Don't underestimate the value of ultra-low-budget, homegrown cinema. I've watched amateur horror that far outpaced major studio offerings; for all the bare-faced artifice of John Waters' early X-rated films, the likes of 'Pink flamingos' and 'Desperate living' remain more original and entertaining all these years later than some new releases are upon premiere. In keeping with the spirit of such fare, it sure seems to me as if filmmaker Scott Apostolou was working with resources even astonishingly thinner than these points of comparison when he made 'Mutants in paradise. Production values are all but nonexistent as the sound and image quality leave much to be desired, and things like "filming locations," "sets," "costume design," or "props" seem to be what the man was able to coordinate on weekends through the generosity of friends and acquaintances. If anyone involved represents a recognizable name or face, like Edith Massey, that says more about an individual viewer's watching habits than it does about the fame of the participants. And this is to say nothing of amateur acting ("non-derogatory," as the youths say), and first-time direction that unmistakably demonstrates Apostolou's lack of developed skill.
Despite all this, however, I can see the earnest hard work, care, and intelligence that went into the production. It's achingly low-grade, and those who contributed in every regard possessed limited capabilities, but the endeavor is honest, and it's not sloppy. The picture may lack the necessary vitality that would have allowed the humor to fully flourish, but there was real wit poured into these seventy-seven minutes. A smidgen of surrealist ideation, loose bounds of reality, and a lot of cartoonish absurdism are smashed together with deliberately plain, ham-handed contrivance - the outward exposure of the falsehood - that irregularly goes so far as to break the fourth wall. Further factor in farcical, exaggerated characterizations and scene writing, and some clever dialogue and gags, and between the energy that the cast bring with them and the pointedly dry tone that follows as much from Apostolou's inexperience as from his intention, this is actually a fair bit of fun as the minutes tick by. Only occasionally does the feature truly earn laughs, but I have to appreciate something that begins with a reasonable premise fit for sci-fi spy movies, then just kind of leaves the premise by the wayside; the plot develops somewhat indifferently as the nonsense swiftly takes center stage.
Granted, Apostolou was so focused on that nonsense that the writing sometimes becomes altogether scattershot; at some points this flick is barely holding itself together, almost feeling more like sketch comedy. 'Mutants in paradise' may be a flippant romp, but it still would have benefited from a through-line more hardy and concrete than "here's a main character" to keep the proceedings grounded and centered. The limitations of the participants and of the production are all too evident, putting considerable caps on just how enjoyable the end result could be. Yet this really is quite bright every now and again; some tidbits are kind of brilliant. Would that the title were more consistent, certainly, but all told it'8s not bad, and there are far, far worse ways to spend your time. Only those who are receptive to the most unabashedly low-budget and humble of films could possibly like this in the first place, and even then it will meet with mixed reception and isn't something one needs to go out of their way to see. Nevertheless, I had a good time here, and seeing as how that was all that 'Mutants in paradise' was meant for, in my opinion it's enough to earn a casual recommendation if you happen to come across it.
