Directed by: Mickey Reece Written by: Mickey Reece Genre: Comedy |
Arrows of Outrageous Fortune
Setting things up by introducing it's audience to Henry (Alex Sanchez) is about the extent of normality in this title. Henry 'seems' to be well liked at work but slightly disconnected from his girlfriend. Mimi (Kinsey Charles) wants more from him and feels Henry just isn't boyfriend material. It's by this point in the film I was expecting a normal, character driven movie. But very quickly it became apparent that Henry really was disconnected. Maybe even a little selfish; but for some odd reason, I 'still' liked him. I'm sure many people will. It's also at this point that things begin to get strange. The 'comedy' promises in this title began to emerge.
Henry's father is dying and he has asked Henry to the hospital, to reconcile for being a crappy father. Not happening. Henry makes it very clear both before and after, that he'll never forgive him for leaving him and his mother for another woman. Another family. Right after Henry calls his father an asshole, his father dies and surprisingly leaves Henry his mansion to do with what he pleases. But as anyone who ever reads the fine print can attest, not all is as it seems. Henry's father George (Ben Hall) may have left him his home, but he also left his (newer) family homeless; and they need a place to live. As Henry's newly obtained house begins filling up with step mothers and sisters, best friends, mistresses, and even the pizza guy - this crazy title called Arrows Of Outrageous Fortune begins to get crazier and crazier. In case you're wondering, Arrow is the family name and I can honestly say this is a crazy film. Rammed full of overly dramatic performances, drab performances and just a plainly silly attitude, I was 'not' disappointed by this title. The off the wall, every direction performances, are meant to be this way. Showing it's audience just how strange the people in this family are. I believe the most normal, relatable people are Mimi and the pizza guy. Even Henry himself is an odd duck. A little on the nerdy side but with the attitude sometimes of a rich entitled kid. Dennis (Jacob Snovel) as Henry's best friend, reminded me quite a bit of Stiffler from the American Pie movies. Completely tuned out and arrogant, but perfectly funny in his role. Don't even get me started on Cate Jones's character Evelyn, or the spaced out step daughter Teresa. Complete opposites and very amusing to watch. Rounding out these outrageous characters is Gerlinde Arrow (Mary Buss) who is the step mother from hell. Her screen presence is unmistakable, and her portrayed personality is both funny and scary. A woman who is not 'quite' all together, but doesn't mince words. There is a darker feeling hiding behind the comedy here. An undercurrent that is constantly attempting to pull you under; and the final few minutes really take you into crazy town. If you're going to attempt a twist ending you might as well go all out right? Arrows Of Outrageous Fortune is a different, amusing comedy. Not exactly like what you are probably expecting, but obviously not bad in any way. It's another indie, interesting take on an old and tired genre. Unique but not so far off as to be considered experimental. A good watch, four stars, and thanks for reading. |
