The History of Future Folk

I had never heard of this film, until a friend just mentioned I should see it. I'm so glad I did; it's just lovely; part children's film and bedtime story, part fantasy biopic of NYC Bluegrass band Future Folk (I assume fantasy!) and also a low budget but well produced/directed, uplifting sci-fi film. I would recommend for anyone who likes gentle comedy and a rather sweet storyline about music, what's great about humans and saving the planet (planets, more accurately; Hondo and Earth!)

Firstly, the music in this film is brilliant. The medley of music that General Trius plays for Kevin when he first arrives is incredibly accomplished, and I was gripped from then on. I admit that a bit before that I was "What on earth is going on here!?" as I had no preconceived ideas/awareness of the film. It is simply filmed, as I said low budget, no bells and whistles but everything that is SFX whilst simple is effective and the film meanders along from a babbling brook to a decent sized river at the end when the action heats up reminiscent of good (cheesy) 80s sci-fi but more up to date, and 50s band/musician/star vehicles. But for all the simplicity and lack of budget it is very professionally done.

The lead Nils d'Aulaire (General Trius/Bill) is gorgeous and compelling, elegant and just super cute with his daughter Wren, played by Onata Aprile, who isn't the best child actress I've ever seen but was good and there was great chemistry between her and d'Aulaire. D'Aulaire is only listed as being part of this project so far on IMDb but Jay Klaitz who played Kevin, the second alien from Hondo is known for more and his acting was more fluid and more in the style of mainstream-film; he was funny, the "plucky comic relief" with d'Aulaire being the brains and the action, and his scenes were possibly the most entertaining. The best scene was without doubt the fight/dance scene - d'Aulaire's physicality and strength in a convincingly choreographed fight interposed with Klaitz's surprise demonstration of some quite elegant passionate Tango, also well choreographed, with April L Hernandez as Carmen the cop, earthling love interest. Bill's wife Holly was played by familiar face Julie Ann Emery and she seemed comfortable in the role, and well cast as the earthling who stole his heart/groupie.

Overall, an uplifting satisfying film. Gentle, sweet, funny without anything shocking or gratuitous, suitable for the whole family but entertaining and enjoyable. It's a good film, in terms of moral content and also feel-good factor. Well worth the view. Recommend.

I just finished watching this on Netflix today, 1/2/22. Although the film has obvious production value issues it has an undeniable quality to it that most films lack. It is a complete story. It has a beginning, middle and end. It may be predictable and somewhat unoriginal as a sci-fi film. The special effects are nothing special. Not everyone is a name actor with impeccable skills and exceptional beauty. They obviously didn't have the budget to produce the most crisp cinematography.....BUT, as the story puts forth, music saves all. No I am NOT a folk enthusiast but there is an artistry, a sense of humor and warmth to the story and music. The best comparison? The first thing that comes to mind is Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny which had more money in it's production budget but similarly hokey or dated special effects that added to the humor and appreciation of the music. The History of Future Folk is not rated, and in this case is more suitable to general audiences with maybe a not toward PG here and there whereas Pick of Destiny is rated R. Admittedly, Future Folk may not be to everyone's taste and certainly don't expect to be dazzled by eye candy special effects but it really is a well done, feel good story that entertains. You really could see a lot worse. I know I certainly have.

I use to work in film and television in a number of capacities. None of the films or tv shows I worked on were much good and definitely nothing I felt proud to be a part of working on other than a paycheck. I think I would have felt differently working on this movie. Watch it if you have an interest in music, watch it for it's light quirky humor, watch it if you like Tenacious D, watch it you want to see something with your kids, watch it if you want to see an honest, feel good story that isn't taxing at all.

Having trudged my way, miserably, through much box office fare of late this little gem took on the status of a diamond in the dung heap.

It's pretty much the definition of "short and sweet". Others have described the wacky story so I won't bother. In theory it shouldn't work but somehow it does. I think maybe it's the immaculate deadpan of the lead actor that carries it; or maybe the catchy songs; or the way its low budget is always taken seriously - silly costumes notwithstanding; or the two genuinely touching love stories. Or... well, I could go on.

Find this movie, however you can, and give it a chance. It's adorable. If only it had been given the release it deserved I guarantee it would have been the talk of the town. Sadly the movie business doesn't roll that way.

One thing I absolutely guarantee: we'll be hearing more of the people involved before very long. As "calling cards" go it doesn't get much better than this.

Fun, original, involving, if sometimes cheesy... but all worked great in this farce. Great music, too. I really enjoyed it.

This is a charming little indie feature about the two human look like aliens from the planet Hondo. They sent on the mission to find an alternate home to quit from their dying planet. But soon they fall in love with the greatest human invention, music. They forget about what they have come and adopt the Earth's atmosphere and human life style.

Definitely a low budget movie and sometime scenes with no logic. A perfect entertainer to someone who familiar with a B movie. They used a minimal quantity of tools like cast, graphics and the locations including simple costumes but there were no limitation of the imagination. It is not suitable for who always look for a perfect sense, other than that it is very enjoyable.

The movie was short and sweet . No surprise twists, the end was very plain but somehow it satisfies. As I said 'The History of Future Folk' is not a crowd puller, there are few people who know well second stream movies will enjoy it.

7/10