Michael Briskett (Steven Hubbell) awakens in a dark room with plastic sheets covered in blood hung behind him. It’s imagery you’ve seen countless times in horror films—butcher accoutrement readied for torture porn carnage. But writer/director Ryan Nelson (alongside Beth Levy Nelson as co-writer) is only giving us a tease of what’s to come before rewinding two days to show the unfortunate circumstances that led poor Michael to an unknown basement decorated for Christmas. First we have to meet his douchebag boss Andy Robillard (Cole Gleason) as he assigns an impossible task during the holiday season. Then it’s the office’s latest hire Cindy (Casey O’Keefe), too perky and idealistic for the soul-crushing grind cubicle life provides. The former risks ruining Michael’s yuletide buzz, the latter saving it.
Mercy Christmas initially appears as though it will be full of saccharine hokum with nice...
Mercy Christmas initially appears as though it will be full of saccharine hokum with nice...
- 11/27/2017
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Why Watch? It has a bit of a slow start, but this story of a game show enthusiast stuck in the rut of a bait and tackle shop finds a winning rhythm that sails because of clever writing, a lead that’s endlessly endearing and a supporting cast that nails down just the right amount of quirk. Dakota Shepard is funny and slightly sad as said game show whiz who’s never been anywhere, Joshua Koopman plays a cartoonish world traveler named Eric, and just about everyone else in the cast colors outside the lines to make the film shine. It’s rare to find adult dramedy that works well (especially in an indie world saturated with them) so this is a nice treat that earns extra points for the bizarreness of its dream sequences. Do Quiet Coyote and give this one your attention. What does it cost? Just 35 minutes of your time. Check...
- 9/3/2011
- by Cole Abaius
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
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