Potpourri (I) (2011) User Reviews

More of a trail mix than a potpourri

[mirishster96 · 5/10 · 28 May 2022]

As the title suggests, this is a potpourri of different genres and styles: there's comedy, horror, medieval fantasy, musical, a bit of animation and it's all trying to go for a Christmas-y feeling, too.

Plotwise, Potpourri doesn't fare very well. As mentioned, it mixes all kinds of different genres, but, even though the separate scenes and events are fun, they don't add up very well and the overall story doesn't make much sense in the end.

Since we're following the separate misadventures of around 4 different characters at a time, there are very few opportunities for getting bored. On top of that, every once in a while the movie is briefly interrupted by a guy recording his movie review show while watching the movie itself, which makes it even more dynamic and is a good addition in most cases.

College-going characters in movies can often be annoying and over the top, but this cast was surprisingly likeable and I didn't have any problems with any of them. Even though there are a couple of atrocious performances (which honestly make the movie better), most of the acting was solid.

As for the effects, they were much better than expected. I enjoyed the gore and they even had a decently made puppet in there. Towards the end there were some scenes with After Effects blood, which is probably one of my biggest turn-offs in low-budget horror, but it's not too bad, since most of the previous scenes had good makeup and practical effects.

Overall, it seems that this film was a labour of love and the feeling of fun the people involved seemed to have while making it is also passed on to the audience. Even though it's far from a masterpiece, Potpourri is an ambitious, charming and enjoyable independent movie.

A Weird Mix of Genres, And Quite Clever

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 18 June 2013]

A group of students at Twin Cities Technical College is faced with expulsion if their final papers in philosophy class are not satisfactory. As a result, the inept group of friends decides to experiment with a series of illicit drugs, in an effort to expand their cognitive horizons and help them better understand some of the mind-bending concepts of the course.

I went into this seeing it as a low budget film with no buzz, and the only name I recognized being attached to it was Sarah French, Minnesota model and actress, as well as horror convention staple. The next time I see her at a show, I will have to say hello.

My suspicions seemed to be confirmed when I heard the song over the credits, which is very reminiscent of the music when the dead rise in "Return of the Living Dead". Cheesy, derivative music does not often bode well for a film.

I should say that things turned around quickly. Yes, the acting is cheesy and the film quality is a bit poor. But it is a work of genius in disguise, with some fantastic writing. I loved the "Back to the Future" question and the use of the notorious Wilhelm Nonsense theory of time travel.

By the time Duke Surgebottom arrived I was impressed, and then completely won over by the singing book. That song was wonderful, and as a former philosophy major it really hit home.

Love the movie

[haharaymondcox · 10/10 · 28 February 2017]

Anybody know where I can buy this movie? saw it on netflix and I absolutely loved it. Everything about it. It is so awesome. Definitely could have done without the the drinking dudes commentary but still overall I give a 10/10. I want to watch this movie again but I can not find anywhere to purchase it. Like I know I am not giving a legitimate review here but I really want this movie. Please help.

Potpourri Premieres at Riverview Theater

[thoughtsandwhatnots · 13 October 2011]

Filmed and based here in the Twin Cities, "Potpourri" showcases the psychedelic experiences of a group of local college students cramming to turn in their final philosophy papers. While "Potpourri" is classified as a, "musical, comedy, satire, zombie film," we would classify it as mainly a humorous B-movie akin to the "Return of the Living Dead" movies. The story is built around college students Perry (Punnavith Koy), Emma (Janelle Kidd), Noah (Ryan Kiser), Hayden (Mike Borka), Marnie (Shannon McDonough), Will (Brent Stariha) and Frankie (Brandon Van Vliet) taking a variety of drugs to assist them in writing their final philosophy papers. Each goes on strange, but funny trip. Perry (Koy) transports himself into medieval times and rescues the displaced Princess. Emma (Kidd) is taken to jail for accosting an officer who she mistakes for Santa. Marnie (McDonough) hallucinates that her philosophy books are singing. Will (Stariha) has a vision of himself as a prophet, Noah (Kiser) seems to transplant himself between all portions of the story, while Frankie (Van Vliet) hallucinates the zombie apocalypse - the most blood squirting, gut spilling portion of the movie that seems to bring the stories together for an eventual resolvable, and happy, ending.

Does it make sense? Yes and no. While the cinematography and musical score were pretty good, the screenplay itself seemed more complicated than it needed to be. Noah (Kiser) could seemingly travel back in time, alter his choices and create a new future (e.g., multiverse theory), though it was not explained why (or how) he could do it but he seemed to improve upon it as the movie progressed to the point where he could do it at will. The theory behind it was explained at one point so the viewer has an idea of how it worked.

The acting left something to be desired with either under-acting at some points (Perry (Koy) or great over-acting (Officer O'Donnell (Sidney) their roles. Perhaps it was intended? We weren't quite sure. Marnie (McDonough) and Hayden (Borka) were enjoyable to watch and left us wanting to see more of their characters, either through silly singing or bickering with the homo-phobic, douche bags who screamed like little girls. Gary Keast truly seems to fit his role as Killgore, a beaten down, seen-it-all zombie cop. The shining moments were the singing sections (Consternation Cinema) and of course the zombie apocalypse. Usually hating random singing in movies, it seemed to work adding a good dose of over-the-top" comedy to liven it up.

Overall, I'd say give "Potpourri" a watch. If you enjoy funny B-movies like "The Return of the Living Dead" and "The Evil Dead," you might just be a fan of "Potpourri."