Michael Half-Life

Michael Half Life is a brief look at the inner life of Michael Halfman that takes the viewer from the mundane corporate world through a throwback science fiction/super hero adventure and back to everyday life all in the span of a few short minutes. This film speaks to the inner desires of us all while at the same time reminding us of the joys that can be found in our regular lives. Director David Maddox paid attention to the smallest details while creating scenes over the course of fifteen years, which allows the viewer a sense of authenticity in the age progression of the characters. I enjoyed watching this film with my elementary aged boys and hope to see more films by this director in the future.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. So, when Michael Hafman leads a lackluster life in a mundane office job, his alternate life is full of action, suspense, and superhuman feats. But that was a time long ago. Now, he is in a world in a higher position at work with more responsibility and more stress. But a single phone call changes his outlook on his life and reminds him of the heroics he once performed that made him who he is today, and how Michael Hafman is still Michael Half-Life to those who truly matter: his wife and his son.

A labor of love for over 15 years, "Michael Half-Life" is comical, fantastical, and endearing. Director and writer, David Maddox, smoothly transitions between formats: from color to black and white, from "talking pictures" to silent film, and back again. Beautifully executed, Maddox doesn't miss a step. With music brilliantly provided by Sam Rogers and Lina Hayek, "Michael Half-Life" is as original as it is inventive.

I don't always enjoy films that are made for non commercial screenings, and most if not nearly all short films are made with this purpose. However, I found Michael Half-Life to be a refreshing gem in the thousands of short films made for festivals every year. One really awesome thing about this movie is that it was made in the span of 15 years on various different mediums, giving it a very authentic feel as the arc of the characters spans years of their lives. The fantasy aspect was really nicely done, and the director took his time creating some very cool retro sci-fi sequences. The charm of the story is that we can all relate to it. We have all had dreams of being super heroes, standing up for what is right; and more often than we realize, our every day lives provide the opportunity to be just that for the people we love. Hope to see more from David Maddox in the future.

OK let me start with the fact that I'm a sucker for indie/student films.

Its like watching a football player before he hits college...maybe even before he becomes a senior and realizes that his talents merit rewards.

With that said, i totally ate up Michael Half Life.

Yes you could be a dork and point out issues adjusting to the frame speed or the fact that it turns from a black in white Noiresque film to a standard color one but you don't want to be a dork do you.....DO YOU??

To me this film has layers or creativity, inventive story telling and a concept that somehow teaches you a moral lesson without being a jerk about it.

I also like to add that though i cant say for sure what the budget was for the film was i really enjoyed all the cost cutting editing and filming i noticed. Well done MHL crew!

over all i dug it! Duke Bravo