sammmurphy
26 Reviews
Reviews
Awake Like An Egyptian
I was with you for the first scene, but the plotting kind of weakened after that and if there was a joke, I missed it. Like it was set up as funny initially (and I really liked that title card) maybe but then it wasn't hugely. Ambitious to do a period piece, even if it had its feet firmly planted in parody, and I liked that part the most.
48 Hour Famine
Sharp, funny, entertaining, and one I will be coming back to watch again. The sound could have used some TLC, is the only criticism I have.
Taylors Escape
was kind of unclear on drive and ending point of the story and there was a lack of polish overall., but a fantastic performance from tiny taylor, and the sequences of his imaginings were really well done.
Rhythm
Well shot, well performed, well written. The only thing for me was that I didn't quite follow the way these two stories converged, save for that they take place in the same building, and the ending was a little weak (for all that all the characters definitely enjoyed it).
Pour Moi
Probably my favourite. Funny, but achieved earnestly, as opposed to the self-conscious kiwi humour that we get so much of. Slickly done and nicely performed by all actors involved. The plotting for the front end was a little inexplicable, but it came together.
Prime's Numbers
This one intrigued me the most and it had my attention to find out what the hell was happening, with some good script, good acting, a seemingly good concept, and good production. Unfortunately, I didn't quite get it towards the end? I felt like maybe it was trying to elevate itself too much in its scripting, suddenly introducing a bunch of new concepts, and its idea was lost in the atmosphere, so I felt a bit confused by the time the credits rolled. I liked the doctor.
Rollplay
Some clearly defined characters and sharp editing skills, but the story didn't quite find a lift off point, and therefore, no landing or closure.
Bags
Imagine this without the voice over. It would have been a lot more sinister, I reckon. Instead, we sort of knew what was coming which only works if the deaths are spectacular, although I did like the first death -- nicely done. Good production values, just not a super strong story for me. It achieved some necessary horror story tropes: some suspense, and a couple of cringes.
120 hours in OSdom
Flawless. Good pacing, good performances, excellent gags, and it embraced its budget quality with exuberant glee. I also just love robot stories and am so jealous our team didn't get it, so you had me at hello already.
DICKS
A good story that was maybe told/executed a little clunkily, but I really enjoyed its core concept and its final endpoint. Solid humour, solid characters.
Mother's Day
Good acting, and I don't mind talking heads! That one dude's performance was pretty excellent, as with the Irish lady. I liked the suspense of it, not exactly knowing what was happening and who was the subject of the crime for a bit, but the ending was a little confusing and made the concept a little shaky. Good writing, though.
Playing House
rare that a 48hr film has the kind of twist that makes me think back over the past 5 minutes and laugh again. all that awkward humour paid off. tight story, good acting, well done.
Mel the Magic Mushroom
A good joke that carried well for the length of time it played, and a nice take on a genre that could get pretty literal otherwise. I do think this sort of simple thing needs to be executed a bit sharper, and it threw itself away towards the end, but "imsomniac sheep shagger" was a good line no matter how you spin it.
Con Troll Alt Delete
Quite a way to kick this heat off. Strong concept and a great ending that neatly tied it all together, and some sweet practical effects and props. Some odd lingering shots threw me a little here and there but otherwise you nailed this one. Kudos also for some good lines and acting moments.
Strings Attached
I liked the concept (why not puppets, indeed?) but struggled a little with overall production values, some repetitive script, and a bit of a downer of an ending.
The Robster Goes to High School
good concept, shaky on the dismount. his journey to success was never made super clear and the documentary-style interviews probably held you down. good moments and lines, good characters, just somewhat confusing.