Baggage 2013 (Short Film) - REVIEW

The folks over at YouveBeenRobbedFilms are at it again with a new film called Baggage. It's a glimpse into a day in the life of Benjamin, just a normal guy, minding his own business and trying to fit in with society. FROM THE SYNOPSIS: He goes to work, loves his significant other and has hopes and dreams just like you. You will follow Benjamin for one day of his life, but will you still believe that Benjamin is normal after his world is revealed?

I previously reviewed Rob Dimension's film No Clowning Around (review here) which I considered to be an impressive venture into the life of a washed up former TV clown. Baggage is no different. Well, it is and it isn't and I will intentionally be vague as to not spoil any part of the film. To give too much away would be a smack in the face to a film maker who tries so hard to create something surprising.

Dimension wrote and stars in the film and and does a great job. I always enjoy watching someone who obviously has a respect for the genre and it's clear that he does. There isn't a lot of dialogue so it's left to him to speak through actions and expressions and he does it with an intensity that makes the character come alive on screen. 

Director Jeremiah Kipp also does an impeccable job framing shots and bringing a subtle dark tone to the film and I enjoyed the look and feel of it. It's done in black and white which is something that doesn't always work but definitely does here. I could easily see this playing out as an episode of The Twilight Zone . 

When it comes down to it, Baggage is just an all around solid Indie film. And I must once again give kudos to the cast and crew who obviously worked very hard to make it successful. 

For more info on Baggage and YouveBeenRobbedFilms, visit their site. You can purchase merchandise, pick up a copy of the film that also includes their award winning short, No Clowning Around. 

baggage from Action Media Productions on Vimeo.

No Clowning Around 2012 (Short Film) - REVIEW

Lately, as a rule, I've ventured away from reviewing independent short films from social media contacts. Mainly because I don't find any joy out of making "internet friends" then having to turn around and do a break down of their films and having them get all defensive and pissy. I came to the conclusion that I either need to stop making "internet friends" or pass their films over to another writer. I'm not 100% sure why, but I made an exception with this one.

Hmm, so how do I describe Mumbles the clown? I guess one could sum it up best by saying he's a has been... A former TV clown, once beloved by many, that's now reduced to being a hapless party clown and most of the time he can't even get that right. A drunken, depressed, disgusting shadow of his former self who binge drinks, breaks into people's houses and passes out in their bath tubs. The good thing is, he's not alone in the world. He has his drug addicted, ex-hooker girlfriend Trixie (Kim Dimension) and, what I can only assume is the physical manifestation of his own self loathing, a puppet named Mr. Peepers. When the inevitable happens and he loses the one thing he seems to be living for, Trixie, he falls into a downward spiral that will most definitely lead to murder. And you thought you were having a bad day?!?

I was actually very surprised by the performances in the film. Writer/Director Rob Dimension also stars as Ed/Mumbles the Clown and does a good job at making him pretty damn disgusting but pitiable at the same time. Since the main focus of the film is Mumbles the clown, we don't get to see much of the other actors and that's okay. The viewer is given enough to make it clear what the intent of each character is. Kim Dimension gives a short yet solid performance and Sal Valente, the voice of Mr. Peepers, is spot on.

The hardest thing to do in a short film is being able to convey all the information needed to get your point across without bombarding your audience with too much too fast. Dimension manages to create a very gritty, very dark, very complete story in a mere 25 minutes. The film looks good, sounds good and has great score behind it. The effects were very well done and while I would've liked to have seen more carnage from this homicidal clown, it would've cheapened the overall story. I really enjoyed the film and I look forward to seeing more from this group.

Check out the No Clowning Around website for more information and to purchase your copy of the film.