The Perfect Candidate (2012) User Reviews

Goofy Little Short with Two B-Movie Legends

[Droid_Gunner · 6/10 · 3 November 2016]

I've been on a bit of a Robert Z'Dar kick ever since he sadly passed away (RIP). When I saw this short was available to view on IMDb for free, I knew I couldn't miss it.

I'm not familiar with the creators previous works - although I have heard of the "Cesar and Otto" characters/series(?) - but I still found the short to be goofy, enjoyable fun.

Some jokes landed, others didn't -- but the tone was consistently light and fun. The sound was kind of crummy, transitions were awkward, and lighting clearly wasn't a priority... But all of this is forgivable in the low-budget world, ESPECIALLY we get to see two legendary b-movies actors sharing the screen together and having fun. Z'Dar and Estevez have done SO MANY movies together, but in this one it felt like they were playing themselves (which they were, so I guess that makes sense) and just having a good time riffing off of each other and enjoying the crazy life of a low-budget actor.

To the average viewer, I can't really recommend this -- as many of the jokes are b-movie "inside" references. But if you're a fan of the genre, definitely check it out. It's worth the 15 minutes.

I should have voted with the off switch.

[BA_Harrison · 1/10 · 19 January 2015]

The leaders of a new US political party choose B-movie actor Joe Estevez as their presidential candidate, with Maniac Cop star Robert Z'Dar as his running mate.

If you're a fan of director David Campfield's crazy Caesar and Otto movies then you're no doubt going to love this short that features as an extra on the DVD for Caesar and Otto's Deadly Xmas. As it happens, I couldn't stand the absurdist humour of Deadly Xmas, and The Perfect Candidate, which is very similar in style, left me straight-faced and bored rigid for the duration. How I kept myself from pressing the off switch for the entire 14 minutes is a mystery.

Very funny and engaging short

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 17 February 2014]

Prolific B-movie actor Joe Estevez decides to run for president with fellow schlock cinema thespian and longtime friend Robert Z'Dar as his running mate. Director Dave Campfield, who also co-wrote the clever script with Joe Randazzo, relates the amusing story at a brisk pace, maintains a likable lighthearted tone throughout, and milks plenty of laughs from the wickedly witty sense of off the wall humor. Estevez has a field day cheerfully poking fun at his own status as a minor league celebrity: He gets mistaken for Showgirls screenwriter Joe Eszterhas by a clueless casting director (a hilarious turn by Summer Ferguson), lives in a cramped apartment, and has to make regular donations at a local blood bank in order to keep himself afloat. Moreover, the mock campaign commercials with Estevez shamelessly pandering to the working class are an absolute riot, plus there are neat references to such low-budget gems as Soultaker and Maniac Cop. Samantha Barrios and Ken MacFarlane are both smarmy perfection as the two conniving sleazeballs who persuade Estervez to run for public office while Campfield scores as smug no-talent hack aspiring actor Ceasar. A total hoot.

Very Funny Short FIlm You May Have Missed

[oncydium · 10/10 · 26 February 2014]

Joe Estevez is engaging in this clever short film, which is available to view online from its makers. Estevez plays himself in this and, if you are a fan of Joe Estevez and haven't seen this yet, his very down-to-earth portrayal here is very funny in a sincere and self-deprecating way. If you are not familiar with Estevez, but appreciate deadpan and intelligent humor, this is an entertaining 15 minutes of slow-burn fun (with a few almost-in-jokes that are pretty accessible if you have seen any of Estevez's work. He is very unlike some of his more famous relatives in being very accessible, almost an Everybody's Funny Uncle you'd want to have a beer or two with. Very funny and a good introduction to Joe Estevez the person.

the perfect candidate

[devstep · 8/10 · 4 July 2022]

A romp, a riot, and a WILD ride.

-great kitchen set -dialog -lots of hands -surpisingly woke -I was provoked (by thoughts) -tie made a lot of sense (very presidential)