I have been adding data to IMDb more often than normal in the past year, and one of the things that strikes me as I look at the names of cast/crew and other work they have done, is just how many people are not "the next Tom Cruise" or anything like that. Indeed the acting world is just filled with jobbing artists who won't ever get that big break or make it onto the big stage; for every lead actor in shot there are usually dozens of uncredited extras; for every top 40 single, there are hundreds of pub bands, tribute bands and others. This came back to me because this short is about two men trying to make that leap with their art, and deciding to be brave and go for it, despite essentially being nobodies.
It sounds interesting, and it should be, because it is done with a comedic air and with very high production values. It also comes with a large number of famous faces thanks to the personal connections of Bratman and Brown. Both of these factors give it a very professional feel and this general sense of it being a bigger film than it is, does help it in its delivery. The problem is that the film at times appears to be more about these factors than about the substance. There are some amusing moments but the situations of the two nobodies are broadly painted, and their journey is comparatively brief and unengaging, and, while amusing, it is never really particularly funny. It is a shame because it is nicely done and quite pleasing as a short film, but it does feel like a missed opportunity – and while the presence of people like Gaffigan, Kemper, McBrayer, and Hale, all have an impact in terms of being in a short film, they are not particularly well used and if anything they distract.
It is amusing and it does have a certain light pleasing quality to it, but it is a case of it being less than the sum of its parts.
