Funky Town

I stumbled across this film at a film festival a while back and was absolutely blown away. Here was a film that seemlessly integrated the aspects of the film noir and musical genres with invigorating and entertaining results. The experience of viewing "Funky Town" is a unique one. It tells a well worn story but in a way that feels totally fresh and unique. I usually hate musicals, but I was impressed at how the filmmakers used music to help flesh out their characters and tell their story more effectively. Try and get ahold of a copy if you can. It will remind you of the ways a movie can sneak up on you and surprise you with its inventiveness.

The Citizen Kane of noir musicals involving a nacho hat. Seriously, though, I was a college film student long enough to know how bad student films can be. Maybe it's just grading on a curve, but this is easily the best one I've ever seen. Funny, catchy tunes, incredible production values (again, curve - please judge it for what it is), and I can pretty much guarantee one-of-a-kind.

You can Google-search it out on DVD, a double-pack with another student film from director Matt Janzen - "The Salesman." Seen that one, too. Also funny, but a bit more of an on-the-nose homage to silent comedy. Funky Town's the real gem, and worth hunting down. Especially if you're a film student or wannabe filmmaker who thinks you're a genius just because your friends all laugh at that parody you posted on YouTube. Here's the bar. Try to top it.