I watched MY purchased copy of 'FLIP' last night and I was very impressed. Not just with the delightful story and the sense of whimsy and fun, but with the overall presentation by a independent production company of a very entertaining short film. 'Flip' is a short film that is crafted with a real sense of love and pride.
And rightfully so.
'Flip' is a wonderful slice of Americana. That's exactly what it is. This is a film that SHOULD be submitted to the History Channel and Turner Classic Movies for broadcast. This is NOT a Horror Fan's short...it is a short for everyone who's ever found yourself saying..."oh, I remember that..."
That pretty much covers everyone on the planet doesn't it?
From the canned PD drive-in music, to the magic of Flip's imagination to the low budget horror movie that Flip sneaks out to watch late at night on TV...it works on so many levels.
My favorite shot of the entire film was the final shot...as Flip and Flip Jr. proudly examine Flip's newfound long lost prize, the mail order U-Control Ghost....and the older Flip explaining to his son (with wild arm gestures and excitement) what a wonder it was to see this thing in action.
(But we all know better)
Oh, our memories are all trapped in that same limbo, aren't they? If I ever got my claws on a Mego Mad Monster Castle again, would it be as wonderful as when I was a kid? No, it would be a flat, fold out, cheaply made vinyl castle. But I would treasure it, and display it, and marvel at it all the same. But I would most certainly share with MY son the thrills and chills of the terror-filled adventures that happened within it's purple walls.
That's 'Flip'.
I cannot wait to see what Spooklight does next. Perhaps another Flip adventure might be in order? Phantasmagoria? I look forward to seeing their first full length feature.
Thank you Kirk and the gang at Spooklight....and thank you 'Flip'.