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Reviews
Everything Is Everything (2003)
"Just That and a Bag of Chips!"
Everything is Everything is just that and a bag of chips. Well, take away the chips and it's really just a mocumentary, but a mocumentary on a grand scale. Produced by Studio 8 Entertainment, Everything is Everything is documentary about three clueless individuals from Baton Rouge Louisiana who fight evil, rewrite the national anthem, and make a documentary about Abraham Lincoln. Yea, you read right.
Justin Justice is Baton Rouge's number one crime fighter and schoolyard equipment examiner. He keeps the city, and playground children, safe from harm's way. Criminals might just stay clear and keep straight if they new this "crime-fighting superhero" even existed. Actually, they probably wouldn't care, but that isn't the point. His heart is in the right place, and his sights are set on President Bush. Oh, we're not talking assassination; we're talking protective services with baggy pants and a bitchin' superhero costume, cape included.
Dale Kernie believes he's composed the next great national anthem, along with other songs recanting the grandeur of Thanksgiving for example. Dale doesn't let little things like his lack of talent get in his way. His enthusiasm and optimistic determination could take him far, or at least he thinks so. As long as he can get his music heard he feels he's bound for fame and fortune. When you break it down, Dale is really just a pumped up version of Richard Simons, but a little more pathetic.
Russell Cagle has a vision to create great cinema. You know the type of cinema that really hits you hard and pulls all your emotions to a festering stew. Like when Jaws attacks that helicopter in Jaws 2. Such great cinema deserves this mans struggle to produce his documentary. Knowing something about Lincoln would help, along with having equipment and crew. Russell is an almost homeless country-bumpkin moocher who belittles his companions and takes advantage of women for tens of dollars. This of course is OK, because he's got vision. Abraham Lincoln didn't quit; he got right back in his tank and kept on fighting the Nazi's. Russell carries that same go-getter attitude with him in pursuit of his documentary.
Now although this isn't as great a mocumentary as "Best in Show" or "A Mighty Wind", it's defiantly a contender. Everything is Everything has its flaws. It's poorly lit at times, and has a home made feel to it. It's story is loose and ragged, and some of the timing is off or weird and some performances are awful. Additionally, the reason for the documentary is never established, and the eventual meeting in DC leaves something to be desired. But what Everything is Everything does have is some great original humor and at points the good really outweigh the bad. The main lead characters transform themselves into their characters and deliver line after line of seriousness that's often pure genius. Everything is Everything is defiantly worth the watch, especially if you're into mocumentary film-making. And even if your not, you can laugh at it instead of with it.
Factoid: one good mocumentary is worth at least 500 bad films.
- 3.5/5 Little Guys -
A Shadow Before Sunrise (2004)
A Skilled Filmmaker
Each film on this compilation was technically superb. The lighting, the sound, the editing, everything. The entire compilation was nearly flawless. There was only one exception; it was quite possibly the most boring thing I have ever witnessed. Now don't get me wrong. I love a good art film as much as the next guy. Give me an experimental stream of consciousness any day. Give me Dziga Vertov , give me Rene' Clair, I can take them, I like them. Just don't give me another art school film about how life is really boring and routine.
The second film on this compilation probably best describes the entire group. The film, A Shadow Before Sunrise, follows the day to day routine of a mortician as he talks to clients, smokes, drives home, smokes, watches TV, smokes, goes back to work and smokes again. There is a great special feature on the DVD where the filmmaker, Jacob Strunk, talks about his craft and takes a minute to explain this particular film. In it, he says people always, (I'm paraphrasing here) people always try to formalize events in their lives. Weddings, birth, death, etc, we all try to formalize them and we miss the deeper meaning in our lives. So this film follows one man throughout his routine life. But something happens in this man's life. He meets a woman and, as Strunk explains, his routine deteriorates. He has made a connection with another living being and breaks out of his formalized life, but unable to handle the change, he crumbles.
That's great. I buy that as a concept and I'm sure many others do as well. And maybe to get the point across that his life is boring and routine we must watch him smoke countless cigarettes (I recently quit smoking so this was hard for me) and we must watch him stare at nothing everyday. I have only 2 problems with the concept, first there was no perceived connection between these people. He stared at her and later fantasized about being with her naked. They had a brief disjointed conversation and he almost touched her, but that was all. I never would have known there was a connection if I hadn't watched the extra features. The second problem was that in order for a film to work (in my opinion) you must get the audience to feel what the characters are feeling. If you want the audience to feel your character's boredom, well that's easy, and you don't even need good lighting. The problem however, is that you end up with a bored audience that concentrates on that rather than the point of the film.
That being said, I would recommend this film. If you want to see an artist at work. If you want to see how a skilled filmmaker can meticulously create a scene and create a mood using the bare essentials of light and shadow. If you want to see skilled actors actually work at feeling and becoming their characters. If you want to hear the background, hear the actors move, squeak and ruffle their clothes. If want no musical score. If you want to see single takes that can last 5 minutes or more. If you want any of these things, then see these films. They are really quite good. And there is also a music video that kind of peps things up a little.
- 3/5 Little Guys -
A Day Awake (2002)
An Artist At Work
Each film on this compilation was technically superb. The lighting, the sound, the editing, everything. The entire compilation was nearly flawless. There was only one exception; it was quite possibly the most boring thing I have ever witnessed. Now don't get me wrong. I love a good art film as much as the next guy. Give me an experimental stream of consciousness any day. Give me Dziga Vertov , give me Rene' Clair, I can take them, I like them. Just don't give me another art school film about how life is really boring and routine.
The second film on this compilation probably best describes the entire group. The film, A Shadow Before Sunrise, follows the day to day routine of a mortician as he talks to clients, smokes, drives home, smokes, watches TV, smokes, goes back to work and smokes again. There is a great special feature on the DVD where the filmmaker, Jacob Strunk, talks about his craft and takes a minute to explain this particular film. In it, he says people always, (I'm paraphrasing here) people always try to formalize events in their lives. Weddings, birth, death, etc, we all try to formalize them and we miss the deeper meaning in our lives. So this film follows one man throughout his routine life. But something happens in this man's life. He meets a woman and, as Strunk explains, his routine deteriorates. He has made a connection with another living being and breaks out of his formalized life, but unable to handle the change, he crumbles.
That's great. I buy that as a concept and I'm sure many others do as well. And maybe to get the point across that his life is boring and routine we must watch him smoke countless cigarettes (I recently quit smoking so this was hard for me) and we must watch him stare at nothing everyday. I have only 2 problems with the concept, first there was no perceived connection between these people. He stared at her and later fantasized about being with her naked. They had a brief disjointed conversation and he almost touched her, but that was all. I never would have known there was a connection if I hadn't watched the extra features. The second problem was that in order for a film to work (in my opinion) you must get the audience to feel what the characters are feeling. If you want the audience to feel your character's boredom, well that's easy, and you don't even need good lighting. The problem however, is that you end up with a bored audience that concentrates on that rather than the point of the film.
That being said, I would recommend this film. If you want to see an artist at work. If you want to see how a skilled filmmaker can meticulously create a scene and create a mood using the bare essentials of light and shadow. If you want to see skilled actors actually work at feeling and becoming their characters. If you want to hear the background, hear the actors move, squeak and ruffle their clothes. If want no musical score. If you want to see single takes that can last 5 minutes or more. If you want any of these things, then see these films. They are really quite good. And there is also a music video that kind of peps things up a little.
- 3/5 Little Guys -
Sand Country (2003)
"I Would Recommend This Film"
Each film on this compilation was technically superb. The lighting, the sound, the editing, everything. The entire compilation was nearly flawless. There was only one exception; it was quite possibly the most boring thing I have ever witnessed. Now don't get me wrong. I love a good art film as much as the next guy. Give me an experimental stream of consciousness any day. Give me Dziga Vertov , give me Rene' Clair, I can take them, I like them. Just don't give me another art school film about how life is really boring and routine.
The second film on this compilation probably best describes the entire group. The film, A Shadow Before Sunrise, follows the day to day routine of a mortician as he talks to clients, smokes, drives home, smokes, watches TV, smokes, goes back to work and smokes again. There is a great special feature on the DVD where the filmmaker, Jacob Strunk, talks about his craft and takes a minute to explain this particular film. In it, he says people always, (I'm paraphrasing here) people always try to formalize events in their lives. Weddings, birth, death, etc, we all try to formalize them and we miss the deeper meaning in our lives. So this film follows one man throughout his routine life. But something happens in this man's life. He meets a woman and, as Strunk explains, his routine deteriorates. He has made a connection with another living being and breaks out of his formalized life, but unable to handle the change, he crumbles.
That's great. I buy that as a concept and I'm sure many others do as well. And maybe to get the point across that his life is boring and routine we must watch him smoke countless cigarettes (I recently quit smoking so this was hard for me) and we must watch him stare at nothing everyday. I have only 2 problems with the concept, first there was no perceived connection between these people. He stared at her and later fantasized about being with her naked. They had a brief disjointed conversation and he almost touched her, but that was all. I never would have known there was a connection if I hadn't watched the extra features. The second problem was that in order for a film to work (in my opinion) you must get the audience to feel what the characters are feeling. If you want the audience to feel your character's boredom, well that's easy, and you don't even need good lighting. The problem however, is that you end up with a bored audience that concentrates on that rather than the point of the film.
That being said, I would recommend this film. If you want to see an artist at work. If you want to see how a skilled filmmaker can meticulously create a scene and create a mood using the bare essentials of light and shadow. If you want to see skilled actors actually work at feeling and becoming their characters. If you want to hear the background, hear the actors move, squeak and ruffle their clothes. If want no musical score. If you want to see single takes that can last 5 minutes or more. If you want any of these things, then see these films. They are really quite good. And there is also a music video that kind of peps things up a little.
- 3/5 Little Guys -
Valhalla (2003)
Technically Superb!
Each film on this compilation was technically superb. The lighting, the sound, the editing, everything. The entire compilation was nearly flawless. There was only one exception; it was quite possibly the most boring thing I have ever witnessed. Now don't get me wrong. I love a good art film as much as the next guy. Give me an experimental stream of consciousness any day. Give me Dziga Vertov , give me Rene' Clair, I can take them, I like them. Just don't give me another art school film about how life is really boring and routine.
The second film on this compilation probably best describes the entire group. The film, A Shadow Before Sunrise, follows the day to day routine of a mortician as he talks to clients, smokes, drives home, smokes, watches TV, smokes, goes back to work and smokes again. There is a great special feature on the DVD where the filmmaker, Jacob Strunk, talks about his craft and takes a minute to explain this particular film. In it, he says people always, (I'm paraphrasing here) people always try to formalize events in their lives. Weddings, birth, death, etc, we all try to formalize them and we miss the deeper meaning in our lives. So this film follows one man throughout his routine life. But something happens in this man's life. He meets a woman and, as Strunk explains, his routine deteriorates. He has made a connection with another living being and breaks out of his formalized life, but unable to handle the change, he crumbles.
That's great. I buy that as a concept and I'm sure many others do as well. And maybe to get the point across that his life is boring and routine we must watch him smoke countless cigarettes (I recently quit smoking so this was hard for me) and we must watch him stare at nothing everyday. I have only 2 problems with the concept, first there was no perceived connection between these people. He stared at her and later fantasized about being with her naked. They had a brief disjointed conversation and he almost touched her, but that was all. I never would have known there was a connection if I hadn't watched the extra features. The second problem was that in order for a film to work (in my opinion) you must get the audience to feel what the characters are feeling. If you want the audience to feel your character's boredom, well that's easy, and you don't even need good lighting. The problem however, is that you end up with a bored audience that concentrates on that rather than the point of the film.
That being said, I would recommend this film. If you want to see an artist at work. If you want to see how a skilled filmmaker can meticulously create a scene and create a mood using the bare essentials of light and shadow. If you want to see skilled actors actually work at feeling and becoming their characters. If you want to hear the background, hear the actors move, squeak and ruffle their clothes. If want no musical score. If you want to see single takes that can last 5 minutes or more. If you want any of these things, then see these films. They are really quite good. And there is also a music video that kind of peps things up a little.
- 3/5 Little Guys -
7th Street (2002)
Change is Amazing!
"7Th Street" is an interesting documentary about a city block in Manhattan between C and D avenues. Actor Josh Pais (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Deep Space Nine) makes his directorial debut as he combines his remembrances as a young man with interviews of the block's residents. The footage was shot over a ten-year period from 1992 to 2002.
Pais provides a historical overview as he explains the origins of the area. Back in the 1800's the area was a salt marsh, but so many immigrants were coming over to the United States that they needed housing and converted the marsh. Most of the population who moved into the area was Hungarian Jews. In the 1950's and 60's, blacks and Puerto Ricans moved in. The area began to look like a war zone as the inhabitants dealt with a race riot and the greed of few landlords who were able to make more money burning down their buildings rather than renting them out.
Pais arrived on the scene as a young child in the mid-60's when his parents divorced. His mother had friends who lived in an apartment on the street and the cheap rent of the East Village was the only place she could afford to go. She was a free spirit whose home was open to everyone. Many people of a bohemian persuasion passed through her living room, from artists to drug addicts, not that those classifications were mutually exclusive. His mother died in 1987, but we do get to meet Pais' father, a physics professor who left Holland as the Nazis were taking over. In the United States he worked with Oppenheimer and Einstein. He talked about some reservations he had about Robert growing up there.
Pais interviews what he calls his street family, a group with varied backgrounds, ranging from a nice married couple of artists who were friends of his mother to street hustlers who are always looking for ways to make a buck. Merlin is a drunk who lives on the street. He blames the death of his toddler for his alcoholism in a heartbreaking story. Manny is the king of the street. He owns a few buildings and everyone says he's a millionaire, but you wouldn't know it from his appearance. He has an assistant who helps him with recycling, a Puerto Rican man who is studying Judaism. We even meet one of his mother's paramours. They are all people just trying to survive and the one thing that binds them is this block on 7Th Street.
In the '90s life for the residents of 7Th Street changed drastically. First, they had to deal with the arrival of the drug trade as it made its way to the East Village. Pais had his family's life threatened by the drug kingpin of the neighborhood who didn't want a movie made that could affect his business. In 1998, the drugs were swept out and developers realized how much money there was to make in real estate and the area became gentrified. The new, higher rents forced out some residents.
Pais serves his friends and family well by creating a good story out of their lives. This documentary might have greater meaning for those who grew up in a city as opposed to those who lived in rural areas, but I, who grew up in the suburbs of Southern California, was curious to learn the way the people of this neighborhood bonded together living in such close quarters. I don't know the names of anyone on my street and "7th Street" showed me I'm missing out on the opportunity to learn about other people's ideas and cultures. It's a great reminder to the ego that there is more to life than ourselves.
The DVD extras include an audience Q&A session with Pais at a film festival and about 30 minutes of clips of Manny, some of which appeared in the documentary.
- 3.5/5 Little Guys -
Lucia (2004)
Film-making at its best!
Lucia is an animation by German filmmaker Felix Gonnert, I was fortunate enough to see it in Italy at MIFED where it had won an award as one of the best European films by a young director this year, it met with an extremely warm reception and was probably one of the most liked films there, by both filmmakers and public, and absolutely deservedly so.
We meet a very young girl in a hospital bed; she has an unspecified problem with her head; seeing the world mostly through her eyes we never learn exactly what the problem is, it's simply the reason she is in hospital. Lucia is clearly a little overwhelmed by the place, and confused and scared by her illness. One night she wakes up and embarks on a midnight adventure through the silent corridors, she sees a goldfish in a bowl in one of the offices and investigates further, fascinated by a set of X rays on the lightbox. Looking at the X-rays she begins to dream, and finds herself wandering in a misty dream world, with a strange angel like creature and the goldfish for company, she goes on to gain an understanding for her illness, and most importantly she discovers hope and loses her fear of the hospital and doctors.
This sweet little story is told without any dialogue, we have just the animation and the sound to tell the story and both are incredibly successful. Felix's animation is beautifully rendered 3D CGI perfection, imagine Tim Burton launching a hostile takeover of Pixar and you get some idea of what I'm talking about, the choice of shots, the lighting, the sound and characters are all just right, the pace is calm and measured (due credit to editor Gregor White), the storytelling subtle and simple; all round there is simply no criticism to make, it's as close to perfection as you're ever likely to get,
Undeniably the simplicity and subtlety won't be to everyone's taste, but from a personal perspective I think I could watch this film a hundred times and still delight in it, as it is I must have seen it some 20 times already and it's still beautiful, and there's no other option when you like something that much; 5 little guys.
- 5/5 Little Guys -
Sinners and Saints (2004)
This Film is Hot!
This movie caught me by surprise since I've never seen a movie like this before. This is a good thing and a bad thing. The good: this movie impressed my pants off. I was expecting an exploding cheese factory, but that wasn't the case. Now this isn't to say the film doesn't have its fair share of cheese, because it does, it's just that these filmmakers have what I would classify as a good sense of humor and a real flare for timing. Sinners and Saints is totally action packed and has a strong story line. The bad: it's unnecessarily excessive at times, and gets over explanatory at the end (sequel material maybe). Of course, I'm not entirely familiar with this genera so perhaps I'm too virgin for leather clad, partially naked kung-fu nuns with guns (hot) and Borg-ess cannibal strippers (not so hot). These are just a few of the scenes that dangle on a fine line between artsy and shocking.
Sinners and Saints has a very strong story and it's very apparent that this is the driving force behind this movie. The main character, Father Charmichael Drake and member of the 'God Squad', is tormented by his dreams.
He's driven to fight crime and the forces of evil and as it turns out, evil is busy. Satanic cops are abducting and sacrificing young girls, and at the same time, a rebellion is looming in Hades. And when the Father is summoned by the Queen of Hell to help bring justice to the Hades dimension, he's there with guns, blades, fists and kicks. It sounds simple enough, and there really isn't much more to it than that, but it takes you there in a very good way. It's your classic good versus evil action flick with a couple twists, some great characters and humor. The action and fight scenes are awesome and very professional, going steps above typical indie 'kung-fu'. Additionally, the lead characters, Father Drake (Jason Cavalier) and Necrotia (director Melantha Blackthorn) do an exceptional job of playing their parts. The 'death metal' music is also worthy of the film and compliment it well.
As I mentioned briefly, aside from the story overload at the ending, Sinners and Saints exceeded all my expectations and naive assumptions. It's a guilty pleasure any action/horror/sci-fi/cult film lover could ask for. It delivers one fun ride; I'm keeping my eye on this Robomonkey.
- 4/5 Little Guys -
On the Fringe (2001)
Go Buy This Movie!
Sometimes in life, we come apart and there is no single person or single answer there to help put you back together again. Sometimes in life, we try to look into places where no words, wisdom or gifted hindsight could ever penetrate. Independent film director, Jeff Palmer's "On the Fringe"
explores the human condition by traversing familiar territories of death, self destruction and self preservation. Thankfully, it does not try to dish it out to the audience like children waiting to dive in the Halloween candy dish, or smother onlookers in introspective turmoil or pain that dumbfounds and petrifies the senses. Thankfully, "On the Fringe" is enjoyable to watch and paces itself with solid story-telling, purposeful soul-sharing, with a sharp eye on hope and wisdom. I think every movie fan of the heartfelt breed should absorb this poetic achievement of substance.
After three years, Kurt Calloway (Dan Clay) returns home. Kurt looks like every all American mother's son. Handsome, beautiful eyes, strong voice and will. Dan has an exceptional consistency in delivering a role that is haunted by a tragic and most painful memory; his mother's suicidal death. The movie never linger too longs about her death, but acknowledges the after affect it has between Kurt and his hopeful father, Kenneth (Bill Humphreys).
Will time heal the pain of their shared loss? Will time bring father and son back together again?
Incidentally, upon Kurt's return to his hometown, discovers new relationships with three dysfunctional men whose own souls are tormented by reverberating echoes of self affliction that either cut deep, impact hard, or terrify. His first elderly misfit of a friend, Dwayne (Jery Howe), had bled himself on a dock, the young man, Seamus (Matt Magennis), a trike wheeling introvert who lost his sister to a tree fall and lastly, a drunken musical talent, Eddie (Michael Walsh), who is still running from the mob for an overdue balance which led to the loss of his own wife and daughter. Together, the four pain musketeers. Together, they indirectly weave a road map for each other's way out of the pits where 'demons of self' do not like to let go.
Interestingly, the tag line of the film, "You'll find your niche and jive...", is lightly touched upon by the pain musketeers self deliverance from their own demons. I felt the phrase actually boosted or punctuated 'hope' by film end. I didn't come away feeling incomplete watching "On the Fringe", I came away feeling I've watched an honest film with an honest story about real people on the fringe of life and looking for a way back home. Buy this film and watch it from beginning to end. It is a thing of substance that will not preach to you, it weeps with you and pats you on the back.
- 4/5 Little Guys -
I Love You (2002)
A Nice Little Short
I Love You is a 4 minute short film produced by 824 Pictures. Apparently it's also the third in a collection of shorts. It's beautiful to look at, the editing is good and the imagery and presentation is great. An excellent piece of film-making it is, but what it lacks is a concise story. Although lacking a concise story, it's hard to hold that against a 4 minute short.
I Love You takes place in a bathroom where a man and a woman converse. However, you can't really call it a conversation as the only phrase ever muttered is 'I love you'. The almost never-ending phrase repetition, coupled with quick cuts, blends the way an acid trip might and although the inflection differs from anger, to laughter or maybe even sincerity, it's still repeated almost to death. This, I imagine, is the point. But here's the problem: where do you take it now? And without ruining the 'story', I'll just say that it gets sinister and wicked, and ultimately confusing. Perhaps it was intended to be a metaphor of our life and love, or perhaps it was just a cheap shot for shock factor. I took it as the latter.
All in all, I Love You was really interesting to look at and watch. Now that phrase might sound repetitious but I mean exactly that: the color and shot composition were beautiful and the editing was cool to watch (plus the girl is a cutie). However, 4 minutes may actually be too much time for this particular point to be made. Regardless, it held my attention to the end.
- 3/5 Little Guys -
Pizza: The Movie (2004)
Pizza Anyone?
Absolutely great (for an independent) Film!
'Pizza: the Movie' is no technical masterpiece. It doesn't have million dollar actors. It's not full of special effects or crazy, mind splitting camera work. In fact, I've never heard of the director. At first thought, a quick glace at the website (www.pizzathemovie.com) and based on the title, I expected very little.
Then this package came in the mail. And, that in and of itself, is no big thing because I get all sorts of packages (do you hear that FBI), but this package I wasn't expecting. It was Pizza: the Movie, an incredibly well packaged and produced DVD. The quote on the back summed it up oh so perfectly... "It's better than I thought it would be." Barbara Gregory, the director's mom. Damn that made me chuckle. And that wasn't the last laugh either.
I'm not going to get into a detailed diatribe about what was wrong with Pizza: the Movie (because it wasn't much in this humble reviewers mind, just typical but forgivable indie problems), but what I will say is what was so great. It's a great premise that doesn't go where you would expect it to go (Hollywood style) and isn't too over the top. It's enjoyable to watch and is full of humorous parts, some that I wouldn't have expected. The characters are enjoyable (although one character is the like 'em or hate 'em variety) and well balanced, reminding me fondly of my days in college. It's paced well, and believable.
Pizza: the Movie was not only a surprise, it has inspired this independent filmmaker to aim higher.
- 4/5 Little Guys -
How to Disappear Completely (2004)
A Diamond In The Rough!
What more can one ask for from an indie short. A great story line, tight camera work and clean, crisp editing make this film the ultimate diamond in the rough. Steve Piper's experience in film-making shines through in every detail.
HOW TO DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY is an eye opening story of a quiet photographer (David House) and his daily thought process as he captures images on film. He is an intellectual who has mastered the art of how to disappear from the public eye as he molds his craft. One day while shooting nature he is paralyzed by the image of a woman (Michelle Munden) who's beauty is stunning. He scrambles to set up the perfect shot in an attempt to capture this woman's beauty forever. What happened next is forever etched in my brain. The ending completely threw me.
HOW TO DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY is currently touring the festival circuit. You can view the movie Wednesday September 8th at the LA Short Film Festival at the ArcLight Cinemas in the heart of Hollywood, CA. Also, if you're in London check it out at Shoot & Slice on September 12th. And that's not all.
Visit Coffee Film's website for more official production and festival information.
- 4.5/5 Little Guys -
Sanhedrin (2004)
A Fine Film!
Sanhedrin is the story of a small Jewish community living in London shortly after the end of WW2. The proprietor of the local boarding house takes a new, mysterious, tenant from Vienna in Austria, and the community is soon puzzling over the identity of the man. With the war still a very dark and fresh thought in their minds they grab at clues and jump to conclusions, eventually deciding that the man is none other than Adolf Hitler, in disguise and on the run. Unsure of what to do the community's elders form an effective Sanhedrin; a supreme court of Jewish elders, to debate on a course of action that follows the teachings of the Torah, with a myriad of options ranging from outright acquittal all the way through to capital punishment, things soon get carried away
From start to finish Sanhedrin's production values are of the highest quality, DP Billy Charlton conjures beautifully composed and lit images throughout, never degrading the film with flashy trendy angles or movements, the camera often lingers long and close on each actor's performance and each location's space, soaking the atmosphere into your memory. The sound, lighting, make up, original score and editing are all excellent, and the effort that has gone into recreating the period is incredibly impressive, the attention to costume, props, and location details totally immerses you in the time period so definite shout outs for production designer Pip Reisch and art director Kevin Eaves.
The cast are all fascinating to watch with some truly characteristic and interesting faces amongst them (some impressive experience as well), and without exception the acting is excellent, especially in the early scenes between the Austrian (Olegar Fedoro) and the Landlord (David Barnaby), though Sean Williams (the only man to defend the Austrian) is well worthy of a mention as well. The film does stutter slightly on two occasions; when the Jewish elders first meet to discuss the Austrian something just doesn't work; the dialogue never truly flows, each actor seems to be politely waiting for the other to finish which is a shame as it's an important scene, and an introduction to most of the cast. At the other end of the film a final climactic court scene which contains an essential turn of events is competently played out but again lacks some vital spark just when one is most needed; some of the acting here is shaky or in one case bordering on excessive; these minor blips are extremely minor though and barely deflect from the enjoyment of the piece.
A classically European film which focuses tightly on the characters and society within the story, Sanhedrin is an impressive piece of work by all involved; a unique and absorbing script, a wonderfully produced whole, and a mature and subtle approach from the director who lets his key cast and crew take most of the limelight. Despite little personal knowledge or experience of the Jewish community or 1945 (or most period films for that matter) I was utterly drawn in and, sadly, found plenty of parallels and relevance to the society we live in today, where the leaders of the Western and Muslim worlds seem to do little other than dole out knee-jerk religion based justice on each other.
Sanhedrin is on the festival circuit now, it has already played at Durango, Montreal Jewish, Toronto Jewish, and Ocean City, and will surely get into plenty more; this is very close to what all short dramas should be like.
- 4/5 Little Guys -
The Tenement (2003)
Go See This Movie!
This film is given a rating of 5 "little guys" (A perfect score)! What more can I say but go out and buy this movie. It is the perfect mix of horror and comedy all wrapped up into one dandy little film. The film's story line spans over two decades and includes four short stories plus an in between story that helps to tie everything together. In fact it is such a good film it won the "Achievement Award - Feature Horror" at the 2003 Putnam County Film & Video Festival. Here is the breakdown:
Story One (Fade to Black) Ethan Fernier (Joe Lauria) is a troubled young man who's only goals in life are to please his mother Eloise Fernier (Doreen Valdati) and watch horror movies from his favorite director Winston Korman (Michael Gingold). One day he gets a chance to meet his idol and audition for a part in his next movie. He blows the opportunity and instead gets ridiculed by Korman and his crew. This turn of events plus the constant nagging from his mother sets Ethan off on a killing spree which marks the beginning of the rain of terror from the "Black Rose Killer." Story One has kind of a "Psycho" feel to it but ends up morphing into a great little story.
Story Two (The Sound of Silence) This was our least favorite story of the film. It lacked the intensity of the other stories. Henry Wallace (John Studol) becomes strangely infatuated with Sarah (C.J. DiMarsico), a young mute girl, who loves to dance to her radio every night in her bedroom.
One day Sarah's mother Ginnie Weston (Victoria Miner) convinces her father George Weston (Floyd Gumble) to let down his guard and go out for the night, leaving Sarah alone for the first time. Almost immediately after they leave Henry comes knocking and all hell breaks loose.
Story Three (Full Moon Rising) Story three reminded us of the classic werewolf flicks of yesteryear. Jimmy Wayne Garrick (Mike Lane) is a social outcast who decides to go to an AA type support group to try to become more socially acceptable. That night after the meeting he is bitten by a strange dog. The next day he realizes that his wound is healing rather quickly and that he is also feeling more energetic. He goes to a strip club and after receiving a "stellar" lap dance decides to take matters into his own hands. We don't want to blow the ending to this story but we can tell you that it was masterfully put together.
Story Four (The Taxi Driver) This is a clever story with a great twist at the end. The scene opens with two white-trash prostitutes chatting about the different men they have picked up in the past. One of the prostitutes calls for a taxi cab and the fun begins. How was she to know that her life was in the hands of a mad man behind the wheel. The taxi driver (Ed Shelinksy) does a great job of playing this silent but deadly killer. For his next fare he picks up Chastity (Danielle Russo) who proves to be more then just a regular fare.
With the exception of one story this film is a solid piece of work with few disappointments. This is micro cinema at its best! Watch for great things from Light & Dark Productions in the future!
- 5/5 Little Guys -
H.R. Pukenshette (2000)
Laugh Till You Puke!
We give this notsoSPECIAL EDITION DVD 4 "little guys." This is some quality film-making at it's best! The DVD is approximately 30 minutes long and includes four different shorts, photos, interviews and tons of bonus material. The guys at Joint Partners have put together a quality DVD package worthy of its $11.95 price tag.
Short One 1 min. (T. Fly Boxed) Boxed is a great look at some of Harold's earlier works. It is a very, very short silent animated film about a working Fly who discovers a box of colorful paint and decides to open it. When he does the color escapes and starts engulfing the building and then spreads to the US and eventually the world. Soon the entire planet is blanketed in rainbow colors. One particular part of the film caught our eye. There is a scene with what looks to be the former Twin Towers getting covered completely in paint. Now given the film was made in 1993 could this be some kind of eerie premonition of events to come?!?
Short Two 10 min. (H. R. Pukenshetts) This short was AWESOME! It opens with The Dude (Jason McClean) and The Chick (Sabrina Gennarino) in a heated argument about the apparent size of The Dude's member. The Chick storms out of the house leaving The Dude to wallow in his own pity as he drinks his sorrows away. Unfortunately The Dude cannot hold his liquor and we are soon introduced to Mr. H.R. Pukenshetts (Kevin Kolack). H.R. tells The Dude that he is his guardian angel and that it is his mission to show The Dude all the good things that life has to offer. This short will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. It is a solid piece of work with few flaws not to mention that the acting was actually very respectable. H.R. Pukenshetts has won numerous awards including "Best Film" - Sick Puppy Film Festival, "Best International Comedy" - Twisted Sinema and the "Audience Award" - Highgate Film Festival.
Short Three 8 min. (Asburied) Asburied takes us back to years gone by in Asbury Park, NJ. Asbury Park was a seaside resort town that has since been abandoned and left to age and decay. Harold does a great job of capturing the essence of the once thriving town. Asburied is the perfect mix of stunning images and quality storytelling. The Narrator (Stan Parratt) speaks from the heart as he recalls some of his fondest memories from his childhood summers on the Jersey Shore. It's good to see that a writer who has such a flare for comedy can also get serious with the best of them.
Short Four 9 min. (Bum Runner) Bum Runner is one of Harold's more recent works. It is a hilarious parody of the classic car chases we have all grown to love. The film opens with two bums Oatmeal (Joe Reitman) and Hat (Billy Allen) trying to steal food from another bum Snore (Orlando Sorlis) who is passed out in a pile of trash. They soon realize that they need to pull a bigger heist so that they can retire to "Cracktown." The two bums stumble upon Can Man (Fred Berry) who has a huge collection of cans. They decided to steal Can Man's cans and the chase ensues. Bum Runner has won the "Best Comedy Short" - Back East Picture Show.
One question...when is the official movie soundtrack coming out. The original songs on these films are tight. It seems that Harold not only has a nack for movie-making but also for music composition. Watch for great things to come from Joint Partners in the future.
- 4/5 Little Guys -
Bullets Over Breakfast (2004)
Nice Special Effects!
The element that immediately stood out from the get go was the soundtrack. The music fit the movie like a nice pair of Isotoners. Included are a bunch of original songs composed by Rich Stahle.
'Bullets Over Breakfast' is the type of film that mixes reality with that oh so familiar, and now more and more prevalent friend the special effect. It is a story about three men all striving towards the same goal
the waffle. What happens next is a barrage of gunfire and enough action sequences to make even Arnold Schwarzenegger cringe.
Technically the film works on all levels. On one of the many bonus features Ryan Foss discusses some of the problems his crew had experienced with lighting as seen in some of the darker shots. Also the sound was really solid right up until the first line of dialogue. It lacked that richness found from good sound equipment. What more can you expect for under $100 bucks!
We really liked this film. One of our favorite bonus features was when the guys did detailed breakdowns of all the different effects used in the film. While most microcinema filmmakers strive to just make good films, these three take the time to teach their techniques to others.
If you liked 'Bullets Over Breakfast' then you're bound to enjoy Quantum Petshop's next project 'Bullets Over Breakfast 2 (Death Over Dinner). This is film-making at its best! It only goes to show that quality film-making, a good story line and exemplary editing will produce and extraordinary film
every time.
- 3.5 Little Guys -
Oranges: Revenge of the Eggplant (2004)
You Must Watch This Film!
From the beginning we were very excited to watch this film. There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the film in the various microcinema online forums.
The DVD also features deleted scenes, a behind the scenes documentary, chapter selection and out takes. Whoever new that fruit could be so fun.
The story opens with professor Charles Sunkyst (a retired action scientist) trying to become a professor at Orange university. Everything is going smoothly until strange things start happening on campus. Professor Sunkyst runs into numerous situations including confrontations with his students, racism (or fruitism), homosexuality and demons from his past. He ends up judging the university's science fair and runs in to his old enemy (Evil Eggplant). Soon all hell breaks loose and professor Sunkyst and his friends have to put all the pieces back together. This film is hilarious with few flaws. It is amazing how much attention was paid to the tiniest details. The characters fit the fruits perfectly. You will never look at a banana the same way again. The only thing we noticed were a couple of sound blips towards the beginning of the film but besides that Oranges is one of the most solid pieces of cinema to come off of the microcinema presses in a long time.
Oranges: Revenge of the Eggplant recently won BEST COMEDY (feature) at the 2004 Microcinema Fest. We look forward to seeing more from Red Letter Media in the years to come!
- 4.5/5 Little Guys -
Losers Lounge (2003)
Nice Looking Noir Film
With a reported budget of less then $1,000 this film is a perfect example of microcinema working for the little guy. The film was shot in the tradition of the old classic Film Noir style film-making. It is set in 1948 in the fictitious town of Passionville, IL.
Joey Ferdinando (Brian Talbot) is a private eye who, after being forced out of the Passionville Police Department, now works catching cheating husbands.
His favorite hang out is Losers Lounge owned by Lisa Loser (Vickie Smith). Everyone who is anyone frequents the lounge in search of good times, drinking and a few extra curricular activities. One day Lisa is approached by Mariana Walker (Autumne Sorgius), a young girl in search of a job. She is hired on the spot and begins whoring almost immediately. Mariana is killed later in the film and Joey is dubbed the #1 suspect. He is constantly being scrutinized by Sergeant Frank Monday (Kevin Croak) and Mayor Hermann Paxton (Bob Williams) for his role in the murder and eventually has to prove his innocence amidst all the corruption and dirty politics.
The storyline was great, however the acting left a little to be desired. Technically the film was solid with the exception of the lightning and audio inconsistencies. We would like to give props to the chase scene involving Joey and Rich (Tim Tyler). Instead of using a traditional dolly Don Boner's crew improvised by having the camera man ride in the trunk of a car while it was moving. The end result being an impressive action sequence that could be considered the best scene of the entire film.
This film is a prime example of what can be achieved on a limited budget and a little imagination. My only suggestion...spend more time on casting.
- 3.5/5 Little Guys -