Andrew Bowser's long history of writing, directing, acting, hosting podcasts, and just altogether loving horror serves him well: 'Little Willy' is a delightful short film.
There are several key components honed in on here, including fan conventions and the awkwardness of holding down a table; the stagnation of once prominent acting careers, especially for child stars; and the high visibility of horror icons independent of the people associated with them. Add one nervous breakdown, comedy to taste, and enjoy.
Bowser's spidering connections in culture allow him to pull some surprising names for the casts in his pictures, and 'Little Willy' is no exception. It's always a joy to see Adrienne Barbeau, and Zach Galligan's unexpected appearance is a pleasure. Playing fictionalized versions of themselves, they ground the short with amiability and the wisdom of experience, a sharp contrast to Adam Castle's (Bowser) less self-assured visage. It's readily apparent just how much fun everyone had making this, especially in the final scene - and easy for the audience to feel that sense of camaraderie, too.
Anyone who enjoys horror comedy, cult classics, or broad fandom culture should take a few minutes to watch 'Little Willy.' It's a smart send-up of several little peculiarities of our culture, and well worth a quick view.
There are several key components honed in on here, including fan conventions and the awkwardness of holding down a table; the stagnation of once prominent acting careers, especially for child stars; and the high visibility of horror icons independent of the people associated with them. Add one nervous breakdown, comedy to taste, and enjoy.
Bowser's spidering connections in culture allow him to pull some surprising names for the casts in his pictures, and 'Little Willy' is no exception. It's always a joy to see Adrienne Barbeau, and Zach Galligan's unexpected appearance is a pleasure. Playing fictionalized versions of themselves, they ground the short with amiability and the wisdom of experience, a sharp contrast to Adam Castle's (Bowser) less self-assured visage. It's readily apparent just how much fun everyone had making this, especially in the final scene - and easy for the audience to feel that sense of camaraderie, too.
Anyone who enjoys horror comedy, cult classics, or broad fandom culture should take a few minutes to watch 'Little Willy.' It's a smart send-up of several little peculiarities of our culture, and well worth a quick view.
