This Oscar nominated student short film was a nice and humored gathering between comic actors/father and son Jerry and Ben Stiller. In
"Shoeshine", Jerry Stiller plays a shoeshine working on a ferry to New York and without potential customers, he approaches a young man (Ben
Stiller) who accepts to have a shine in his shoes. They both chat about their life philosophies, their families and share some advices.
You'd probably seen this kind of film before and probably know who are these two - specially if you read the page on this site detailing
the characters. But the Stillers are so good in those friendly roles, and their dialogues exchange (Shakespeare as a shoeshine man), that if you use
your imagination you can picture two hard working unknowns sharing a special moment and learning about life and its secrets to success.
And it's a pleasure to see the late Jerry Stiller moving out from the typical loud, grumpy characters he used to play in many sitcoms.
Not sure if
I agree with the tips given by the old man about the three things a man needs to succeed - unless if there's a metaphorical use to it rather than
the literal description. But I was charmed alright by this lovely partnership. Tom Abrams made a special film debut here that needs some rediscover.
9/10.
