The Mother of Invention

When I first saw the Vincent Dooly audition tape a year and a half ago, I had no idea that was an actor, acting. I mean, I suspected it, as one must do these days, but Andrew Bowser's performance in it as a quirky, wannabe inventor talking to the camera as a hopeful subject of The Mother of Invention documentary - is palpable.

The Mother of Invention is similarly palpably entertaining as so many films try to be.

The balance achieved in casting as well as the thoughtful direction and editing renders the performances and the writing in the best possible light, with Bowser bringing the plight of goofball inventor Vincent Dooly to the screen not as a cartoon character, not as a one-note schtick artist, and (thankfully) not as a series of tiresome improv.

There IS a delicate balance achieved with respect to the story of Vincent Dooly (inventor) that never veers too far into silly territory, and never too far into poignant-land, all the while weaving poignancy and silliness into a compelling Indie effort that had me with it until the very end.

The entire cast should also be commended for their effort and I thank them for not throwing the lines out, phoning their performances in, or letting ego get in the way of the story and the film.

This film, obviously a low budget Indie effort is about as good an effort as I've seen in recent years, and I sincerely hope it can invent an audience for itself, because it deserves one.

Making a film today is hard, especially quirky and thoughtful ones. The story was intriguing, the acting top-notch, art and cinematic direction was also better than expected. It's a brave little movie willing to stretch the envelope while staying believable. Bowers is a mix of. Jason Schwartzman and Bruce McCulloch with a drop of Crispin Glover lunacy around the edges, while Jimmi Simpson has traces of early James Spader creepiness. Look quick and see Chris Hardwick in a cameo, too. Not a bad or off performance in the movie. Dee Wallace shines as the mother and. Mark Boone is great in a droll performance as is Kevin Corrigan. Give it a try.

This is a mockumentary of young Vincent (Andy Bowser) a would-be-inventor who seems to be shy one cup and saucer from the set. All his life he has been out invented by people that give away jellybeans and pizza. This time he is not about to be out invented. This is his last year, and he is going to show people what he can do.

This is not a mockumentary about inventions but the integrity of the inventors, their dreams and those of the people they choose to help them. Can we relate to Vincent's quest, and will he finally succeed?

This film is a low budget and it shows. They are experimenting with dialogue, and it shows. Their timing is extremely excruciatingly and infuriatingly slow. I mean slow. However, I thank them for their effort; yet I do not think this presentation is gonna be on the top of any list.

My invention will be a fizzy caffeine pill to put in all those caffeine free drinks.

The only positive thing I could possibly say is that it only takes twenty minutes to watch the last three quarters of the film on high speed fast forward.

I almost chuckled at the hat, but not quite. Not funny for a single moment. Repeating the same action, that wasn't funny the first time, fifteen times made it painful to watch.

I only watched this to see Kendall Ryan Sanders as his performance in Criminal Minds was simply stunning but he was only in this for two minutes and nothing that could show any of his superb talent. It is quite a tragedy that this fine young actor has so much trouble getting a role worthy of him.

Complete waste of time, couldn't be more disappointed.