Great first 15 minutes of what hopefully will become a full feature. We don't know who the fixer is going to have to kill, but somebody's gonna get it! Made me really hope that the "Best Menudo in LA" is going to show up at Trejo's Tacos someday soon!
135 Reviews
Danny Trejo in an apron
pgutierrez-5657316 April 2020
A Knife's Edge of Humor and Grit
david_c_hernandez13 March 2020
The Fixer is a film that rides the knife's edge of humor and grit. Set in the neighborhoods of Boyle Heights and Echo Park in Los Angeles, the story is bound to the cityscape where the Latin culture is proudly displayed and where unconventional protagonist Jack Cross, played by Jesse C. Boyd, navigates effortlessly through a rough neighborhood he clearly calls home.
Boyd's performance is grounded and pensive. A man that carries the world on his back but who's duty to family overrides any moral reservations. And, of course, Danny Trejo - just as threatening in a flower-patterned apron armed with a ladle as he is when yielding a machete in arguably his most iconic role.
Writer/Director Michael Schilf skillfully delivers just the right pinch of levity to help you take a needed breathe between bouts of tension-filled suspense, and the cliffhanger ending leaves you emotionally satisfied, yet wanting more. I can't wait for the feature.
Boyd's performance is grounded and pensive. A man that carries the world on his back but who's duty to family overrides any moral reservations. And, of course, Danny Trejo - just as threatening in a flower-patterned apron armed with a ladle as he is when yielding a machete in arguably his most iconic role.
Writer/Director Michael Schilf skillfully delivers just the right pinch of levity to help you take a needed breathe between bouts of tension-filled suspense, and the cliffhanger ending leaves you emotionally satisfied, yet wanting more. I can't wait for the feature.
Silently Intriguing
kristinegarroway-6783425 March 2020
Iconic LA tropes draw you into the narrative: classic cars, the music of an ice cream truck, a hula girl on the dash. We are introduced to the Fixer. He is a not a simple gun for hire, but a complex character: a "tough guy" who is afraid for for his family. Will this fear that drives him to do unspeakable evils out of loyalty for his boss also be the emotion that redeems him?
What is left unsaid is the most intriguing part of the narrative for this reviewer. The silent moments (back filled with a great score) speak volumes. Here credit goes to the crisp writing, acting, and directing, as small movements, even the subtle raise an the eyebrow are used to convey emotions that words cannot capture.
There's so much more that is left unsaid - I hope to see more of this film in the near future!
Don't let this one slip through the cracks!
legge-3090117 April 2020
One of the many shames of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is all the incredible work in the independent film community going unwatched and unreleased as festivals across the country are cancelled en masse.
The Fixer's a great example of the sort of tightly wound, seedy thriller that Hollywood used to be famous for. Following an enigmatic antihero through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, Schilf's film calls to mind recent neo-noirs like Drive and Nightcrawler.
The performances are captivating across the board - particularly from Jesse C. Boyd and (of course) Danny Trejo. Boyd is grounded and expressive - a lot of emotion conveyed with very little in the way of obtrusive dialogue.
The script itself is delightful - often deliberately restrained and still, even when the subject matter intensifies. The editing pays favour to the cinematography and the talented cast, allowing shots to linger and lavish in the nuances.
Schilf is a quietly confident talented writer/director. His style reminds me a bit of the deliberate patience of Denis Villneuve, combined with the grit of more explosive filmmakers like Michael Mann, Antoine Fuqua, and Tony Scott.
Frankly surprised we haven't seen more from him. Not surprised by the craftsmanship on display - a quick google search reveals an extensive background as a "fixer" of sorts in the screenwriting world. Would be thrilled to see more work from him in the future.
On the ending: agree with other reviews that would love to see this developed into a feature film.
The Fixer's a great example of the sort of tightly wound, seedy thriller that Hollywood used to be famous for. Following an enigmatic antihero through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, Schilf's film calls to mind recent neo-noirs like Drive and Nightcrawler.
The performances are captivating across the board - particularly from Jesse C. Boyd and (of course) Danny Trejo. Boyd is grounded and expressive - a lot of emotion conveyed with very little in the way of obtrusive dialogue.
The script itself is delightful - often deliberately restrained and still, even when the subject matter intensifies. The editing pays favour to the cinematography and the talented cast, allowing shots to linger and lavish in the nuances.
Schilf is a quietly confident talented writer/director. His style reminds me a bit of the deliberate patience of Denis Villneuve, combined with the grit of more explosive filmmakers like Michael Mann, Antoine Fuqua, and Tony Scott.
Frankly surprised we haven't seen more from him. Not surprised by the craftsmanship on display - a quick google search reveals an extensive background as a "fixer" of sorts in the screenwriting world. Would be thrilled to see more work from him in the future.
On the ending: agree with other reviews that would love to see this developed into a feature film.
An excellent short film!
sunilm-066513 April 2020
THE FIXER IS A MUST WATCH!
royarwas17 March 2020
A beautifully shot short film that feels so real and raw when you watch it. It is well directed, well written, and most importantly, feels grounded. This cast, featuring Danny Trejo, does a fantastic job at keeping the audience on edge. Much like every phenomenal thriller, the direction and script keeps us biting our nails with every single second that passes, making us wonder where it will take us next. Thank you for making such a wonderful piece. Definitely A MUST WATCH!
Demo tape for film industry insiders
logfromblammo16 April 2020
The filmcraft is good, but I found it difficult to engage with the characters or understand their motives. The final scene is somewhat ambiguous, and then ends with a hanging plot point. It seems like it's only a fragment of something bigger, and there's a reason for that.
It's a show piece to shop around and get backing for a full-length feature or episodic series. Each scene is individually well staged, and shows that the film team knows what they are doing, but the aggregate result is not a story that satisfies.
It's a show piece to shop around and get backing for a full-length feature or episodic series. Each scene is individually well staged, and shows that the film team knows what they are doing, but the aggregate result is not a story that satisfies.
Needs To Be A Feature Film
dorellanarogers12 May 2020
Intriguing premise
Daz-Byard2 April 2020
I liked the story but at first found myself wondering what was going on. By the time it gets to the next act, it becomes clearer. Well defined characters and worth watching just to see Danny Trejo in a rose print apron! The ending is very ambivalent and kind of wishy-washy with it's did he or didn't he conundrum but overall its a solid effort and with some polish I would pay to sit and watch a feature length version of it.
Diminishing Hate for the Sake of Love and a Freedom from Vengeance
bzimmer77717 March 2020
Michael Schilf delivers here fully in a story that allows you to journey through the conflicts of a Mafia enforcer and those tied into this perplexed web of crime and violence, whether deserving or not. Lies and truths, conflicts both internal and surfaced in a gritty raw performance by Jesse C. Boyd. All characters serve their purpose and give their own specific color to this canvas. The film is shot beautifully, and without waste; every scene powerful and colorful to the story with resolution at stake. The violence lands true, but the lining struggle is the conflict of working with someone you want to hate for the sake of love and a freedom from vengeance. Congrats to all those involved, and a standing ovation!
Taut, Well-Crafted Crime Drama
jbzweig16 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A taut, well-crafted crime/revenge drama with engaging performances from Jesse C. Boyd and Veronica Diaz Carranza and an awesome cameo by Danny Trejo. An impressive directorial debut for Schilf, who sets the stage here for a broader story or tv series about the underworld of hit men (and women!)
The Fixer will have you captivated, begging for more.
miah900014 April 2020
Blending an authentic Los Angeles aesthetic with classic gangster scenes and a nuanced twist, Schilf has put together a powerful and enthralling piece of film. Exceptional visuals and sound design punctuate this short as the cast and location bring it to life. Cannot wait for a feature-length version.
Authentic L.A.
rglowacki-2923026 March 2020
An extremely well-crafted modern-day noir film that leaves you wanting more. Overall production quality is excellent from sound to cinematography and a great use of Los Angeles locations. Authentic performances from all the actors, none more so than Tuesday the dog. Highly recommend.
The Fixer needs a Feature
monicaterada3 April 2020
I watched The Fixer three times. The first, because my eyes were glued, especially when Trejo shows up in a flower apron. The second, to admire more carefully the beautiful shots, well written dialogue and soundtrack. And a third time because I was left wanting more. When does the feature come out?
Solid Film From Start To Finish
brendangmurphy21 March 2020
Really enjoyed "The Fixer". I thought Michael & team pulled off a fantastic dramatic short. The film is shot extremely well & truly represents the gritty side of LA. Everyone in the cast pulled their weight & the score from Chromosomes really drives the piece home. Solid work all around. Highly recommend.
Needs a full-series!
bolejnic-0123926 March 2020
I love this movie
karenvalero3 April 2020
Since the opening scene I was very into it, and the ending lefty me wanting more!! I'm ready for the feature film! I love all characters as well this is a great film to watch with all your friends and forget about the world! We need this more than ever. Great directing, Inspiring acting and just a great script.
AMAZING!
michaelamatola27 March 2020
Great Introduction!
timothyhillman-7018825 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I've always seen the whole point of a short like this is to introduce us to the story and characters and, if done right, leave us wanting more. I want more!
The exposure of the different players in the story is well crafted. Great cinematography, classic muscle cars, Danny Trejo in an apron (spoiler), all great bits that expose pieces of characters that clearly go much deeper than the short film format allows. Hats off to Mr, Shilf and the group of professionals he assembled in all departments to bring this story to life. Looking forward to the rest of the story!
The exposure of the different players in the story is well crafted. Great cinematography, classic muscle cars, Danny Trejo in an apron (spoiler), all great bits that expose pieces of characters that clearly go much deeper than the short film format allows. Hats off to Mr, Shilf and the group of professionals he assembled in all departments to bring this story to life. Looking forward to the rest of the story!
A great short film-I WANT TO SEE MORE!
djames-0378916 April 2020
The Fixer leaves you on the edge of your seat!
amtranpilot24 March 2020
Intense. Mysterious. Ruthless. Unapologetic. The Fixer has a dark, gripping story that leaves you wanting to know more. I also loved Danny Trejo and seeing him play a character (Menudo chef) that's against what he usually plays (Jack Cross's badass character). So much more of the story to tell! Hoping there's more Fixing to come!
Need to see more!
maceok12317 April 2020
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