Latchkey

I saw this movie just last week at "Short Mondays" screening at the Pig & Whistle in Los Angeles (coincidentally, Sir Sean Connery was there that evening watching as well!).

"Latchkey" is a very well done movie, with good casting, great acting and a wicked plot! You can tell the director and DP worked well together and the music really adds the final touch to setting a fun and creepy mood... like in all cult horror classics, the few "funny" lines really stand out - and the punch-line to this movie is unbelievable!

I've already shown the DVD version to 2 friends and they both loved it too... GREAT death scene by up and coming child actor Andrew Michaelson...

I most recently saw this short film at the Sedona International Film Festival. Director,Sean Olson in 17 minutes does a superb job of bringing the audience to the edge of their seats with Latchkey. The movie also sends a poingant message about the challenges and risks that face our current society with respect to latchkey children. The director aptly states, "It's 5:00pm do you know where your parents are?" The casting was well done - and it shows in the chemistry between the actors. Mrs. Child's as played by Jane Evans is perfect in her role and newcomer Andrew Michaelson, playing the role of Danny delivers a solid performance. The photography is excellent and the editing and music score make this movie a definite Thumbs Up!

I remember being told as a kid never to go door to door selling whenever I had a fundraiser for school. After watching Sean Olson's "Latchkey," a brilliant short film, I am glad that I listened to that advice. Of course, that really wasn't the issue in this film. I grew up lucky, having a parent always home when I got home from school, but Danny (played convincingly by Andrew Michaelson) was not so lucky. After being frustrated by his working mother again, Danny goes out selling candy bars, and it doesn't end well. This is one of the few films that I've seen recently that has a truly chilling end. I really hope more people see "Latchkey" because it really deserves attention. I give it 9/10.

The director really brought out the children's performances without making them seem overly precocious. Interesting tale hope to see more work from this director. Coupled with top-notch cinematography and score the film keeps the viewer watching and in suspense.

The story has a slight Twilight Zone feel to it. There was a creepy aura that surrounds the characters even in such a tranquil suburban setting which appears to be reflective of the 1980's Spielberg idealism. However instead of feeling comfortable in these surroundings you feel vulnerable, which in many ways the media and our own pop-culture has made us feel about the world around us. The film directly addresses this with its use of news media clips and of course the child who (although not forgotten by his mother) is essentially abandoned by the overworked parent and left only with a TV as a companion.

My husband and I watched Latchkey and enjoyed it tremendously. We were really disappointed that it was so short. Andrew played an excellent role; and what a convincing death scene. I look forward to seeing many more movies with Andrew in them. The movie was very believable for in today's society, this could have happened. I think all of the actors in the movie did a wonderful job. This movie would be a good one to use by some of the foundations that have been created for missing children, i.e., Jacob Wetterling, etc. We live in a very safe city but something like this could happen here. I hope a lot of parents can see this movie so that it might make them realize that if they have a "latchkey" child they will develop a program in their home to make their child safer. Keep up the good work!