Growing up, getting wiser, having a career in your field and raising kids. The cookie-cutter dream so many aspire for. The dream of living life and doing what you love. We all want that - don't we? Most times and in most cases, things don't always go as planned. Set-backs, loss, and the ever present biological clock ticking away as you hope your life experience makes up for that new wrinkle or grey hair. Many people, including myself, find themselves often questioning how much time has passed. Too often I find myself looking in the mirror thinking: I look the same. I feel the same. I act the same. Hell, sometimes I feel even better than I did in my twenties! However, that nagging feeling that others don't see me the same way is ever present. Or, if I'm feeling bold that day, I can always compare myself to that picture of me in my late teens or early twenties. Ohhh... what a life. So what does all this have to do with "Momtress" from writer Liz Samuel? The simple answer? In one form or another all of the above is represented in this quick short film. And more. As a matter of fact? I feel the very essence of this title is that when it's all said and done, through the pit-falls and setbacks, things will be alright. No matter your job, situation or history. Eventually it'll all work itself out in the end and you'll get what you need. Of course, that's a completely optimistic look at life but for the sake of this film, those are my feelings. A day in the life of Libby, which would also have worked for the film title, since that's what we get. You see reader. As good as this title plays on your screen, as good as the cast and situational settings may be... there really is no overall story here. Just a general narrative with no real purpose except to demonstrate the life of Libby Sandler and her kids. "Momtress" plays more like the opening segment to a larger movie than a stand-alone short film. There is nothing wrong with that, since this title looks so pretty... but that ever present feeling of "Where's the rest" just kind of kicks you in the ass when the credits roll. Imagine waiting all week for the final episode of your favorite television show. The show begins and the first few minutes are great... then the power goes out. Aside from being completely irritated, you can't fault the show for having a great opening, but are still pissed that's all you got to see. That was how I felt after watching this short film. Maybe not to that extreme, but you get the point. I feel a more concrete ending would have served "Momtress" well on so many levels. Not just a wink and a nod kind of ending, leaving you to hope that a certain lucky rabbit bestowed it's forgiveness and blessing, but a more solid brick-like final segment to wrap things up nicely. But damn. Such a well running and polished story. You could consider my frustration a compliment. Not wanting a film to be over has to be a good thing right? On the technical level "Momtress" presents itself nicely. Nicely directed by Jeremiah Kipp, this title features crisp audio and some lovely camera work. All this is fused together with a decent edit that keeps the onscreen narrative flowing in a steady, polished manner. As you may have guessed, the cast do an excellent job in their respective roles and Liz Samuel, as Libby Sandler, feels like a perfect fit for the leading character. I really have nothing negative to write on the production elements as "Momtress" simply shows itself quite well. When it's all over and those credits begin, you may be left wondering where the rest is? Aside from that, this is an entertaining production through-and-through. We may not have the next big blockbuster here, but nobody claimed it was. If you want a quick entertaining film, that on many levels you may even be able to relate, "Momtress" is a perfect fit. I'd recommend to anyone, connect socially and keep up to date on this production. When you finally get a chance to watch for yourself why not drop a line and let us know what you think? In a nutshell? Great job cast and crew.