Vandits

So I found this almost by accident and I've got to say, I have seen films that must have cost 1000 times more to make, that are far less entertaining.

It's obviously been made on a bit of a shoestring budget, (indeed, during the end credits, it even points out that all of their gear was stolen the night before they started shooting) but they really did an alright job. There's no real bad acting and the story is more than acceptable.

It's hardly Oscar material, but you could do a whole lot worse if you're bored and want some Indi entertainment with some quirky laughs.

Well done to all involved.

Quirky comedy "Vandits" laudably applies a "Groundhog Day" twist to a "Bad Santa" styled Christmas small-town-crime flick... but too weirdly for it to work. Tony Nappo, Francesco Antonio, Jesse Camacho & Victoria Gwendoline are a dumb, amateur wannabe crime gang out to rob Enrico Colantoni & Rob Wells' bingo hall on Xmas Eve... but as each experiences a failed & violently fatal heist conclusion, they flashback to their van to start it all over... and over. Co-writer (with Adam Rodness) / director Stuart Stone takes a dark yet silly approach... which doesn't work. Canada's low-budget "I Like Movies" was a top 2023 movie... but similar category "Vandits" sure ain't.

Four idiots call themselves "The Vandits". They are robbing the Christmas Eve bingo game hosted by Ned (Enrico Colantoni). Something's wrong as it goes Groundhog Day.

This is a Canadian indie comedy. I recognize Enrico Colantoni who is the only truly funny performer here. I do know that one guy from Trailer Park Boys and Jann Arden. Here's the deal. The Vandits group needs to be funnier. They need funnier actors. They're not actually funny. They're only pretending to be funny. I would keep the fat guy and drop the rest. Maybe keep the girl if one has no expectation of her character being funny.

Oh my goodness!!! Even Enrico who brings passion and creativity to every role COULDNT save this! Did they kidnap your family and hold them for ransom? The ransom being you participating in this film.

Well I guess everyone had an off day or a few, as this clearly wasn't filmed in 24 hours. Or maybe it was...I fast forwarded through almost all of it only pausing for the scenes Enrico was in...I guess the naysayers were right-NOBODY is perfect, although prior to watching this I was pretty much thinking ( and saying) Enrico was...

So no more like this please! My heart can't take it. Just post a warning label or something over the opening credits to warn those of us who are your biggest fans....

Watched Vandits 7 times. So technically, I've actually seen it 28 times with the Groundhog Day type storyline. Super original plot. I would have never thought anyone could extract so many dope scenes/concepts out of a bingo hall. Soundtrack's always on point with 5'7 Films. Right from the start with all the bass in the intro song...me and Oskar are still chanting "Merry Christmas, Merry Merry Christmas" and it ain't even Christmas anymore. Casting was on point heavy, and the on-screen chemistry of the entire cast couldn't have been more beautiful. You can tell everyone understood the assignment. Without having to break down every brilliant scene, just please know that I get ALL of the humor and couldn't have been more captivated/satisfied the entire time. I can probably recite the entire movie front to back, as there are so many quotables. It's a hilarious trip that I've taken several people on, and will continue too do so. I also just wanna say, Tony Nappo is a brilliant actor and I'm glad you guys see that in him and use him as much as you do. He's got an amazing range, and I can tell he probably ads a lot of improv that you guys more than likely keep. He reminds me of a mix between Steven Ogg, Bob Odenkirk, and Vince Vaughn all wrapped up into one Tony Nappo. Everyone stepped up, and I feel wouldn't be a completely dope project if you were to subtract any cast member from the mix. I really think this one was perfect exactly as is, and wouldn't change a thing. I genuinely, hysterically cried of laughter at some points. Like laughter that I haven't felt in as long as I can remember, and uncontrollable. Literal laugh attacks. That to me is priceless, and something the world needs a hell of a lot more of. Thanks for giving me the ability to genuinely turn off the stresses/pressures of the world for a solid hour and a half. Anyways...you guys are magicians with what you do, and I'm continuously amazed at every 5'7 Films project. Definitely looking forward to the next one. Respect.