REVIEWS FOR INDEPENDENT FILM, LOW BUDGET FILM, SHORT FILM & WEB SERIES
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Things happen. Sometimes... these things can be uncomfortable - in numerous different ways. Take Mark and Natalie as an example. The typical modern, dating couple. Like most new-ish relationships, one of them wants more. More than a casual friend to hang out with, and definitely more than being a friend with benefits. The other? Maybe not quite so much. To the other, there is a definite attraction - just maybe not a laser show... to coin a phrase. Most of us can relate. At one time or another, this onscreen couple was us or our friends and writer, director Corey Surge is banking on those familiar feelings. The truth is... Why shouldn't he? These relationship experiences are perfect fodder for a film. Short or feature length doesn't really matter. These feelings have been the backbone of modern romance movies forever. Right? Why not take advantage? The question becomes... can it be done right? The easy answer is yes, as Corey Surge and his small troupe of actors and production crew prove. Yes it can.
In this film, it's Mark who's that other guy. It's him who's not looking for a long term commitment - or any true commitment for that matter. As this seemingly doomed before it's even begun couple spend an evening together in the bedroom, the conversation begins to turn serious, and just when you think it's all over... BAM! An unexpected plot twist forces the couple to really examine their fading relationship. That twist of fate is comedic, in an uncomfortable way, but very quickly the seriousness of this short film takes hold. "Stuck" examines, and even slightly profiles this couples relationship ideals and fears - in the strangest - yet oddly fitting of places. As for what happens with the couple themselves? You'll just have to watch to find out. What got to me was the familiar feeling of these two characters. That sense that they actually have a past, and are not just one dimensional characters from a film under fifteen minutes long. I hesitate to use the word stereotype, but that's truly the best way to describe Kristopher Turner's character Mark. I use that word in the most flattering of ways because Mark, is that guy we all know. He's that really nice guy that even though would be considered one hell of a catch, by most woman, never seems to have a true girlfriend. Most of us know the type and most of us will easily be able to accept him as real. It's sort of like that guy next door feeling, most of us know the type.
Ruth Goodwin's portrayal of Natalie also fits neatly into the familiar banks of our minds. That woman who really expects a certain type of relationship to grow - despite all that's been said or done. She's the hopeful soul that can see past what's been stated or implied, and constantly works to make things happen. For this particular short film, Ruth Goodwin also has a knack for looking rather uncomfortable - and that plays perfectly into this production. I don't see myself as an especially romantic-y kind of person. This generally translates to me rarely enjoying any film relationship themed. Yet that wasn't the case with this movie. I really enjoyed my time watching "Stuck" as it strutted across my screen. Perhaps it was the crazy setup that opened my mind a little, allowing the rest of the film to seep in. Perhaps it was the smart questions asked in the strangest of places. Whatever the cause, the effect is apparent. I really liked this movie! Excellent job and a solid four and a half stars - in my humble opinion. |
