Directed by: Sean Kenealy / Eric Silvera Written by: Sean Kenealy / Eric Silvera Genre: Action / Comedy |
In action
The world's first action movie with only 2 people? Alright, I'm interested. Oh, and it's also a micro budget film? Of course it is! In Action arrived in my inbox and I'll admit that I was curious but expected very little from this title. 2 people? How could it possibly hold my attention for an hour and eighteen minutes? Without much hope, I hit the play button, closed the door, and hunkered down for some pure torture. What I got was a crazy but fun movie from some clearly deranged (in a good way) individuals. In Action proves that micro budget cinema with heart will never die, and so long as you have a dream, you don't even need a large cast.
Sean (Sean Kenealy) and Eric (Eric Silvera) are 2 struggling screenwriters looking to make their mark on the world. A killer action movie is at the top of their to-do list and so long as they can work together the world is their oyster. The two friends don't live in the same city, so the majority of their communication is done through EMail. This includes plot ideas, settings, and even pictures and stuff they classify as research. Back and forth, EMail by EMail. During one of their in person meetings, something horrible happens and the 2 regain consciousness tied to chairs and nearly naked. They finally come face to face with one of their abductors. This wannabe cowboy dude wants details about their screenplay and will do anything to get it. After a brief struggle, Sean and Eric manage to get away but now they have to find their way out. And Mr. Cowboy dude isn't the only one looking for them now. As it turns out, these shady characters want Sean and Eric to come up with an ending to their film and their motivations? Let's just say that big brother is always watching and nowhere is safe... especially not your EMail. In Action is extremely inventive with how it goes from act 1 to act 3. I was worried that having a cast of 2 people would be a huge problem, but it actually wasn't. The way Sean and Eric navigate through the scenes is almost seamless and the use of tight shots distracts whoever is watching from the fact there are only 2 actors. But it's the constant talking, especially between the characters, that really fills the time. It's funny to hear these two talk, and the way they bounce around each other feels very real as well as exceptionally silly. The way best friends talk to each other is perfectly captured here, and it's what makes In Action work so well. At least that's what I believe. But like a seared dick, there's another side of this title that simply can't be brushed aside; In Action is still clearly a micro budget, independent film. Due to equipment limitations due to the budget, shot compositions can look a little cheesy; lighting may not be quite right sometimes, and sooner or later you can't help but notice that there are only 2 actors most of the time. As entertaining as it is to listen to Sean and Eric, or be amused by the various ways they include "other" characters, you eventually take notice as the gimmick wears off. The good side is that most of the movie just zips by, allowing people to enjoy the better aspects of the film. But eventually, In Action's creativity and the banter between Eric and Sean start to become a little overdone. I was impressed. I am impressed by how much this small, indie film manages to accomplish. I laughed, I had a few moments of unease during the more serious conversations involving the lives of these 2 heroes, and I fully enjoyed the best that this title had to offer. In Action delivers a nice little diversion if you need one and for that reason, I recommend watching it. |
