Fell, Jumped or Pushed

This clever little film features the hallmark of a good mockumentary: a solid ensemble of actors who create a vivid, zany crew of characters. In this case, they're brought together to film a documentary that's destined to change tracks -- if not go off the rails altogether -- as their amateur-but-earnest leader (Todd Peters) wades deeper into his own unfulfillment and his family's unsolved mystery. And all of this is framed as a documentary-within-a-documentary directed by an Eastern European auteur (the inimitable Andrei Belgrader). Filmed near the top and the bottom of the west coast, in Spokane, Washington, and San Diego, California, this movie is well worth your viewing.

Fell, Jumped or Pushed is a funny meta-mock-documentary that follows a bunch of likable, if not competent amateur documentary filmmakers pursuing an impulsive passion project. The joke is that the rookie documentarians are being documented as well, by a "legendary" documentarian, who is disgusted by the DIY enthusiasts who think they can read one of his books and suddenly produce follow in his footsteps. The mockumentary style has become the domain of television, (The Office/Park & Recreation ...) but it's easier to sustain in the investment of suspending reality when it is shown in a movie style. The acting and commitment to the characters carries the film. Writer/director Todd Peters gives a solid lead performance. HIs cast is interesting, likable and believable. The direction is crisp. The jokes don't draw blood, so much as tickle you with a feather. The reason the jokes work so well is that the characters are worthy of emotional investment. You want to see these people succeed. Thee are some genuinely clever twists as well that make this film worth watching to the finish. You want to see these people succeed. The setups take a little bit longer than sitcom mocumentaries and the obvious low budget of the film makers (real) lend a charm to the film that makes it actually look more like a real independent documentary than the modern style of sendups. In that sense, the film comes off like early Albert Brooks comedies. If you are tired of watching bloated budget green screen spandex extravaganzas, this fun little movie is well worth your time, and it gives you something to cheer for.

This film looks amazing! Fell, Jumped or Pushed is a perfect example of all the things an indie production can really be; it's a documentary about making a documentary, for crying out loud! How great is that? Sure this has been done before, but it never gets old. I especially find the subject relatable, having been involved in several short film productions myself. This film highlights all of the struggles and hi jinks of small film endeavors, and all of the great material that takes place both on and off set. Hopefully, the subject matter in this film is on par with my expectations. I have high hopes for this film. I'm most certainly looking forward to watching this production as soon as I can!

I loved this film. FELL, JUMPED, or PUSHED is a very clever and fun mockumentary with seriously fantastic performances and a lot of heart. Todd Peters (also the director/writer), Caroline Hall, Jeremy Rabb, Mark Boyett, and Blair Sams as the core crew of the documentary that is the subject of the film – and Andrei Belgrader as the over-the-top auteur – all gave seamless, grounded performances. And the grandmothers! There is a scene in a bar with one of the grandmothers - I want to bottle her voice. She's amazing. (The blending of actors with "real people" is interesting and effective.) The movie's tone is akin to Christopher Guest films at their most real moments, and I laughed out loud more than once. This is a well done, entertaining indy film that I highly recommend.

One of the most enjoyable films I seen last year! Brilliant writing! An absolute must for anyone who likes witty indie films! It's a story that you will still be thinking about a week later. Hats off to the director for bringing together not only a great cast but also a very enjoyable and entertaining story. I went into the theater not knowing anything about the film. Being in the film industry myself I am sometimes a tough critic however I was laughing out loud almost the entire time and I left hoping there would be a sequel. ( I never leave hoping for a sequel) I would recommend this film to anyone but especially to the entertainment and film industry crowd. Get your popcorn and get ready to laugh out loud!