Your Stage : Spring Shorts Film Festival - 2015 (Bay City, Michigan) by Francis LaLonde

I had stupidly forgotten to request the day off, so I had to work during the early afternoon, and missed most of the first half of the festival. Still, I saw a couple of those, as well as the evening shows. Here's my personal opinions/reviews/ratings (please remember, I rate on a 0-4 star scale, and historically, I tend to rate films on the higher side) for the films I did see. Please don't be offended by any of my statements - I'm definitely not an expert, and don't claim to be one - merely I'm JAFO (reference to Blue Thunder: Just Another F**kin' Observer): How It Came to Be (Renee Tate): a documentary which I was able to catch the latter half of. From what I did gather, it covered her (and other independent film artists) struggling to 'keep at it' - especially when things seem to be working against oneself. Since I didn't see the whole film, I'm not going to rate it, but it did look like one I want to see in it's entirety. Going to the Top (Cassidy Bishner): a psychological thriller, with an ending which, though effective, could almost be anticipated. Still, it kept me riveted. Also, later in the evening I was told that the ENTIRE film had been done with green (blue?) screen - the visually stunning elevator set ... wasn't really there! So, though initially I would have given it a 3-star rating (out of a possible 4 stars, using the older Leonard Maltin system), I easily raise it to 3 1/2 stars. Entangled Web (David Jerome): a political drama about a politician dealing both with his own problems, and those of his surrounding enemies. Though the ending was abrupt (IMO), it was a quite satisfying close. Visually, the film was very good as well. I'd easily rate this 3 stars (as a rule I personally don't care much for political dramas, so...). How to Fall (MCR Electric Otto): an animated feature incorporating a funk soundtrack . Very odd (to me), but again this was a film which kept my attention. The animation style was a little disorientating, but it seems that is part of the idea. In the same way that I like Vanilla Sky (ie: I have absolutely no idea why), I liked this quite a bit. I'd give it 3 stars. No Baby (Charlene Jeter): a sentimental drama about a woman having a baby, with her lover rejecting the idea that it's his and deciding to leave them both. I'm a sucker for tear-jerkers, and this is such a film. The only drawback (IMO) was that I had trouble keeping track of the in-film time-frame - but once that was cleared up, I actually came to the realization that this was a very good film. I'd rate it between 3 and 3 1/2 stars - but if I have to make a choice, I'd go with the 3 1/2 rating. Laundromat (MCR Electric Otto): the second animation from MCR Electric Otto. Having seen How to Fall, I had an idea of what to expect, and I wasn't disappointed. I liked this entry quite a bit, and feel it was the best of MCR Electric Otto's. I'd give this 3 1/2 stars. Ill-Conceived (Timothy Flynn): a documentary about a noise musician called Amigo. I had no idea what a noise musician was, and in the early going, I had some difficulty following the film (though a few humorous lines kept me watching). As it developed, I started to enjoy this story and plan on following up by checking out this musical category. I'd give this documentary 3 stars. Meatloaf Zombie in a Box (MCR Electric Otto): the final animation entry from MCR Electric Otto. I actually didn't enjoy this one as much as the other two. Again, though - I'd never seen such work before, so I plan on checking it out (much like the idea of noise musicians). I'd give this film 2 1/2 stars. Matinee (Brent Kruscke): Rude, crude, juvenile and VERY enjoyable (I'm quite a comedy fan). Three guys working at a film theatre - and the hijinx which ensues. I may be over-rating this, but I'd give it 3 1/2 stars. SAM (Zac Deering): a futuristic sci-fi drama involving a robot/artificial person/android. I liked the storyline, though I'll confess the ending left me hanging a bit. The VFX were pretty good (I've seen better, but I've also seen worse). Overall a decent film, which I'd rate 3 stars. Shotgun Wedding (Michael McCullum): a comedy about a couple at a courthouse, with a woman in an extreme "family way." I like several of the lines, and a couple of scenes, but I didn't enjoy it as much as Matinee. Still, it has merits, so I'd rate it 3 stars. Strange Addiction (Colton Hayward): a comedy in the form of a classic cable-medical-infomercial. It may have gone on a little bit too long, but I enjoyed it. And, I overheard that there is a possibility of another in the same style. I'd give it 3 stars Feigned Meins (Ryan Burtney): a drama in the tear-jerker vein. The primary thing I enjoyed about this film was the set 'design' - a minimalistic approach which also tied in well with the 'makeup.' I don't want to ruin it, so I'll leave it at that. I'd rate this between 3 and 3 1/2 stars, and give the edge upward (3 1/2). Scripting Slingwell (Patrick Neff): Action, Comedy, Adventure and ... just WOW. Essentially, a writer is working on a script/screenplay for a secret agent film - and his effort becomes intertwined with that of the protagonist (Slingwell). I really enjoyed the combination of the two - as well as the over-the-top VFX. I rate this top-notch, and feel no shame in rating it 4 stars. Beer Run (Patrick Neff): a short comedy, involving a shopping expedition by a couple. I felt it was a little bit too short, with an ending which - though fitting - just seemed to leave me wanted a little bit more. Not a ROTFLOL type comedy, but it still had a few good parts. I'd rate this between 2 1/2 and 3 stars, but I regret saying I'd go with the 2 1/2 rating. Tue Night Flamingo Fight (Josiah Wood): an action/comedy with a very cute narrative device. Think along the lines of Kickboxer, then throw in a narration-style of Peter Falk in The Princess Bride (but with a much sharper edge). A very enjoyable film, and one which I'd rate 3 1/2 stars easily. APFATE - AKA: A Peculiar Fate Awaits the Earth (Michael Welborn): I will refrain from giving this film a rating, since I had a role as an extra (and which gave me a very undeserved, yet welcome, screen credit). A sci-fi adventure about an alien landing on earth, and then being pursued by two different agencies. Does the alien have nefarious plans, or is he here to help? Well, watch the film. Well, That's my recap. Again, I emphasize that these are merely my personal opinions, and I definitely wouldn't want to discourage anyone from viewing any of those films. However, if I've increased your interest in any/all of them, that is perfectly acceptable. http://springshorts.com/