User Reviews

This is a powerful indie drama about a handful of Philadelphians who's lives and those of others are influenced by the decisions they make. The reality of big city politics and the struggles of the working class always make great dramas when well executed. If you enjoy dramas that present individual struggles in the context of social integration and politics, give this gem a go.

There is a lot of great things to talk about in this film. First timer Ken McArthur uses his proven life skills creede to cary over into the theme of this film. All of us realizing that we have an impact in this world, no matter how small, or if we can see it. It's a great effort for a first time filmmaker to make an almost two hour film with such heavy topics as drugs, crooked politicians, and the seedy undertakings on the dark side of law enforcement. There are some beautiful shots of Philadelphia, and one very brave shot using a green screen. I won't spoil it here, but major props for even attempting this on a first time film! There are some good performances as well, but hands down Michael Everett Johnson steals the movie every time he enters the screen. I found myself anticipating his character throughout the film!

The Impact Factor fuses multiple storylines into it's narrative that suggest everything and everyone makes an impression in this world. The film is ambitious and big in ways that most indie films won't attempt. Props to Writer/Director/Editor Ken McArthur for not staying in the shallows and looking for deeper meaning in this film. There are a few noticeable small budget imperfections, but there is also plenty to ponder after experiencing the message of this film.

An absorbing drama. The story puts you in the shoes of the characters making difficult but important choices. I made the journey with them, and it it's an impactful one. An intelligent and moving film. Well shot with a great setting in Philadelphia. I can absolutely recommend this one!

This is so poorly filmed it's cringe. The story is cheese, the directing is terrible and the acting atrocious. Even the sound is very poor, do they even know what boom mics are? The 108 min runtime dragged out and out with slow pacing and a hollow story. The dialogue was worse than a sappy soap opera. I'm not even sure what the point of this film was. You know a film is bad when they wont even post the trailer, because had I seen it, I wouldn't have wasted almost 2 hours of my life. Skip this one, the clearly bogus high reviews are more entertaining. It speaks volumes when the filmmaker doesn't even have faith in his own film to resort to these tactics.

Really enjoyed this indie. It's about people living complicated lives and how their decisions impact the lives of others. I thought the direction was outstanding -- and the acting and storytelling, as well. This resonated with me long after I finished watching it. Glad I took a chance on this one.

Wow! What an experience watching 'The Impact Factor' was.

If you're in a hurry and just want to know whether or not to watch the movie, here's my nutshell review...

Do it!

This isn't a simple or feel-good film. On the contrary, it's deliciously tangled, somewhat complicated, definitely wide-ranging... and also inspiring.

There are several concurrent themes, some with sub-themes. So there are many takeaways seeded through the storyline. You'll enjoy a thrill of excitement each time you uncover one.

The 'Big Idea' is that just about everything has an impact.

Every person makes an impact. Every life is shaped by several impacts. And the nature of the impact is diverse, varied, different.

'The Impact Factor' is the story of several such impacts - on many different people.

It begins with little Brianna tossing a penny to determine the direction of her walk at the next corner. Heads, she'll turn right. Tails, she'll turn left.

And straightaway, you begin to wonder...

Aren't we all like this little kid? Flipping a coin. Making choices almost randomly. Being led down new, exciting paths - or dull, familiar routines.

Doing our best along the way, with whatever we get, with what we see and experience.

Jayla is a complex character whom Brianna meets on her walk.

She's shaped by her circumstances and relationships. Positioned in time and place by twists of fate and fortune, she nurtures anger and hope in equal measure.

Once again, like many of us!

How does she decide? What does she think and do? And where do her choices lead her?

Each scene in the movie is a revelation of sorts.

And then, her path intersects with the powerful, ambitious, aggressive young political operative Destiny Drifting.

Destiny is running for Chief of Staff to the Mayor. Her Councilman father is her inspiration. And she's in a no holds barred fight against stiff competition.

She also decides to mentor young Jayla... and tries to relate to the disturbed teenager.

It all comes to a head when a crisis erupts - and ends in catastrophe!

As we watch these many interwoven stories unfold... see circumstances and events entwine and unravel again... realize how even remote choices affect other lives...

We can't but help marvel at our own place and role in the gloriously intricate tapestry of life.

Admire how apparently innocent decisions can lead to magnificent unintended consequences.

And realize that we truly matter!

This is what makes The Impact Factor such an interesting watch. It's a complex film. Quite unpredictable. And undeniably 'real'.

It's about people - just as they actually are, not how we'd want them to be. Raw and real. Human and humane. With their flaws and failings, warts and scars.

But then... isn't that how people are, really?

The entire film is about such realizations. Some cause discomfort. And then, foster acceptance.

In 'The Impact Factor' movie, each character's choices are the consequence of situations and circumstances - stuff that had an IMPACT upon them.

And those choices, in turn, impact other people.

Some of this impact leads to tragedy. Others generate hope. None of it is ever meaningless. As the movie's tagline goes...

"You make a difference, whether you want to or not".

Ken McArthur, cast and crew do a Great job catching and Holding the attention of viewers while illustrating the Consequences, Effects, and #IMPACT of one's Choices and Actions.

Buy this movie, gather the kids, and use it as a Learning Tool by Discussing it afterwards. Recommended for Classroom viewing for all of the potential Teaching Moments.

Loved to dialogue. Just felt that the story was complex as it transitions to different point of views with different characters as well as the camera angles and audio being a bit hard to comprehend. The quality of the film is still wonderful and can't wait to see what's next to come!

The movie is well written and the film brings lots to think about during the entire film!! A must see! Once I started watching the movie, I had to watch it to the end. I felt that there is hope for all of us to make a difference!

This movie takes the viewer on a journey. It explores the impact every little decicion can make on the broader community. When corruption and crime are involved the results can be devastating. Some parts are hard to watch so it's not for the faint hearted. Congratulations to the producer, Ken Macarthur, along with the cast and crew on creating this powerful impactful movie. I look forward to seeing what you create in the future. This is a fantastic debut into the world of filmmaking and I suspect we haven't heard the last of you. This was a moving and sometimes confronting view of life in Philadelphia.

Having been born and raised in Philadelphia this film really resonated with me. Great story and characters. My wife and I watched it twice. Ken brings a great perspective to the challenges of inner city life. One of things that really stood out to me is the consequences of all our actions. The writing I thought was spot on, and the characters were very believable. We did really like the location shots as well. It was fun as well as a roller coaster ride thorough the story. Looking forward to what's next. Well done ! Our takeaway is; It's true, you make am impact whether you want to or not. Don't miss it !

Excellent and thought provoking movie. This is the kind of movie you I want to watch more than once. I've seen it several times now, and each pass I catch something new.

Have you thought about how every little thing you do creates an impact on the environment around you? Every person you speak to every encounter, every place you have been, and every place you have not men. Every moment in your past, has brought you to where you are at this very moment.

This movie was able to really bring to the forefront how everyone's life is very similar to a choose your own adventure book. I highly recommend this movie. 10 stars.

The Impact Factor is an independently produced film, so you are not going to find lots of CGI effects or big name stars. What you will find is a story about real-life events and how unintended consequences are the result of making, or not making, choices. It is a powerful film for learning about how our actions affect others.