Five Star

Five Star is a compelling portrait, and a refreshing take on a setting and characters too often sensationalized.

The writer and director, Keith Miller, establishes engaging characters but stifles their thoughts and emotions, sets up dramatic situations but avoids their practicalities and implications.

It's eye-opening to see an indie approach to this genre.

With a thicker thread to grasp onto as far as a plot and a particularly compelling turn by Grant, "Five Star" proves more accessible than "Welcome to Pine Hill" without sacrificing any of its raw energy.