The Mini

The Mini stands apart...

With this roller-coaster comedy that from a pure entertainment standpoint is so far ahead of the average dark or dreary indie film, you are going to have FUN! In anywhere USA Fran Molon is a normal guy with really bad luck. And he works with some low-grade characters at a riff-Raff bedding store. He only gets to sell futons, which is obviously not cool! The annual mini marathon (hillariously and ironically sponsored by the fight against "Competitive Psychosis") is around the corner and Fran gets involved. He is going to run against his nemesis at work for a promotion, which is just absurd and also really simple and fun.

THE MINI is definitely an indie film in that the cast and crew are no-names and it is shot on digital. But that is where the low-budget description should end. It is really well directed and acted and the production is off the hook with all the colorful and unique locations.

In short, have a good time with this flick, knowing you're seeing something "special"!

I viewed this film at the Temecula Valley Film Festival. Comedies are usually laced with coarse language and sexual innuendos, however, I was pleasantly surprised with The Mini. Because most comedies are crass, I hesitated to see The Mini.

How refreshing to view a film with a positive message---the good guy wins over the bad guy. The story was told without words that needed to be bleeped out or without sexual innuendos or scenes that no one else needs to see.

May I suggest to film makers and Hollywood, that this example be followed.

Thank you Mr. Director. I will be looking for more of your films and tell others.

A subtly scathing and hilarious look at middle America. Most independent comedies try to ratchet up the raunchy, but this film takes a different approach with goofy characters and absurd plot twists. On its surface, the movie is a sweet, fun-loving ride that kids of all ages would enjoy, but if you look closer there's a layer of cultural commentary that makes the film a more thoughtful comedy than most with some rather devious, subversive wit. And can anybody tell me why Chris Stack isn't a superstar? The man is hilarious in this film. Now I've got to go rent everything else this guy has been in. A very funny and sweet film.

If you looked up the word underdog in a dictionary, there you would find an image of Fran from the movie The Mini. No doubt this futon salesman from Boonville, Indiana is a kind soul who just keeps getting hit with the hard knocks of life. With just a handful of characters surrounding Fran's life, Maverick Entertainment gives a nice compelling satire of when the nice guy does actually finish first.

Not only is he in the running for a promotion to mattress sales, Fran's career path on climbing the ladder in the bedding environment is configured by his power to win the annual mini marathon race against the current mattress sales guru, Rick. The manager of the store Rick and Fran work at can only be described as an instigator at best, but Fran's belief in himself to take the race is strengthened by his best friend and trainer, Dale.

Even unlucky Fran gets lucky sometimes as he scores the last pair of free tickets to a concert featuring his favorite band and takes his newfound love Carmen. She is very supportive of Fran's endeavors, as is his Mom who knows that Fran's Dad won first place in the same race in the 1970's. And while the pressure is on for Fran to juggle his work and social status amongst his peers, he will not stop until his goal is accomplished.

There are some super funny scenes in the film, such as Fran using the expressway for his jogging purposes to get in shape for race day. The humorous tag lines used when answering the incoming calls at the bed mart, very creative approach. Lastly, Fran gets the final chuckle and everything ends as it should in this heartwarming tale where the underdog finishes first! Out on DVD everywhere May 11th and available OnDemand beginning in June! Health and Happiness! Janel Rana aka "Discount Diva" DiscountDiva.Multiply.com "Saving the world 1Qpon at a time!"

Not since Napopleon Dynamite has a true indy picture been made with such heart while relying on straight forward storytelling from it's filmmakers. The Mini does not rely on the typical shock effects, i.e. graphic violence/language and unrealistic themes that so many indy pictures do in fact rely on. Ron Beck, writer/director of The Mini, instead relies on actual intelligence and creativity to push this story forward. Where most Hollywood hack filmmakers depend on chase scenes, graphic killing sequences, and unnecessary/awkward sex scenes to fill in the pages, Beck shows a talent for understanding and magnifying simple human characteristic flaws in order to create a very interesting story arc. The Mini just seems to work from the opening scene, and the story doesn't waste anytime getting you to root for Frannie, a character that seems to stay with you even after the lights go up. The Mini will provide an enlightening movie going experience for cinema fans of all ages.