Usually when I think about independent films I think low budget, inexperienced, messy and full of dialogue that is questionable, this however just shows how much the big movies can hypnotise and cram us full of nonsense.

I have now watched a multitude of independent films that have surprised and delighted me, with a professional look and the obviously talented contributors having done an amazing job. Though one stand out film for me is Fairview St from Rebel Pictures, it is by far one of the best independent films I have ever had the pleasure of viewing, and that is my honest opinion. I may not have seen many, but easily enough to know when heart and soul have been pumped into the production. Who needs the big budget when you have determination?

Fairview St follows ex con James Winton (Michael McCallum) who has been paroled from prison after a four-year sentence. As he tries to leave behind a life less pretty and start a whole new legitimate lifestyle with his wife Natalie (Elizabeth Moore) and father (William C. McCallum), things can never be so simple. Old acquaintances and former friends like Bobby (Jerrod Root) tend to do there best to keep this from happening. When a few people start to turn up dead, like Pop (Gary Glenn), the man who owned the restaurant where James and Natalie had there first date, and Craig (Justin Mustchong) another old friend with an immediate link to James, Det Massy (Jeff Bone) who put him behind bars the first time is determined to see him back where he belongs. If James is to lead a normal and happy life then he will need to get rid of his troublesome friends and prove his innocence. But luck is not on his side and neither is the law, though Det Ferguson (Shane Hagedorn) tries to understand, it doesn't stop James' whole world from crashing down around him.

Something that really made this film feel like it was coming to life was the soundtrack, a very beautifully and wisely selected ensemble of tracks that really complimented the feature. Soundtracks and scores are usually quite difficult to get right within a film, but the Fairview St movie really has the right track for every mood.

This film is a rollercoaster ride of crime and violence, yet told in a dramatic and light-hearted way. If I were to recommend a small screen hit to anyone, this would be it. The writer, director and star Michael McCallum definitely knew what he was doing when he created this little gem of an independent film. I will definitely be going through his back catalogue of shorts and watching the latest feature from Rebel Pictures - Handlebars, but that's a whole other movie. Fairview St is a must watch at the Astoria/LIC Int'l Film Festival.