Watch Act Naturally

Act Naturally is a heartwarming indie comedy that follows the story of a struggling L.A. actress, Natalie, who reluctantly returns to her hometown in Tennessee after failing to land any significant roles in Hollywood. Natalie is faced with the harsh reality of having to work at her family's movie theater and waitressing at the local diner just to make ends meet.

One day, a Hollywood casting agent comes to town in search of the perfect leading lady for a new indie film that he's producing. Natalie and her best friend, Tanner, see this as their shot at stardom and decide to audition for the role. However, things take an unexpected turn when Tanner is offered the lead instead of Natalie. Devastated, Natalie finds solace in her eccentric grandmother, who convinces her to audition for the role of a lifetime - playing herself in a biopic about her life.

As Natalie begins to embrace her roots and reconnect with her family and friends, she starts to realize that acting doesn't always have to be about putting on a persona. The film explores themes of identity, authenticity, and the importance of staying true to oneself in a world that constantly pressures people to conform.

Katie L. Hall delivers a charming, nuanced performance as Natalie, capturing the character's vulnerability and determination with ease. Liz Lytle is equally impressive as Tanner, Natalie's bubbly and supportive best friend, who has her own aspirations of making it big in Hollywood. Susan May Pratt rounds out the main cast as Natalie's critical mother, who serves as a constant reminder of why she left Tennessee in the first place.

The film's pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing plenty of time for character development and establishing the film's charming Southern setting. Director Scott R. Thompson clearly has a love for the South, as he captures the beauty of the landscapes and cultures with vivid detail. The film's cinematography is stunning, with each shot feeling carefully crafted and thoughtfully composed.

The screenplay, written by Katie L. Hall and David Hogge, is witty and heartfelt, with plenty of humor sprinkled throughout to keep things light. The film's soundtrack, which features a mix of country and indie rock, perfectly complements the film's setting and themes.

Overall, Act Naturally is a delightful indie comedy that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It's a film that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever felt the pressure to change themselves to fit in or succeed. Ultimately, the film reminds us that sometimes the happiest endings are the simplest and most authentic ones.

Act Naturally is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.