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Review:
Crossing the lines between different genres such as thriller, action,
mystery and superhero films, this short is an amazingly well produced
little gem. With quick paced action and impressive special effects,
this DVD is a preview for a future full length feature film from Alex
Ferrari, Jorge F. Rodriguez and The Enigma Factory. Containing 19
minutes of the film, this shows what can be done with $8,000 and the
determination and drive to be a filmmaker. The only real problems are
unanswered questions. Who is management? What are the dreams? And what
is the deal with her eyes? I will bet that most of these questions will
be answered in the full length feature. They have to leave us wanting
more, right?
Bonnie
Clayton (Samantha Jane Polay) wakes up to find a strange man in her
kitchen. The next thing she knows, she is tied up in a wheelchair where
her kidnapper Duncan (Paul Gordon) informs her that she is to be
“replaced”. Why? She hasn't a clue. A mysterious man dressed in black
watches for the right moment to rescue her. And when that moment arrives
he takes it by the horns and takes on Duncan's team of heavies including
the beautiful Marquez (Amber Crawford) and the “cleaner” Gabriel (Tony
Gomez), among others.
Casting:
While most of the cast doesn't have many lines throughout, some shine
and some don't. Most notable is Paul Gordon as Duncan, the sadistic
leader of the group who kidnaps Bonnie. He enjoys his job and he's not
afraid to show it. Samantha Jane Polay does a fine job of conveying fear
and confusion in this short piece. I will have to reserve true judgment
on her performance until I have seen the full film. The only one who
didn't shine was Amber Crawford, but who am I to complain about a hot
redhead with big guns?
Image &
Sound: I hate to keep hammering on the fact that this film only cost
$8000 to make, but every technical aspect shines. The sound, the video,
everything. Hell, this wasn't even shot on film! It was shot on mini DV,
whatever that is, lol. The sound effects were great, the surround mix
was excellent. The shotgun sound effect was a little much, but otherwise
everything looked and sounded like a big budget picture.
Special
Features: The extras on this disc is where it really shines. Over three
hours of special features including six different commentaries, a ton
of behind the scenes featurettes from every stage of the film making
process to a gag reel and creator bios. A great resource for amateur
filmmakers. I have seen big studio releases that don't have half as many
features as this disc does.
Final
Words: A wonderfully exciting and intense exercise in film making on a
budget, not to mention an intriguing story. If you want to learn more
visit www.whatisbroken.com.
Mitch
Emerson
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