A semi-serious, semi-funny $30,000 feature written, directed and co-starring Paul Feig, "Life Sold Separately" takes place in a grassy field where several strangers converge with hopes of meeting aliens that will solve their problems by whisking them off the planet.
With uneven performances, a forgettable title and straight-faced approach, the playlike "Life Sold" is a tough sell under the best of circumstances. But it's a nice try, shot during six days in California's Topanga State Park with decent production values.
Contact of a different sort is made after much bickering among the principals, until a twist near the end ups the stakes and real soul-baring moments occur. Overall, Feig's script is lackluster, with his character holding onto a longtime belief in a future alien encounter.
Clark (Feig) takes medication and fights depression, but we really don't know much about him. One morning he comes to a nondescript field surrounded by chaparral and low mountains. Soon he is joined by Bob (Kari Coleman), a shy blond woman whom we learn also believes that aliens will land.
Trouble arrives with the portly, balding Larry (Steve Bannos) and his space-cadet pal Roger (Dave "Gruber" Allen). Loud and profane, Larry claims to have determined that a UFO will appear from a picture in Penthouse magazine. Roger, owner of a store catering to fans of fantasy role-playing games, is just tagging along.
As time goes by and no E.T.s show up, Clark quarrels with Larry about exactly whom the aliens have called to the spot. Bob and Roger try to play peacekeepers, with the former revealing that she's had a string of boyfriends love her and leave her. Even-tempered Roger, with his D&D instincts and unfailing wisdom, takes on Larry as well, but he's a reluctant devil's advocate.
Eventually they all bond over their "uncool" status in life and become friends. They start to enjoy the wait, but a rude awakening occurs when Clark's co-worker Fred (Penn Jillette) crashes the scene.
With too much gab and few memorable lines, "Life Sold" is further undermined by over-reaching performances from Coleman and Bannos. While Feig has a strong presence, one struggles to become emotionally involved with his overly defensive, needy "loser."
LIFE SOLD SEPARATELY
Flaming Shrimp Prods.
Writer-director: Paul Feig
Producers: Alexandra B. Carr, Paul Feig
Executive producers: Panos C. Nicolaou,
Todd Traina
Director of photography: Mark Sanford
Editors: Elena Lanskaya, Scott Powell
Music: Flapjack
Color/stereo
Cast:
Clark: Paul Feig
Bob: Kari Coleman
Roger: Dave "Gruber" Allen
Larry: Steve Bannos
Fred: Penn Jillette
Running time -- 83 minutes
No MPAA rating...
With uneven performances, a forgettable title and straight-faced approach, the playlike "Life Sold" is a tough sell under the best of circumstances. But it's a nice try, shot during six days in California's Topanga State Park with decent production values.
Contact of a different sort is made after much bickering among the principals, until a twist near the end ups the stakes and real soul-baring moments occur. Overall, Feig's script is lackluster, with his character holding onto a longtime belief in a future alien encounter.
Clark (Feig) takes medication and fights depression, but we really don't know much about him. One morning he comes to a nondescript field surrounded by chaparral and low mountains. Soon he is joined by Bob (Kari Coleman), a shy blond woman whom we learn also believes that aliens will land.
Trouble arrives with the portly, balding Larry (Steve Bannos) and his space-cadet pal Roger (Dave "Gruber" Allen). Loud and profane, Larry claims to have determined that a UFO will appear from a picture in Penthouse magazine. Roger, owner of a store catering to fans of fantasy role-playing games, is just tagging along.
As time goes by and no E.T.s show up, Clark quarrels with Larry about exactly whom the aliens have called to the spot. Bob and Roger try to play peacekeepers, with the former revealing that she's had a string of boyfriends love her and leave her. Even-tempered Roger, with his D&D instincts and unfailing wisdom, takes on Larry as well, but he's a reluctant devil's advocate.
Eventually they all bond over their "uncool" status in life and become friends. They start to enjoy the wait, but a rude awakening occurs when Clark's co-worker Fred (Penn Jillette) crashes the scene.
With too much gab and few memorable lines, "Life Sold" is further undermined by over-reaching performances from Coleman and Bannos. While Feig has a strong presence, one struggles to become emotionally involved with his overly defensive, needy "loser."
LIFE SOLD SEPARATELY
Flaming Shrimp Prods.
Writer-director: Paul Feig
Producers: Alexandra B. Carr, Paul Feig
Executive producers: Panos C. Nicolaou,
Todd Traina
Director of photography: Mark Sanford
Editors: Elena Lanskaya, Scott Powell
Music: Flapjack
Color/stereo
Cast:
Clark: Paul Feig
Bob: Kari Coleman
Roger: Dave "Gruber" Allen
Larry: Steve Bannos
Fred: Penn Jillette
Running time -- 83 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 3/25/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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