Length: 11:49
Logline: A waster gets an unexpected visit from Jesus.
This is a good idea which doesn't quite reach its full potential. A guy drifting aimlessly through life gets a visit from a similar character claiming to be Jesus Christ. Jesus turns out to be just as big a waster as the protagonist is. (and both Northerners?) I'm guessing this goes back to the title and that this 'personal' Jesus is exactly what this guy needs at this point of his life - a mirror image to look at. This hook is a great one but unfortunately, it's all a bit downhill after that.
There's a lot of influences in this haphazard production which doesn't flow or gel particularly well. It's a fairly cheap shoot with dodgy camerawork, lighting and edit. Don't worry, these elements don't tend to compromise the overall tone or fun of the piece. At least they didn't scrimp on sound production as audio is clear and clean on both internal and external shots. The music track also stands out as fitting, surreal and adds a nice dream like quality.
Sean Greer and Andrew Matchett are the stars of the show but neither really push themselves. For having been drinking all day, neither of these guys seem to be drunk or attempt to act it. Maybe it's just the way it's delivered, but dialogue tends to sound like it's been made up then and there on the spot. There is good chemistry between the two on screen and a couple of funny lines as well as one or two to make you think but ultimately, the amateurish performances don't stand up very well.
The pace is slow at times, particularly in the running around with a bottle of vodka sequence. Yes, it contains the money shot of scenic Edinburgh but isn't edited for maximum effect. The plot lacks firm structure which leaves the protagonists end and sudden realisation that he should go to college or travel (so no firm decision's really been made) a bit weak, rushed and too out of the blue to be believable in the context of the story. His suggestion to "get some beers in" shows that the guy really hasn't changed at all so has no definitive arc, let alone undergone a journey worthy of inciting any change. Could be worth a revisit but needs a Hell of a lot work done at script stage first.
Best Bit: It's in Edinburgh.
Worst Bit: The protagonists sudden realisation that he needs to change.
Final thought: I'm sure I've seen these guys before, I just can't quite put my finger on it???
Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.
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