User Reviews

It isn't until you find yourself re-counting the plot of "11:59" to someone, that the significance of director Jamin Winan's ambitious feature film debut begins to dawn on you. The subject matter is heady and involved, touching on a myriad of issues, from the role the media plays in our lives to the importance of following ones instincts. Ultimately however, Winan's aspirations are grander than his achievements in "11:59," yet we do get a glimpse of the potential to come from this film school dropout.

As with all Double Edge Film productions (Winan's and producing partner Joe Sekiya's Denver based film company) "11:59" is concerned with perception and purpose and the themes the duo have explored in their preceding short films, re-emerge here in broader more refined strokes.

The picture opens with a burst of nervous energy as a breaking news story unfolds. The camera hand held, the edits quick, the music lively. Winans is eager to draw us in but doesn't quite achieve sure footing until after the initial 15 minutes when the action settles down. The films strongest visual styles recall moments from two other indie darlings - "Trainspotting" and "Requiem for a Dream", of which the latter is the most blatant. Director of Photography Jeff Pointer frames the sequences well and Winans, not only writer and director, does triple duty as editor, saving the films mediocre performances with smart cuts that keep the pacing steady and engaging.

Raymond Andrew Bailey gives a committed performance in the role of Aaron Doherty, the Jimmy Stewart of the piece, who experiences a flash forward revelation which allows him to ultimately touch ground and reconnect with something more significant than his career ambitions have. Bailey is likable and very watchable in the role, however he brings nothing particularly unique to his character, other than communicating mild frustration in relation to the existential mire in which he finds himself entwined. The juiciest role of the enterprise falls in the hands of Liz Cunningham, an alum of Double Edge, who previously was lensed by Winans and company in the short film "The Maze". Here Cunningham gets to play an edgy high profile news producer who seems hell bent on her station becoming "Colorado's News Leader" but in fact has some dirty laundry. It is Cunningham who gets the best dialogue,although at times she comes across as caricature. In every scene she appears, she plays the same level of intensity. A more nuanced performance would have made a world of difference. Laura Fuller as Lisa Winders, reporter and sidekick to cameraman Aaron, comes across as mousy at times but does have effective moments. As with director Winans, these actors seem poised for future success.

The films imagery does linger in the mind. Perhaps the most standout imagery and finest moment comes near films end. Aaron is pushing himself to the limit in a race against the clock so as to alter a foreshadowed outcome. The scene serves as a fitting metaphor to this indie accomplishment,nearly five years in the making, which like our hero in "11:59" is sure to propel Jamin Winans into a fuller realization of an already purposeful career.

I saw this film at the Idaho International Film Festival (it was actually the only feature I was able to attend), and it intrigued me.

There are a few flaws, mainly a few actors who didn't give it their all, I felt, but the lead actor helps the film by taking it seriously and overshadowing the others. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing him in future films.

My biggest qualm with "ll:59" was the over-use of choppy editing. I understand the need to show disorientation, but the scenes in the news room would often cut - not to another angle - but to what appeared to be another take from the same angle. Just very unnatural.

However, the film got all of these kinks out of its system by the end of the first act, and I felt the rest of the film carried itself along quite nicely.

I would be extremely happy if my first film (which I am currently producing) turns out as well as this film has. Great job, guys, and good luck and God bless on your future endeavors!

The audience for this movie is anyone in the mood for an indie film that's high on plot, and is OK with struggles in dialog and acting. There is some social commentary and questions raised as to the effect media has in influencing the populace, especially during a scandal. Standard conspiracy type stuff but clever enough to make for a good watch. I gave it a 6 because it was compelling despite the weaknesses and made me interested in the imagination of Winans. This is a young filmmaker that shows promise as long as he handles his career well. His next feature is an animation, which I believe will allow him to develop the plot a little more and I could see being a world he is more comfortable in.

Pretty much sums it up. If you're into good stories, this one is good...if you can get past the really bad acting. AWFUL AWFUL ACTING. I'M NOT JOKING...buuuutttt....goooooood story. it's (really ironic actually).

So I'd watch it if I were you since I LOVE GOOD STORIES and can imagine good actors in the place of bad actors SINCE I WATCH THE MOVIE IN THE THEATER OF MY OWN MIND ANYWAYS!

joking aside. I'm going to watch this directors next movies INK and THE FRAME to see if he grew as a Director. He & his producer did a great job of production value.

but really bad acting here lol

OK,i love movies,all kinds: independents, big budgets, internationals. Usually, my rating of movies is similar to the general score of IMDb. But in the case of this movie(and batman rise), i don't agree with the score and i suspect that members and friends of the cast have deliberately writes theses hight score review.

I think the director was more thinking to show off how good he is in all kind of camera work (shaking hidden camera,long camera pose, all camera angles,fast frames shot) then telling a good story.

The movie is a pretentious low budget flick with want to be actors(and a director) with so many big plot holes it could fill a black hole.

Yes, i am frustrate. Not because i just seen a bad movie but because of these people reviews that try to manipulate a score for there own agenda and think they are so smart doing so.....sorry guys, the movie speak from itself so is my score.

i speak french, that will explain my poor writing in English

I saw this movie for the first time in Kansas City and was absolutely intrigued! I believe this movie was an all around excellent planned out plot and story! The values and ethics established in this film gave a great look to the value of life, which is commonly taken for granted. A job well done to all of the actors and actresses! I was really hoping the boss would get hit by a car, but I guess you can't always get what you wish for!! Raymond Andrew Bailey did an INCREDIBLE job as the lead Aaron, very heart-felt! He made tears come to my eyes! I hope to see him in many more films! Jamin Winans did an awesome job on this feature and I can't wait for future productions!

I saw 11:59 last night in Kansas City/Overland park! I thought that for the first feature film for Jamin, and the first lead role for Raymond Bailey, I thought they did an excellent job! They kept you in suspense and made you cry at the end! I would buy a thousand copies right now!!! I know that everyone that watched it with me would agree when I say that everyone involved with the movie are very talented! Being from Colorado myself, I think they did a great job portraying the state for how beautiful it is, but also how mysterious it can be too! I'm very proud of everyone involved, ESPECIALLY RAY!!! I think Ray is the next best thing coming to Hollywood!! Watch out Brad Pitt!

Finger thing!

11:59 has been named an official selection of The Method Fest in CA.

Congrats Raymond Andrew Bailey and fellow 11:59ers!

The Method Fest is the only major film festival in the U.S. focusing on acting. Named after "The Method" school of acting, the Method Fest takes great pride in being a discovery festival, looking to help launch the works of young fresh filmmakers and to discover breakthrough performances by young, bold new actors.

Screening times will be posted at a later date. Congrats to the Colorado based cast and crew that worked on this project.

It's time...11:59 www.DoubleEdgeFilms.com