Directed by: Nicholas de Fina Written by: Nicholas de Fina Genre: Comedy / Animation 80 min |
LESEURDMIN
There's no way to describe "LeSeurdmin" without first having to describe Peter LeSeurdmin himself. Peter is all about attitude. What actually happens in the film is of little importance because our lead character, Peter, is in a constant state of attitude driven intoxication. What happens within his little world is probably just a flash and blur, but never mind that right now. One thing isn't so blurry: This movie is funny, risky and intelligent - in that moronic adult cartoon kind of way. It would be quite easy to attack "LeSeurdmin" as ignorant, vulgar and depraved. It is of course, but that's kind of the point. If you are easily offended you should probably steer clear but if you're ready for some animated laughs, while watching a no holds barred sort of cartoon, there's nothing inherently mean with the comedy here. It's just funny. "LeSeurdmin" is packed full of visual gags that would normally be considered offensive, if they weren't ridiculously funny. That's the truth.
The plot loosely involves a habitual screw up. Most of us can relate right? After a break-up that was, obviously Peter's fault, he sets off on a bender. With all his stuff taken during the break-up, he's left with a lizard costume hanging in his closet; which he wears to his favorite watering hole. After slogging back some random "Lizard" beverages, Peter slides into his lizard-man persona, believing the drink gives him super powers. Of course, all animated hell breaks loose and Peter LeSeurdmin, otherwise known as Lizardman, must figure out what the hell is going on, and eventually rescue his girl from the evil Grillmaster. "LeSeurdmin" ends up becoming a film loosely based on the "overcoming any situation" scenario and yes, I had a fun time watching. Be warned. This is a low-rent kind of animation but visually, the look perfectly suits the material: The movie looks the way it "should" to obtain maximum laughs. What at first seems cheap, quickly becomes fitting and necessary. Sequence after sequence the film spirals out of control with it's hilarious situations and characters as you, the viewer can't help but laugh along. It's great fun! What I found really interesting with this film was the way the plot and pacing were handled. I can't say much of what I'm talking about, without giving the movie away, except to write that this film ends much the same as it begins. Everything in the middle is just situational with no real bearing on the wrap of the movie itself. Except "maybe" that it sets itself up for a sequel or three. Normally this would be a huge "strike" but here, with Nicholas de Fina's movie, it's actually a good thing. The bulk of this film could be done in five or ten minutes, but all the filler that's used is perfectly entertaining. "LeSeurdmin" could tell it's story in a fraction of the length but if it did that, nobody would care. The fun with this movie is in the "filler" and the filler is the perfect lead-up for another flick. Confusing? It will make total sense if and when you watch. Let's just say that once witnessed, you'll understand and as you watch, you'll laugh your ass off. The casual way films are thrown around now days, claiming they're indie films when in fact, they are cell phone videos, is ridiculous. The same can be said about animated movies from the indie world. A half thought out idea meant to "shock" the viewer does "not" make a good indie cartoon. "LeSeurdmin" tries to surpass the garbage seeping through the cracks - by becoming an embodiment of the garbage itself. Here however, we have a story, we have characters and we have a purpose. Even if, in this film, things go complete circle, it was a fun circle to travel. Although lacking the "Disney" quality artwork, Nicholas de Fina masterfully stitches everything together ending with an "opposite of cheap" looking production. Most will love this film except maybe, the hard-nosers that don't even like their own pets. A clear cut above many and one to easily laugh along with. |
