Pennies (2006)

Pennies Poster

The story of Charlotte Brown,a waitress and young single mother who will do anything for her daughter Jenny, and when push comes to shove, she does. With a menacing figure on the other end of the phone and a time limit of two hours,she must raise enough money to ensure that she sees the smiling face of her child again. Charlotte's customers are her only hope. The clock is ticking as we see the desperate young mother dealing with one eccentric customer after the next, displaying her charming vulnerability and inspiring strength through all the chaos. With her feet firmly planted on the ground, Charlotte maintains her focus and attempts to beat the clock and save the day.

Pennies from 2006 - A Summary
"Pennies" is a brief movie released in 2006, directed by Warner Loughlin and Amy Smart. Although not extensively understood, this 18-minute significant thriller encapsulates an extreme, heart-wrenching episode in a lady's life, played by Amy Smart.

Plot Overview
The film follows Charlotte Brown, a single mom struggling to make ends satisfy while caring for her young child, Penny. Residing in the grip of financial desperation, Charlotte works as a waitress in a restaurant, trying to collect enough coins to settle an important debt.

The storyline opens on a common day, but Charlotte's routine is quickly shattered when an unexpected encounter thrusts her into the face of possible disaster. As she goes about her day, serving clients and collecting pennies, an ominous figure captures her attention. A guy goes into the restaurant, clutching a brief-case and radiating a sense of imminent threat. As stress swells, Charlotte ends up being embroiled in a terrifying hostage scenario, managed by the complete stranger.

Characters and Performances
Amy Smart's portrayal of Charlotte is engaging and expressive, with her performance capturing the essence of a mother's worry and resolve. The character of Penny, although not heavily featured, symbolizes the innocence and vulnerability that Charlotte must protect. The villain of the story, the threatening complete stranger played by Lukas Haas, offers a convincing portrayal of menace that drives the thriller throughout the movie.

Styles and Message
"Pennies" checks out styles of maternal love, sacrifice, and the lengths one will go to protect a kid's future. The title itself is a metaphor for the little, frequently neglected, efforts and sacrifices moms and dads make every day for the wellness of their kids. This extreme narrative explores the unpredictability of life and the unexpected moments when people are pushed beyond their limits and should face their deepest fears.

The movie likewise touches on the socioeconomic battles faced by single parents, highlighting the extreme realities of financial instability and the ruthless pursuit of a better life for one's offspring.

Visuals and Cinematography
Despite its limited length, "Pennies" successfully develops an atmosphere filled with suspense and fear, thanks in part to the visuals and cinematography. The diner setting ends up being a claustrophobic backdrop for the unfolding drama, where each cent collected by Charlotte adds to the overall stress. The cinematography has fun with shadows and close-ups, providing viewers a sense of immediacy and empathy with the characters.

Impact and Reception
"Pennies" might be just a blip on the radar of the film market, yet its effective story and strong performances resonate with audiences. It is a psychological trip that, despite the restraints of a short film format, provides a complete and satisfying story. The movie's ability to stimulate a spectrum of feelings in such a quick runtime is a testimony to the skill involved in its making.

Although "Pennies" might not have actually accomplished blockbuster status or widespread recognition, it is a poignant piece that showcases the effect of short storytelling. Smart and Haas shine in their particular roles, bringing depth to this remarkable tale of a mom's love-- a love so extensive that it transforms the smallest acts, like collecting pennies, into heroic undertakings. The movie functions as a crucial pointer of the human spirit's strength and the limitless courage found in the heart of every parent.

Top Cast

  • Amy Adams (small)
    Amy Adams
    Charlotte Brown
  • James Karr
    Crazy
  • Carol Stanzione (small)
    Carol Stanzione
    Rosa
  • David Reivers
    The Man
  • Jason Leiberman
    Julio
  • Travis Miljan
    Old Woman
  • Ronnie Schell (small)
    Ronnie Schell
    Mr. Tinker
  • Cerina Vincent (small)
    Cerina Vincent
    Kimberly
  • Curtis Jackson
    Sgt. Hillard
  • Eddie Adams
    Customer #1
  • Marcus Kayne
    Customer #2