The Mini

A subtly scathing and hilarious look at middle America. Most independent comedies try to ratchet up the raunchy, but this film takes a different approach with goofy characters and absurd plot twists. On its surface, the movie is a sweet, fun-loving ride that kids of all ages would enjoy, but if you look closer there's a layer of cultural commentary that makes the film a more thoughtful comedy than most with some rather devious, subversive wit. And can anybody tell me why Chris Stack isn't a superstar? The man is hilarious in this film. Now I've got to go rent everything else this guy has been in. A very funny and sweet film.

The Mini stands apart...

With this roller-coaster comedy that from a pure entertainment standpoint is so far ahead of the average dark or dreary indie film, you are going to have FUN! In anywhere USA Fran Molon is a normal guy with really bad luck. And he works with some low-grade characters at a riff-Raff bedding store. He only gets to sell futons, which is obviously not cool! The annual mini marathon (hillariously and ironically sponsored by the fight against "Competitive Psychosis") is around the corner and Fran gets involved. He is going to run against his nemesis at work for a promotion, which is just absurd and also really simple and fun.

THE MINI is definitely an indie film in that the cast and crew are no-names and it is shot on digital. But that is where the low-budget description should end. It is really well directed and acted and the production is off the hook with all the colorful and unique locations.

In short, have a good time with this flick, knowing you're seeing something "special"!

If you looked up the word underdog in a dictionary, there you would find an image of Fran from the movie The Mini. No doubt this futon salesman from Boonville, Indiana is a kind soul who just keeps getting hit with the hard knocks of life. With just a handful of characters surrounding Fran's life, Maverick Entertainment gives a nice compelling satire of when the nice guy does actually finish first.

Not only is he in the running for a promotion to mattress sales, Fran's career path on climbing the ladder in the bedding environment is configured by his power to win the annual mini marathon race against the current mattress sales guru, Rick. The manager of the store Rick and Fran work at can only be described as an instigator at best, but Fran's belief in himself to take the race is strengthened by his best friend and trainer, Dale.

Even unlucky Fran gets lucky sometimes as he scores the last pair of free tickets to a concert featuring his favorite band and takes his newfound love Carmen. She is very supportive of Fran's endeavors, as is his Mom who knows that Fran's Dad won first place in the same race in the 1970's. And while the pressure is on for Fran to juggle his work and social status amongst his peers, he will not stop until his goal is accomplished.

There are some super funny scenes in the film, such as Fran using the expressway for his jogging purposes to get in shape for race day. The humorous tag lines used when answering the incoming calls at the bed mart, very creative approach. Lastly, Fran gets the final chuckle and everything ends as it should in this heartwarming tale where the underdog finishes first! Out on DVD everywhere May 11th and available OnDemand beginning in June! Health and Happiness! Janel Rana aka "Discount Diva" DiscountDiva.Multiply.com "Saving the world 1Qpon at a time!"

I watch a lot of indie films and everybody is so Godamn serious all the time it's always some topic like the war or drug abuse or abortion or relationships. It was different to see an indie filmmaker just make a simple heart warming comedy. I saw this curious little film recently at the Big Island Film Festival in Hawaii while vacationing with my wife and two daughters. It's about a guy who works at a mattress warehouse store who challenges his nasty workmate to race in "the mini" (a mini marathon in Indianaplois). At first I had a hard time rooting for this guy because he was such a loser with no self esteem. But he evolves and becomes a lovable loser, and then by the end of the film, a winner. Me and my family walked out the movie with big smiles on our faces.

Another thing I liked about this movie was the absence of needless foul language or stupid sexual innuendos. You can take your family to this film and not worry about them being subjected to hearing the f word for the one millionth time.

A hilarious comedy! "The Mini"'s humor may be compared to that of "Napoleon Dynamite" or "Office Space" only with lighter, funnier, and quirkier characters. Certainly not a complicated movie, "The Mini"'s story moves fast and keeps your interest from opening titles to ending credits. It is a heartwarming film where acting and writing come together seamlessly.

I saw this film at the Big Island Film Festival and had the opportunity to meet the producers. For their first full length feature this independent film's quality is astounding considering what a small budget it was made with.

"The Mini" is a fun movie that is easy to watch and is enjoyable for any age group.