I've always said that good writing is an independent filmmakers best friend.  They don't have a big budget or big name actors, so they need solid writing.  Thankfully, the writing in "Terminal" is strong and heartfelt.  It features some of the best writing that I have seen in an independent film in quite some time.  It's wise, earnest, sincere, and realistic.  It doesn't pull any punches either.  It also raises a lot of questions that will have you thoughtful for hours after the film is over.  All of this is made possible due to the strong writing of the film.  Good writing goes a long way in making an independent film stand out.

With that said, this is not a perfect film.  The writing is strong, but it talks a little too much.  It doesn't know when to stop talking and when to show us something.  The film runs at just under two hours and it could have benefited from about a twenty-minute cut.  I'm always under the belief that less is more with movies.  The film lingers on speech for far too long.  The good thing about the speech is that it's entertaining and worthwhile.  I just think it would have meant a lot more if it was spread out more during the film.  The pacing is a little off and sometimes the film can be a little overstuffed with thoughts.  Again, I'm just nitpicking here, since for the most part this film is a gem.  I just think the film could have been great if it fixed a few things here and there.

The film follows a man who is only given six months (5 months and 28 days ago) to live and must finish his life on his own terms. With the help of his best friend, he comes up with a list of ten things he wants to do before his death.  The friendship between the two men is at the core of this character driven drama.  They have some interesting discussions about love, life, religion, and dying on your terms.  I only wish they didn't spend so much time yelling at each other.  At times, it can be very over-the-top.  The film could have benefited from a more subdued and relaxed structure.  I understand why they are yelling, but I wish they didn't do it so much. I had a massive headache during certain portions of the film due to the yelling.  They really should have toned it down a little bit.

In the end, "Terminal" is a labor of love.  It's a very personal project to the filmmaker, and that shines through on screen.  My only major complaint about the film is the insane level of talking that goes on throughout the film.  It goes a little overboard with theories, thoughts, and messages.  Still, this is a good piece of film-making that deserves an audience.  If you enjoy films about life and what it all means, I highly encourage you to look for this film.  It might even make you question some of your own thoughts and beliefs.  "Terminal" is one terminal that I didn't mind going through.

• For more information on "Terminal," visit the official website.

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