The Wizard of Speed and Time

For a movie with a lot of silliness, this movie has soul. It's not Citizen Kane but that's not the intention. If you like Pee Wee's Big Adventure or UHF, you'll probably like this. The intent here is to entertain, nothing more...but also, nothing less. And it succeeds.

The one word that best describes this film is "whimsical." There is, however, obvious frustration that underlies this film. You can tell that Jittlov is both a fan of watching movies as well as making them, and it's clear that he is fairly exasperated with the things that get in the way of movie-making.

Here, he skewers the excesses of Hollywood, most of which film fans are at least passingly familiar with - unreasonable union regulations (and exclusivity), filming permits, shady film executives, and just getting someone to look at your work and give you a shot.

From the start, we're on Jittlov's side. And this is why the movie works. Some of the jokes are corny, but again, they're kind of supposed to be. But there's a lot here that's genuinely funny too.

Mostly though this is a visual treat. The film is packed with visuals - even the sets (Jittlov's room for example) are interesting to look at. From riding a suitcase through Los Angeles to running pretty much literally around the world at high speed, the uncynical love for "movie magic" shines through.

And it would be wrong not to mention the presence of J.R. "BoB" Dobbs, the one true living slackmaster, stenciled on the side of a van. And this is appropriate because this is definitely a film about the film industry as an extension of The Conspiracy, stealing the slack away from the passionate, creative people who just want to make an honest film.

Mike Jittlov - I know you must look at the comments here and I want you to know, I'm on your side. Thanks for making this movie. It was a lot of fun. Sorry about the suits. Sorry about the soul-sucking "Con." And I hope you get an opportunity to make something else for us soon! This movie is a pure-hearted anthem for every independent film maker or effects guy ever who just wanted to do it for the love of it. And it's a hoot. If you're looking for something light but entertaining and visually interesting, this would be a good pick.

I didn't see it noted, but there were 2 versions of this movie released on video. One from SGE and one from StarMaker. Both have the same picture on the box, but the StarMaker version is easily recognized by the gold border around the picture. (The one pictured on IMDb while I write this.)

Most people agree, the SGE version is the better version.

A lot of the jokes in the film do revolve around Hollywood, unions or the IRS and the characters' somewhat Dilbert-like frustrations that the process of making films or money is not nearly the straight-forward process they'd expect.

A good bit of lore has built up around the movie as well, as many ironic stories have sprung up around it. A usenet newsgroup dedicated to Mike Jittlov fans has been around for a long time (relative to the internet anyway.)

It also has the unusual distinction of having parts being played by the real people: the filmmaker is played by a filmmaker, the evil producer is played by a ....well, producer, the musician is played by a musician, his mother is played by his mother, his brother is played by his brother... etc, etc, etc.

The truth is, eye came across this movie in a video store and thought it looked like the most stupid thing ever. Im 17 & interested in film-making & so like to watch total low-budget crap and laugh at how poor some low budget movies are!

But not this. The wizard of speed & time is literally more than a movie. I feel like Mike J is a movie & magic pioneer in the industry showing that Creativity and magic are still very much alive:)

The film is just so magical & feel-good. There are odd sequences cut & pasted together & look so different. There are 3 unicorn references (I love unicorns) and the fact Mike J basically MADE THIS MOVIE HIMSELF is a testament to how much passion he put into this project. The Prince of the movie industry! The sequence with Mike going to all the unions is a clever & witty dig at the ugly crapiness of hollywood. This movie is a reminder of all the guys & girls sitting in their rooms making the most magical stories,pictures & music that only they will hear. I just wish that Mike J had been sucessful and given us more movies like this. Well, at least the movie lives on.....

Peace Nyrone (uk)

I first saw this movie back in 1989 with some friends of mine, we were in the habit of going to the video store and TRYING to find a movie none of us had seen. One trip brought us this rare gem. We watched it and were thoroughly amused by this story of Mike Jittlov vs. Hollywood. The stop-motion effects were simply amazing, executed with skill that would make ILM green with envy. The story was funny in a poking-fun-at-Hollywood-and-ourselves kind of way. NOTE: Our rental copy included the movies own hilarious trailer, this trailer does not seem to be included in copies available today (5 YEARS in the making! 5 DAYS in the theaters! ect). Watch it, love it, share it with your friends.

Welcome to the church of Cinematology....

The story of one man's impossible dream: to create with the aid of Hollywood a feature length motion picture with a real story, with real people and special effects that mean something.

CAN it be done?

Mike Jittlov is employed by two producers to work an a special effects extravaganza for their network. Of course they make a bet whether he can do it all in time, cue: the sleaze trying to sabotage Jittlov at every turn.

Okay, babe.

It may not sound too original but the film's quirky sense of humour, staggering attention to detail, several thousand jokes and inspirational messages and cast of characters you actually CARE about set it apart from other formulaic hokey comedies.

What a way to make a living.

And as if that wasn't enough the film features some of the most amazing stop-frame work seen since Harryhausen (except less jerky and unnatural), all building towards the film's climax - Jittlov's finished piece the "Wizard Run".

Nothing can stop the creative spirit.

What more can I say? Be amazed, be happy and (you've guessed it) may all your good dream and fine wishes come true!