‘Some Days’ thought-provoking
“Some Days Are Better Than Others” is a movie about change. Really, the title says it all: Some days are better than others. For the most part, this movie just focuses on people’s bad or low-key days, but the interesting part is where it leads to and ultimately leaves you — with the thought that if you don’t like your circumstances in life, change them.
Made by Portland’s own Matt McCormick, “Some Days Are Better Than Others” stars Carrie Brownstein of “Portlandia” and Sleater-Kinney fame, as well as Shins/Broken Bells lead singer James Mercer. The story follows the paths of four seemingly random people in the city of Portland as they go about their day-to-day lives pursuing the things they feel are important.
If it weren’t for a few well-placed hints, scenery-wise viewers might be none the wiser about the film’s setting. At one point, Mercer’s character makes mention of Stumptown Coffee, and in another scene he is seen wearing a Jackpot Records T-shirt. From that standpoint, it is exciting to see a well-made film and feel like you are familiar with the elements therein.
The film’s dreary-yet-hopeful soundtrack was done by Portland’s Matthew Cooper, who has released several albums in recent years under the Eluvium moniker. It is engaging music, but when listened to all by itself, it’s easy to see that it was ultimately meant to accompany a film.
Ultimately, “Some Days Are Better Than Others” kept my interest all the way through and even features several extremely well-acted bit parts.
With “Some Days Are Better Than Others,” McCormick demonstrates his ability to create something poignant and encouraging. Hopefully this film’s release well help bring exposure to the city of Portland and to his filmmaking talents.
“Some Days Are Better Than Others” is playing in select cities nationwide. Dates and
locations can be found on the official website. http://www.somedaysthemovie.com/
