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farter_boy
Reviews
Flourish (2006)
Movie doesn't quite "flourish" when it comes to storytelling
The director of this film, Kevin Palys, is clearly talented at writing clever dialogue, but understands little about cinematic structure. "Flourish" starts off promising, but quickly reveals itself as an amateurish effort that wanders aimlessly. A half hour passes by and we still don't know what the protagonist wants. Palys would be better suited for sitcom writing. Jennifer Morrison is an appealing actress, but Palys fails to get anything impressive out of her; his direction results in a mundane, forgettable performance. The cover design for the DVD is also appears to have been concocted at the last minute by an amateur graphic designer. I applaud Palys for making an effort and at least trying to engage his audience. However, his script would have benefited from several rewrites before production.
Coons! Night of the Bandits of the Night (2005)
Below sub-par comedy
The "filmmakers" have produced an awful film, but that's precisely the point. The high school actors seem to be winking at us,as if to say, "Yes, me in bad movie, and me proud of it."
This is a comedy in the tradition of "Date Move," "Epic Movie," and "Sleepover." Unfortunately, the director, Travis Irvine, fails to understand that true comedy works when it is taken seriously. That's why classic spoofs like "Airplane!" and "Cannibal! The Musical" work: because the actors act as if they are in a serious drama.
"Coons" was featured at the 2006 TromaDance. It was the worst film of the night. Perhaps the cast and crew had set low standards for themselves. One would guess, by the obvious lack of production value, that the only goal Irvine and his team had in mind was "Let's make a horrible movie!"
They certainly have succeeded. "Coons" is unfunny, and not only that, it lacks skill and professionalism. Even terrible comedies like "Epic Movie" at least aim for quality in cinematography and acting.
Take for instance the poor casting. Rather than casting professional, talented comedians, Irvine cast young men who look like high school students, dressed them up in wigs and costumes, and then made them recite raccoon jokes. It looks like the worst high school play you've ever seen.
But again, that was the point. "Coons" fails as a comedy but succeeds as one of the worst independent "films" ever produced. I'm sure Travis Irvine and his crew are out there somewhere, smiling as they read this, convinced that they have made the best bad film ever. Yes, indeed, they have.