Checkout

I saw this a few months back and I thought it was just great. Just long enough, just enough little twists, just enough humor, just enough character. The character of the ninja seemed a little weird, maybe even corny, at first. Very quickly, though, he came into his own. He was SUPPOSED to feel out of place, thats really the whole point of the movie. The introduction flashback confused me at first, but that really made the movie all the better. You get to see the lead up events unraveling the confusion presented in the intro. All the twisted threads came out. Very impressive for 15 minutes! I can't think of anything I didn't like. There were a few individual lines I would have cut, but if you have a chance to see it, take it!

This short comedy is a gem in every respect - a great premise, a well-written script, strong acting and high production values. It's easily one of the best student films I've seen.

We follow three intertwined story lines, each featuring a character who aspires to a lofty calling in life. Yet each encounters indifference, even ridicule, from the people around him. "Black Shadow" just graduated from Ninja academy, and is working at a convenience store until his big break in the Ninja world opens up. Is he really a martial arts master? His only apparent skill is disappearing in a puff of smoke, which is annoying the customers. Mike is a big shot in a fraternity, and claims to have mastered the esoteric art of the beer run, which he's now trying to teach to a frat brother novice. Joe, the convenience store janitor, tries his best to spread rumors that he's a psychotic killer, but is just too nice a guy to convince anybody he's dangerous.

Are they really extraordinary people, or are they just living in a fantasy world? We only find out in the conclusion, where the story lines come together in a hysterical climax, in which all the characters show us what they're made of. The director and writer of this strange and brilliant gem have certainly shown us that they've got what it takes - and like their characters, they just might get a shot at the big time.

I caught this at the DC Shorts festival last fall, and was pleasantly surprised to find that what I feared would be just a one-gag film (I could just picture the pitch: "Okay, so we've got a ninja, only he works at a convenience store. And he meets a bunch of other wacky characters. Hijinks ensue!") turned out to be surprisingly well plotted, with very well developed (if more than a bit over-the-top) characters (not necessarily deep, but definitely motivated), great comedic pacing, and some really fun performances. And yeah, there were enough gags to live up to the premise. Definitely worth seeking out at a festival screening -- and if it becomes available on DVD, I'll definitely try to pick it up.