User reviews

This is not your typical feel-good movie of the year. This is a realistic glimpse into a father's ability to parent after a dramatic loss. Misdirected grief takes you on a tragic journey that keeps you in a constant feeling of pain and struggle for the main character as you hope to see him hero his way out. Obsessed with the idea of learning to play tennis we see how other parts of life fade to the background. This story will have you playing sides on what is right or wrong.

This movie is by far the worst movie any human would experience. If you believe this is an exaggeration, just watch the movie!

High energy film, about a man who loses his wife in childbirth, with a baby left in his care, alone and bewildered. Kelly's husband emotes through his obsession with winning tennis tournaments, spins out of control to the brink of insanity. To succeed is to prove his love for her, if not to anyone, but himself. His attempt to win back her life through his success is his undoing. This film's abstract twist on grief and its overwhelming emotions explodes in the face of familial ties, enduring friendships, and professional advice. The lack of close bonding with an innocent infant, is the heart-wrenching counterpoint to the husband's wild obsession to win.

Good film for students, social networking groups, parents, and family therapists . . . it delves into the subconscious mind of grief; how closing off emotions can go crazily awry, and leave devastating consequences for everyone left behind.

This nuanced film really struck a chord with me. Without ruining a good review with spoilers, I do not think that it is not too much information to share that the film shows a man spiraling through the various emotional depths of his personal grieving process. At the start there is a scene that makes the viewer question (along with the protagonist and his best friend) whether or not there is a "right" way to grieve. We never really get an answer. Instead, this film produces an emotionally nuanced and character-driven plot that allows us as the audience understand the sometimes conflicting emotions that bubble-up within a person when grieving. Also, this film develops into a story about who and what we turn to, and turn into, as we are changed by the experience of deep loss. Robert Cannon's ability to portray the simultaneously conflicting emotions of sorrow, anger, despair, hope, love, and even at times joy in the midst of grief truly speaks to the complexities of the grieving experience. The best friend of the protagonist, and what I'm tempted to call the bro-with-a-heart-of-gold, is played by Mark Gagliardi. However, this sometimes comical "bro" character proves more complex than just a stereotype. The best friend character in this film is also a delightfully complicated character that provides several moments of comic relief throughout the film while never becoming the archetypal fool. By the end of the film viewers never really get an answer about whether or not there is a "right" way to grieve. Without giving away too many specifics of the plot, I must say that the ending of the film left me feeling both profoundly hopeful and uncomfortable. This is anything but a cliché sports film. Nor is it a typical love, loss, or family drama. This film truly calls to mind the subtleties of that old French phrase: C'est la vie.

I'm a fan of small indie movies and this is a good one. While is focuses on a man's obsession with succeeding in a sport, it certainly goes in a different direction from any sports movie you've seen. The main character's striving in tennis in his grief for his late wife, even as he neglects his infant child, is disturbing to watch. Though shot on a tiny budget, the film is stylishly directed, expertly photographed and edited, and features a terrific use of background music. It is also good to see Brenda Vaccaro back on the big screen in a key role in this film.

This is a very well crafted story that hits the mark on several levels.It is very entertaining to watch. The acting is superb. Editing, cinematography, and music is excellent. The movie has a great balance between drama and humor. If you are looking for an entertaining movie, this is a great choice.

The real power behind this movie experience for me, though, was that it did not follow the typical Hollywood formulas. This film is a wild ride. The main character's flaws are there for all to see. It would be easy to hate him, yet you can't resist pulling for him as he struggles to cope with his crushing circumstances.

This is the kind of movie you will talk about for days, possibly weeks after watching it. Very well directed! An excellent film! I strongly recommend it!

"30-Love" is an unusually strong independent film from first time director Robert Cannon. The film chronicles the misguided effort of a man who loses his wife in childbirth to work out his grief in an obsessive attempt to win a tennis tournament. Strong acting and cinematography as well as a driving musical background all contribute to the overall effectiveness of the film. Although there are several slow spots along the way, the story ends on a creepy and almost horrific note of ambiguity and the viewer is left disturbed and unsettled.

In a world of Hollywood blockbusters, synthesized reboots and rehashed plots with a saccharinoid ending; it is really refreshing to see an independent feature unconstrained by these trappings. 30 Love is not going to make you happy, but perhaps that's the point. To make you think and feel the rest of the human experience instead.

It's gut punching in it's inescapable realism on the aspects of grief over losing a loved one and being saddled with a responsibility that you are not ready for and didn't sign up for. This of course leads you to be wary of the main character and perhaps that's a good thing. Life isn't always about happy endings and people don't always change. This film speaks to that eloquently and takes you along for the ride.

Sure, there's the usual indie film challenges with sound and filming on a micro budget, but the result is greater then the sum of its parts and well worth a look for anyone who wants to see some real indie-filmmaking instead of the usual studio schlock. It makes you think and feel and surprisingly doesn't disappoint except where it's supposed to.

To be fair I only put this on cause I was looking for another tennis film to watch. The opening scene left me saying, this is terrible what is this. But gave it some time and was really surprised at how good it was. Very simple narrative told with a heart. Thoughtful, Funny and tight script not at all fluffy with very good performances all round. I was routing for the guy. And shot for just 30k. Well worth a watch.

I embrace indie films with main characters who often are flawed ... and far from heroic. But they're honest and real! I've become fed up with Hollywood movies with characters who suddenly arc and grow. After all, it's very rare - if ever - when that transformation happens in real life. So, those movies are guilty of perpetuating that myth.

Is the main character in "30-Love" likeable? Nope. He's kind of a putz, and far from being a protagonist. But he's interesting and compelling ... and human.

People grieve in different ways. Well, this is his way. And this is his story. Warts and all. And if it makes you uneasy - and it will - then the film succeeded.

Robert Cannon, the main character (who is also the co-writer and director), gives a powerful performance. And he has surrounded himself with a strong supporting cast: his coach/trainer gives a very natural performance, and his close friend is also extremely good; his mother-in-law is played by veteran actress Brenda Vaccaro, and she still has her acting chops; and his father-in-law is played by Robert Craighead, whose character presents the calm voice of reason in the story ... and he does it very well.

The funniest scene in the movie is when another tennis player and the referee are chewing each other out. The actor who plays the ref is very familiar to me, I know I've seen him in other things.

As far as production values, the music is outstanding. It textures the scenes, and pops when it needs to. And the movie looks great! Both the cinematography and editing are very impressive.

The film is not perfect. Even though it's a gem, it's got a few minor flaws. And that's why I vacillated between giving it 5 or 4 stars. But - because it's got solid acting, impressive production values, and dares to be edgy, raw, and wonderfully unsettling - I decided to go with the 5.

The Los Angeles Times said the ending of "30-Love" is almost a horror movie. Yes, it is! It's quite disturbing. However, following the main character's trajectory, it's as honest and real as can be. Kudos to the filmmakers for not wimping out.

The film paints a realistic portrait of testosterone infused grief. Helmed by Robert Cannon and anchored by his terrific performance, 30 Love delves into the subjects of loss, single parenting and child custody in very unexpected ways. In the tradition of Travis Bickle and Robert Dupea (Nicholson's character in Five Easy Pieces) Cannon and Heffler paint another interesting portrait of a male who escapes unbelievable pain through obsession and occupation. A must see for tennis fans and lovers of independent cinema, don't expect an immediate Hollywood jolt. 30 Love pridefully refuses to satisfy without a fight.

This isn't your traditional Hollywood movie. As a small independent, it offers a psychological character study of how some people deal with loss and grief - in this case a not-so-nice guy. Some people may have difficulty rooting for the hero of the movie, since he's definitely not the most likable person. However, the story is compelling and well done with impressive production values for a small film. The cinematography and music are especially notable. And it was wonderful to see Brenda Vaccaro!

Better than Blade Runner! I saw Blade Runner last night and have to say I liked 30 Love so much more! How refreshing it is to see a small limited-budget film get made that takes a simple story and gives a unique perspective on it. Kudos to Director Robert Cannon and Director of photography Dan Fischer for beautifully illustrating the story. I can see this film appealing to tennis buffs but even without being one, I found it thoroughly entertaining. Being a Mini Cooper owner and knowing how small that car really is, I was left wondering how on earth those Mini Cooper shots were made. The film didn't fall into the trap of being predictable but gave us believable characters. This film shows you that you don't always need big bucks to pull off a good film-All you need is creativity, talent, and hard work to pull off an enjoyable yet thought- provocative film. Bravo!

Several things make 30-Love a unique film, one of which is a slightly darkened feel that separates itself from what one might expect of a typical drama. Typical it is not with often creative and unexpected scenes (the baby scene will instantly take watchers by surprise) accompanied by an exciting music score that helps propel this low- budget dark drama. Though it may be low-budget in cost production ($30,000 to be precise) it is in no short supply of a well-written story line, dialogue that comes across as real, believable acting, and innovative imagery. The director and Co. are competent with their tight budget, even able to film a speeding car scene that challenges scenes of the Mad Max movies. That's not to say that 30-Love is an action flick, but despite a slightly slow beginning, this movie will draw you in and keep your attention. Very good film from the debut of director Robert Cannon.

This film really captured the raw grief of a man after tragically loosing his wife during child birth. It was very believable as he grappled with bonding with the baby, and honoring his wife by taking up tennis, a game he hated, but she loved! There was a nice pace to it, believable characters, with a little humor mixed in too. I enjoyed it from beginning to end, Well done!

I was really impressed with what Robert Cannon was able to do with this engaging drama. There were some great performances, touching moments, and funny exchanges. The ending isn't what I expected, and that's a good thing. Sometimes a Hollywood ending isn't what we need to see, and I appreciate the commitment to realism in this film. Everyone has flaws, and things don't always work out the way we want or expect it to. All in all, I found it to be a very entertaining story, and it kept my interest throughout.

I really enjoyed this film and especially the raw emotions that were so exposed and real. Each character was unique and likable and their interactions and relationships were also very real. It was darker subject but still a lot of funny moments and humor that I personally relate to! I am not an expert at camera work and film but I know that the quality was very good and the story line really kept me engaged. I have never been that excited for a tennis tournament in my life I know that!

LOVED IT!!! Movies that start out with a scene depicting a man calling people to explain that his wife just died in childbirth are not usually this honest and I find that refreshing. Of course the movie deals with the family situations that might follow such an act with a powerhouse performance by Robert Cannon leading the way. But the writers also allow actors such as Shaw Davari add humorous moments to add the perfect amount of levity. All-in-all I recommend this thoroughly for everything from date-night to just hanging out and watching something thought-provoking and "real."

Maybe it was the simple fact that I felt caught off guard that appealed to me so much about this film. I highly enjoyed looking through another's raw and candid portrayal of tragedy, and how honestly and openly this was played. It makes you think and do so differently offering fresh insight and perspective. There's definitely something interesting to takeaway for everyone. Feeling uncomfortable was a welcome change to the usual. It was also funny, poignantly so. Enjoy.

For those unfamiliar with the tennis term "30 Love," it refers to being either two points ahead or two points behind in a game. It doesn't really matter though because this film is not really that much about tennis… even though much of what you see on screen takes place on the tennis court!

Confusing…yes but it all makes perfect sense when you see this charming and quirky film about a custody battle between a new father, his newborn daughter and his recently deceased wife's mother played brilliantly by Brenda Vaccaro.

The film showcases some terrific performances performances and expert cinematography by Dan Fischer which include scenes of old Los Angeles landmarks as backdrops. I also really liked the selection of music and how it fit well with the vibe of the film….especially in the high paced moments of hysteria.

If you are looking for someone to rescue the baby from two unprepared rival guardians, better stop looking because you won't find it in this movie. Also, don't look for a feel good ending either because there is none….but it begs for a sequel to let us in on how this story would progress.