directed by:
Lee Chambers written by: Lee Chambers genre: Comedy |
Today's political climate, combined with what is considered politically correct lately, can make for a very touchy subject - especially when it comes to comedy-driven projects. One person's "Ha ha" is another person's "How dare you!" It truly takes just the right amount of crazy or perfectly sized balls even to attempt to make light of the insane nature of the world today. The potential backlash is very real, but the potential payoff is worth the risk. Lee Chambers's "Wicked Plans" does its best to ride the political lightning, and honestly? It succeeds rather nicely, in my opinion, anyhow.
The setup is as simple as it is twisted - a suicide bomber sets out to teach America a lesson by blowing up a popular senator at his home. The bomb is set, the trenchcoat is put on, and the button is ready to be pressed. The unsuspecting Senator Bob won't know what hit him - at least, that's the plan. Fortunately, what this suicide bomber doesn't realize is that the date he picked for his wicked plan just happened to be Halloween - which instantly complicates his mission when trick-or-treaters surround him on the eve of his biggest night. I'm going to call it like I see it - and write that "Wicked Plans" is dark. Very dark. I also can't help but note that aside from the "crazy" that actor Style Dayne infuses into his suicide bomber character - there's not much funny or likable about him. This is a man who doesn't hesitate to blow up not only a man and his wife but also three completely innocent kids. This train of thought continues up to the very end, and aside from the bombers' bumbling reactions - there is nothing funny here. However, the way things happen, combined with the comedic background music and cute kids, make this film work quite nicely. And yes, reader, this film "does" work. It is chuckle-worthy and includes some cute moments throughout its brief length. I kept waiting for the bomber to have a change of heart, which would have been great - and I did get one, sort of ... but by that time, the dangerous situation had already passed. I don't want to give things away, so I'm being vague, but you'll know what I'm talking about when you watch this short film. And yes, reader, you should definitely check this one out when you get the chance.
When it's all said and done, I give a standing ovation to writer/director Lee Chambers for pulling off something that could have gone horribly wrong. The technical elements, the pacing, and especially the acting all contributed to making "Wicked Plans" work as the comedy it was meant to be. Yet, this film still retains its scary aspects for those who really want to think about what they've just watched. The only thing I expected and didn't get? A loud "I love America!" during the final scene. That would have been the comedic icing on the cake. Again, to Lee Chambers and his troupe - well done! A solid four out of five stars. |
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