Sudden Death!

I just saw the screening of Adam Hall's brilliant USC thesis film at the Majestic Crest Theater on Monday. I have to say it is the best short musical comedy about a deadly virus I have *ever* seen. And I've seen my share. The casting is amazing (Doug Jones- genius... the man can act with his *back*), the songs are Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-worthy, and the plot will have you on the edge of your overstuffed theater seat!

Seriously, though, I couldn't hear half of the jokes this film packs in due to the hysterical laughter coming from every single person in the theater. I am not exempt. I can't wait to get my copy and watch it over and over and over and over again!

Muah!

A great idea for a short film - a musical featuring the apocalypse . It's camp , crazy and cheerful . The problem is it's a bit too cheerful , not crazy enough and not sure if it's too camp or not camp enough . The one musical I do adore is Alan Parker's interpretation of PINK FLOYD THE WALL which makes a direct connection between stadium rock and Nazi rallies . Bad taste for sure but one that does have a ring of truth and that film does have the power to polarise an audience in to two distinct camps of love and hate both towards the music being played and the shocking imagery . Here however with SUDDEN DEATH I found myself being rather bored with the on screen events . I'm not missing the point Adam Hall is making here but having a story with a virus that is " The gayest disease ever " that turns its victims in to dancing , prancing , singing , fleet footed fools there seems to be a totally inoffensive nature to everything . The potential scope to really put the boot in to those dreadful , limp wristed , mincing singers and dancers from musical theatre just doesn't seem to be there and the inoffensive nature of SUDDEN DEATH is a handicap . It's also a bit too long for its own good and when you've got sappy songs featuring romance some cynics might say the fact it exists means it's 19 minutes too long

As a married man who has been to his fair share of musicals on and off-stage, this was one from which I wish all others would take pointers!! Funny lines in the songs that actually developed the plot were a great way to keep the pace in such a short flick. And, I always wondered why no one seems to notice in most musicals when others around them break into song; this movie does an outstanding job tearing down that wall, with Doug Jones and the two great leads delivering some of the funniest, awkward moments of the film.

My only complaint is with how quickly Mr. Larroquette's character appears, explains the situation and exits (though in a great way). I'm sure though that time constraints played heavily into this decision.

Finally, keep your eyes on Wes Hall! After that outstanding performance as Billy the Coast Guard guy, he's destined for fame!!

Beautifully shot, fast-paced and exciting script, expertly acted/sung, with amazingly witty lyrics and catchy music; this movie really has it all. Not just for the musical theater junkie, Sudden Death! is so funny that I literally missed half the jokes because I (and the rest of the audience, at a screening in Westwood) was laughing so loudly.

The story follows two young scientists as they search for a cure for a terrible disease that is quickly spreading throughout LA. The only symptom of the disease is randomly breaking into song and dance before keeling over. Hilarity ensues, people fall in love, some get shot, and then everyone dies... all in 20 minutes!! It has to be seen to be believed!

Hurlbert is a standout, and McCann steals the scene as a receptionist.

Definitely check this film out if you get the chance!

This was a fantastic short from beginning to end. The characters played well off of one another and had many great one-liners. I don't think you could have put together a better group of actors for this film. The comedic aspect was not over-the-top and some of the funniest moments came from the subtleties. The music was great and kept the film moving along and the scene setup and cinematography were top notch. My biggest problem with this film was that it seemed like the pacing was a little fast but I think this was due to the time restraints and the entertaining nature of the film. It definitely left me wanting more and I am hoping there is a Sudden Death! feature on the horizon.