Who says you can't run your problems into the ground? Aside from the health benefits, most people can agree that nothing clears your head like a good jog. For the fanatical and casual alike, it's the one sure fire way to get the blood flowing and brain firing. "Run It Off" was written by William Shutt and Liam O'Hara, who must be avid runners themselves; or at least know some because quite frankly, to use jogging as the conceptual glue for a story is something I haven't seen much of. The mental benefits of running are something most of us know, but never really talk about. Unless of course, you're a runner. Then you probably talk about it all the time. So where does this film sit on the grand scale of uniqueness? Truthfully? "Run It Off" may be fresh in the "how the characters meet" department, but the overall concept is something we've all seen before. Want to know something else? That's alright with me. People always rant about the lack of originality in today's films but honestly? It's the familiar concepts that make a story so endearing. For example: This title is clearly based on running or jogging. However, because the overall concepts are commonplace, even couch potatoes like myself can understand the connection. A familiar story is not a bad thing so long as it is done well. In this case? It is. "Run It Off" is a charming short film that makes it's point... without stuffing it's concepts down your throat. For that I'm thankful. Plenty of indie filmmakers feel the need to endlessly explain what happens to be taking place in their films. It's nice to see a title that simply goes with it, allowing the viewer to just enjoy the show. The results in this case are surprisingly touching and effective. Director Liam O'hara has no problem bringing us across the finish line, and maybe... just maybe, making us feel a little better about life itself in the process. The technicalities of this production leave very little to complain about. "Run It Off" is a nice looking film. The distinction between a low budget indie, and a larger budgeted production, ends up in murky territory. It's always a compliment to the entire independent community, when such a title can hold it's own, side by side, with it's "A" list counterpart. That's right folks. "Run It Off" plays and sounds great. Victoria Emslie and Zephryn Taitte both shine in their respective roles, coming across as completely believable versions of people you may know in real life. There really isn't much else to write when it comes to the acting. Excellent job! There is one thing however. Something that began running through my mind after the film was over. It also happens to be a little difficult to explain. It's the story itself, which is all good except... without reading the description of the film, the viewer may not take in exactly what's supposed to be happening. Sure. The depression of Victoria's character is covered somewhat. Anyone could see, by her expressions alone, that something wasn't right. Just not to it's fullest extent. The truth is, without reading the description, the subtle indicators by the actors could be totally missed. What do I mean with all this mumbo jumbo? There's really nothing directly relating to a long distance runner losing his way in life, or that Victoria's character was thinking suicide. Sure, she was clearly depressed and yes, if you "know" what she's thinking because you read the description, she completely pulls off the little details. But if you didn't read up on the plot... this could simply be mistaken for a straight up romantic short film. Even with that said however, if that happens to be the case it's still fine. It's a good film. If we, the viewers, happen to miss the above mentioned elements it would still be an entertaining piece. Besides. Who doesn't read the descriptions? Nobody I know. So there you have it. My humble thoughts on this charming little short film. I was pleasantly surprised to have liked it as much as I did. This is one of those titles that proves movie magic can exist within an indie, low budget film. Excellent job all around.