by Strathairn, Edwards and Katt. Too bad this didnt get theater release, I would of liked to see Strathairn get nominated for Best Actor, Edwards for Best Actress and Katt for Best Supporting Actor....their all fantastic. McDonald does a superb job as well. Speakeasy is a wonderful little film that I recommened highly. Also starring Michael Bacall (Urband Legends: The Final Cut, Undertow), Julianne Nicholson (Seeing Other People, Ally McBeel) and Gage Stevens (The Vest).

4/5 Speaking From the Heart.
  by Wing Lee (Toronto, Ontario)
This is pretty good indie film on love, relationship, forgivness, reconcilation, and self-discovery. It's good drama with enough funny and heartfelt moments and strong performances from the 4 leads.

The film starts with a car crash between Bruce Hickman(David Strathairn) and Frank Marnikov(Nicky Katt) on a quite street in Los Angeles. The two strangers seemed to be destined to become friends and soon meeting regularly. Bruce is full-time magician and Frank is a prawn shop owner. They have nothing in common, but they are fascinated by each other's background that seemed perculiarly sort of a six degrees of separation since Bruce's father-in-law and Frank's daughter are both deaf.

Meanwhile, Bruce's wife Sophie(Stacy Edward), a teacher ran into Dr. Addams(Christopher McDonald), an old friend from her college days, and they started going out for chats or therapy sessions at a cafe. She's not in good terms with her Dad, and tried to avoid seeing him. He's gradually becoming interested in her romantically, even though she has no idea and have no desire for him since she's faithful to her husband.

Through these meetings and conversations, the four leads experience some kind of miracle as they learn to shed off their inner shadows and reevaluate the importance of their lives.....