| JOB OP: Needed - Soul-Searcher | ||
| Glitch in the Grid | ||
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| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
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A sweet sense of the surreal is created with low-fi, old school, very warm stop-motion animation. These sequences are scattered, interspersed, or more appropriately “planted” in rows among a field of either (seemingly) improvised dialogue or “captured drama.” The story focuses on a young artist’s plight to carve out a meaningful life in the grid (civilized big city society/L.A.). There is a lot I like about this sincere little piece. As mentioned, I enjoy how the animation brings a magical sense of whimsy, but also a sort of impending sense of wisdom. I also appreciate the reflective discussions of these young adults as they endeavor to figure out how to become fully independent adults and still do the things they love. These were the same sort of discussions my friends and I had at that time in our lives, so I enjoyed the nostalgia. I also appreciated the alternating love and frustration these close friends demonstrated toward each other. However, I’m not at all sure this adds up to a commanding feature film. If there’s a dramatic arc or focused climax, it’s too subtle for me. And I expected a bit more development of character or understanding or enlightenment for all the rather glum mood expressed. But, that could be me, others are fine without these elements in their films. Further, some of the scenes seemed unnecessarily long, especially towards the last act, as if the filmmakers were trying to extend into a feature what was best left a short. In the end, I felt I’d seen a work I would have been very proud of creating myself back in my Indie Filmmaking early 20’s. In fact, because of the really beautiful artwork in still and motion in this piece, I’m envious of these filmmakers. But, as a viewer, the story didn’t quite pull together enough for me. I was visually stimulated (as well as somewhat intellectually), but I wasn’t moved emotionally -- save for feeling a bit dragged down. All of that said, this reel is quite obviously the creation of some very talented filmmakers and I would not at all be surprised to see excellent works from them in the future. |
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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
