FILM INFO: Peter LeSeurdmin has worked the same dead end job for years. After his girlfriend, breaks up with him, he goes on full day bender and wakes the next day to find his life completely changed. Amidst trying to reclaim Nicole's heart, he must contend with his transformation into a half man, half lizard, as well as attacks from a mysterious barbecue enthusiast.
WRITTEN BY: Nicholas de Fina DIRECTED BY: Nicholas de Fina GENRE: Action, Comedy TIME: 80 minutes
Completely delighted to have an animated feature to sink my brain into, I hit that play button kicking off "LeSeurdmin" from writer, director Nicholas de Fina. Admittedly, I was a little apprehensive when it came to the unusual animation style. My first thoughts really weren't flattering until I realized the animation wasn't sub-par at all. The visual aspects really were just a stylistic choice and quite quickly, I became used to it. Much like Family Guy or South Park, the "less is more" approach effortlessly felt normal, and honestly quite fitting for this hilarious film. That's right reader, I said it: Hilarious. When it comes to indie film, animation and yes, even studio produced "adult" cartoons, my memories of laughing this much for an eighty minute stretch are quite limited. Watching this film was the perfect reminder of what a genuinely funny movie could do, instantly brightening my day. I'll be the first to admit I love toilet humor, ridiculous situations and vulgarly graphic, dumbly over the top gore. My first real introduction to "at the time" over the top cartoons, was the lovable pair Ren and Stimpy. As cartoons of that style evolved so did I. To put it bluntly, if you love comedic cartoons, that are not afraid to "push the envelope" and invoke comedy of that same pushing nature, you're going to love this movie. Even if you're just a casual, adult cartoon viewer, there's still so much you're going to laugh at while watching. That sneaking suspicion of low brow, crappy animation fades quickly... especially when you begin laughing and chuckling like a little sissy schoolgirl. That's the real golden rule of this film: Get 'em laughing. Since this is an animated feature, there's really nothing much to say technically except the audio is all good. Character voices and sound effects are mostly top notch save maybe a single backing tune. The unique animations quickly feel just right as the gags pile up. This is a graphic film. So expect lots of blood, swearing, and general cartoon violence. You can also expect some brief but graphic nudity; although probably not what you're thinking it will be. When you're going for this style, you really have to leave your inhibitions at the door. "LeSeurdmin" has no problem in that department, and you'll be glad it is the way it is. I also have to send a nod for the stereotypical characters. They are hilarious, although not in a "mean" racist kind of way. There's a fine line between "bad taste" and funny. Nicholas de Fina treads that line pretty darn close to perfectly. I especially like the clearly "Sloth" inspired character. I near snotted on myself when he was introduced. Two words. Ha-Ha. Being a superhero now days is big business. With the comic book genre topping the box-office lately is this type of film a surprise? Not at all. Sooner of later, the indie world was going to step into the ring. "Leseurdmin" steps in and kicks ass. Bringing comedy and a unique visual style to a quickly tiring genre. The approach is nothing terribly new, a reluctant hero who really has no superpowers at all. It's the situational comedy and hilarious execution that set this film apart. By itself, an awesome movie. As a possible franchise... by way of a sequel... that's an interesting thought. As it stands right now, I have no problem writing that I loved this film, and know plenty of others that would as well. One to watch for, I know I will be. -JT
