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thetyguy2k
Reviews
Unsung Heroes (2003)
An above average mockumentary with sporadic hilairious moments
I first saw this film at a screening at ComicCon in San Diego in 2003 where it had its own private screening room specifically for its showing. The producers wisely issued posters to each member of their crew and patrolled the Convention Center urging all to see their mockumentary. Basically, my friends and I went merely to reward their impressive advertising efforts.
Throughout the opening sequence (in trailer form to fast-paced music) we still did not know quite what to expect as we were introduced to the two "heroes" of the film, Razor Boy & Frisbee Guy, and the main super villain/sidekick duo of The Clown and the Mime. What really impressed me right off the bat was the fight choreography of the film during the first five minutes. Unfortunately, since the rest of the film is just gags and frisbee attacks, the early display of fight choreography merely got our hopes up.
As previously mentioned, the film IS a mockumentary and thus, much of the dialog and interviews are clearly improvised along a pre-planned direction. This works to an adequate effect most of the film, but really seems to work better with Razor Boy's character, who skillfully (maybe) maintains a dopey, immature persona through the entire film. The Clown, far and away the best improviser, is an absolute hoot and really seems to carry the film at parts. He is almost so funny that you really don't know whether you WANT to hate him as a villain.
The Film is shot on a college campus in Orange, CA with only a single XL-1 or GL-1 miniDV camera and it really shows. With almost no visible budget to complete this film, however, the production team has really done a good job pulling it all together. We ended up buying a copy from the filmmakers after the screening and still pop it in occasionally. It may seem a little long to some, but the "laugh out loud" moments throughout the film keep you wanting more.
Here Comes Dr. Tran (2003)
Funny stuff
I agree, this was a very funny animated which satirizes the media influence on children, complete with the incessant announcer and the innocent Asian child who has no idea what is going on at all. The film is perfect for a good laugh and will (maybe) get you interested in short film animation if you aren't already.
-A note to the previous poster, I have a DVD copy of Dr. Tran, but Breehn gave it to me himself so I don't know if they have widely distributed them. When I talked to him last he mentioned something about ownership issues with Spike and Mike so I don't know what is up. Check their website (forget what it is) to see if they'll send you one.
The Boondock Saints (1999)
A quality film
This film combines awe inspiring visuals with a unique philosophy to keep you entertained all of the way through. It was obviously masterfully directed, scored, and edited. The acting is also very good throughout - especially impressive considering that besides Dafoe, the cast is generally unheard of. One possible criticism is that it lacks a well-defined story and instead builds characters and a goal and consists of "action sequences" with simultaneous "explanation sequences" as interpreted by the intense, yet flamboyant, Agent Smecker who is played by William Dafoe. While each of these sequences is breathtaking to say the least, at points the lack of a "big picture" becomes all too apparent. The distribution troubles involving this film, as well as complications with the sub-par documentary "Overnight" have been highly publicized, yet not enough has been said about how GOOD this film really is. Watch it and support it because they need support, it seems.