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"As the main focus, Cassie Ann Ross has to carry the load for the film, and she does a pretty wonderful job of portraying world-weary apathy without turning into Debbie Downer. Whether or not her character grows as the film goes along is up for debate; one could argue she merely flirts with the idea of change but feels that sticking with what’s she’s used to is the best policy. Which isn’t entirely unrealistic, making it all the more unsettling."

Mark Bell, Film Threat

“From the Heart of the Crowd” is courageous film making that presents the viewer with a challenge....Muňiz carefully composes his shots in the movie to achieve maximum emotional effect. They emphasize emptiness and coldness. The film is even shot in black and white to reflect how Nina sees everything; a life without color, passion, or depth – merely shades of grey."

"Muňiz has gathered a fabulous cast. Cassie Ann Ross (who also wrote the screenplay with Muňiz) gives a sincere but frosty performance as Nina. She gives her an impervious almost robotic façade."


Philip Smolen, Rogue Cinema

"Muniz really takes some cinematic strides as a filmmaker with this film, making me curious to see where he goes next...Muniz and [Cassie] Ross drive the film through its lulls, and turns it into an enriching, rewarding experience."

Brian Skutle, Sonic Cinema

"Muniz is less concerned with creating a beginning to end story and far more concerned with following the remarkably authentic experiences of the characters whose story he is telling...Benson's ability to bring this complexity to life wholly and compassionately provides Eva with tremendous depth." 

- The Independent Critic 

"Benson...is at her best in the many wordless segments where Muñiz’s cinematographic and, later, editing skills paint a compelling silent portrait of a woman whose life is a constant rewrite. " 

- James Wegg Review 

“The performances are universally great. The performances are done in what I have to assume is an improvised fashion, evoking the cinema-verite leanings of John Cassavetes work. The performances are relaxed, realistic and draw you in. The finale with the character of Eva facing her own intimacy issues is shocking, bold and engaging.” 

- Josh Samford, Rogue Cinema 

"Muniz wrote the story with Benson, and that collaboration is part of why the film works so well. It allows both actor and director to be completely in sync with one another on the way Eva is portrayed." 

-Brian Skutle, Sonic Cinema  

"One of the true joys of reviewing films on the indie film circuit is the ability to discover and follow truly committed indie directors like Edgar Muniz, whose distinct voice and visual style unquestionably deserves a wider audience"

Richard Propes, The Independent Critic

"Muniz enjoys exploring relationships and that takes time, time that's rewarded in the end. The acting here is very good, the story is great and, overall, you'll find yourself wondering (along with these guys) what the hell is wrong with them."

Brian Morton, Rogue Cinema

"The two main music choices are curiously at one with the frequently funny, more often thoughtful scenes. Wee bits of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” marvellously underscore the lack of it; frequent helpings of Pachebel’s Canon remind musical viewers that its fixed, never-ending bass line can be forever “topped” with all manner of variations."

James Wegg Review, JWR
"Now with “On Parade” he has taken another very different story and shows further maturation in his artistic voice. It’s by far my favorite movie so far of this young year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was among my favorites for 2011 when all is said and done."
Brian Skutle, Sonic Cinema

"Larina Sias as Olivia is an incredible talent, and she does an admirable job of keeping you engaged throughout, even when you’re just hearing her leave a voicemail message over a shot of her listening to music. "

Mark Bell, Film Threat

"Muňiz effectively captures Olivia’s vacant, wounded world. Even his photography enhances the emptiness in her soul. Larina Sias is a true find as Olivia. She successfully exposes the maze this beautiful young woman has built in her mind, and every so often allows the viewer in so that they can also see her innermost turmoil."

Philip Smolen, Rogue Cinema