Recoil

I have been reviewing films for Newport Beach over the last 15 years. After attending the "careful what you short for" series, I was utterly impressed by Recoil; The score, the visuals, the actors, and the surprisingly emotive story interwoven with a unique plot via science fiction tropes. It's rare when you go to a film festival and you are completely surprised by a film. Although, it was grouped with domestic dramas, and Recoil is not without its flaws, it stole the show and stood out tall. I was on my way to my car when I just had to go back and let the director know how impressed I was and then learned it was a student film. That final fact blew me away. I don't typically buy into science fiction or fantasy (which is what will hurt this film in the festival circuit), so the screening group gave this film life that it absolutely deserved. Kudos.

Unfortunately, science fiction films lack appeal and prestige at festivals. So, I have no doubt that Recoil will get lost in the festival world that does not cater to entertainment pieces like this. That being said... Recoil was great fun to watch. After a few minutes of setup, I found myself lost in the story and the fun of what science fiction used to be. After hearing the director speak at the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival, we see his nostalgic influences come to life in this redemptive space adventure that was designed to entertain on the silver screen. I must admit, after watching a second time on my laptop, it doesn't compare to the big picture impact from the theater. Recoil inspired me enough to write a review. It has my vote.

It is hard to know where to begin with this short film. Evan's master thesis is an incredible feat, one that only true film makers can appreciate and enjoy. The level of detail and coordination to complete this piece is astonishing. Something you will not see from any other thesis film from any university.

Having been in the business for nearly 8 years I can really appreciate what Evan did here, it is fun seeing what a new up and coming director looks like! What is also wonderful to see is that this film has international appeal; it has action, diversity, visual effects, great story, set design, wardrobe, makeup, and most importantly mastery directing.

The domestic box office attention is necessary, but the international audience is even more important these days. Hollywood needs better directors and ones that know how to command an action film and appeal abroad. This is clearly achieved with limited resources and a lot of hard work and grit by the director. Bravo. Can't wait to see your next piece, hopefully a slate of feature films are to come next.

I may be biased as I am a fan of sci-fi films, but it also makes me a tougher critic of them. I was able to catch Recoil on the Opening Night of the Burbank International Film Festival in Los Angeles. Man, was it a fun ride. The film starts off with a bang (literally) and doesn't let go until the final seconds. To open a major festival and be met with such a wild applause from the packed house leads me to believe that everyone else forgot where they were for 19 minutes, tuned out the world and bought into Recoil. For that I thank the filmmaker. It's hard for any short film to have a solid beginning, middle, and end, but then hits you with a water-cooler, chat-worthy twist. The final kicker, this was a student film! I'd watch whatever this director comes out with next. Fun ride, see it (on the big screen) if you can.

One of short films who are more than good or admirable work. it is demonstration of inspired story who transforms the film in more than a seductive Sci. Fi. in same measure, it is a moving pledge for basic values defining us. not the last, it is one of films proposing a precise portrait of fundamental decisions roots. and it gives a total action story, the tension, emotions and choices being a solid basis for an admirable work.