Over the last few years it seems, mockumentary films have seemingly increased at a ridiculous pace. Now days, anyone can run around with their camera or phone, record loads of random footage, edit it all together to resemble a story of sorts... and call themselves a filmmaker. In the world of indie, low budget film, this is especially common now. I've watched quite a few of them over the last two years alone; and although I have enjoyed a small number, for the most part, they are just what you think they are. Amateur footage pieced together forming a... well... something I wouldn't call a film. On one hand, everyone has to start somewhere - at the same time however, if you are not going to at least put in the effort during production... you get the idea. Because of this new-ish trend, I was skeptical when preparing to watch "Brick Madness" after reading the description. The poster art however, looked good, so I had hope for this movie. I also couldn't help but laugh at myself for letting "box art" influence my excitement level for a film. I guess that's the point however, so let's just move on shall we? "Brick Madness" from Ian and Justin McAleece, is not a run-of-the-mill mockumentary from amateur phone shooters looking to call themselves directors. This is a slick and funny production - done right. Did I mention it actually has a point? A story? It's hard for me to know where the fiction begins and reality sets in, aside from the characters that is... but "Brick Madness" revolves around a building competition with Lego. "Brix" in this film. We get to see the competitors, the "minions" and everyone in the middle. All this is done with a flare for the dramatic, including wrestling inspired character videos and promotional material, very well done interview segments and of course, the documentary crew who follow the action. The characters themselves may be fake, but there's no question these people "feel" like the real deal. Complete with the hopeless nerds, the perceived loners, the random girls sprinkled around and of course... our celebrity champion and fallen heroes. I did mention this was a film about building stuff with Lego right? Just making sure. Normally I would go into some form of rant about the production aspects of the film. In this case, as I'm sure you've guessed by my rating, there really isn't much to write. "Brick Madness" plays great onscreen. There's nothing low budget, indie feeling about this title at all. Well, as far as documentaries go that is. The promo videos created, and the inserts used, look top notch. Some even stellar. If you happened across these videos browsing your favorite cable television channel, you would never assume they were created for a micro budget, indie mockumentary. You may wonder when "Lego builds" became a sport of this magnitude, but that would be it. Even the footage used when following around the competitors looks great. As good as any "true" documentary you will find now days. However, the quality of work is not where "Brick Madness" really out-shines many other fake docs. It's the story being told. I was a little surprised to find myself drawn in, and even rooting for the competitors. The "good-guys" that is. It's very easy to forget that what you're watching is not real. Very easy indeed. This push for realism and true entertainment in the narrative has really paid off. When you forget you're watching a fiction, someone has done something right. If I had anything to complain about at all... it would be the slightly long nature of the movie. At slightly under two hours, you really need to set some time aside. However, once you commit, you'll find that the time flies. Still, with a few more cuts, this could "maybe" have scored a perfect rating. From myself anyhow. Yes. I liked this film that much. There really isn't much else to write, that I haven't already, for my closing statements. When/If this film becomes available as a hard copy, I will be one of the first in line to grab a copy. Even though I've already seen it you ask? Yes. Even though I've already seen it. This is one of those rare times a fake doc has actually worked on near every level. For me anyhow. All the elements have fallen into place, forming a fun and funny movie that puts entertainment first. Fun and funny? You bet. "Brick Madness" is "actually" funny. Not just funny in places. A heartfelt thanks to all the excellent cast and crew involved in this production. You gave me a fun two hours. Can't really complain about that now can I?
