MikeMcCutchen Reviews

Thor at the Bus Stop (2009)

A Better Version of SLACKER!

[9/10 · 26 May 2020]

Wow. I can't believe this film's been out for years without me giving it a shot. I'd expected this film to be some sort of an Asylum style cash-in on Marvel's THOR, but nope, totally wrong. This is a refreshing film that doesn't take itself too seriously. It feels like they had fun making it and that energy comes across. It's very much a "put it on and just go with it." The film manages to give roughly 15 (?) unique characters their own arcs, which is wild, even just having that many characters that you actually care about.

The pacing and style of the flick feels very liquid, like it doesn't hit the standard 3 act structure style beats. I could be totally wrong, but the film felt refreshing and wholesome - something I'd definitely suggest folks check out.

It's like a newer version of SLACKER, one with a Norse God.

Greetings from Tromaville (2017)

A Masterful Reminder of Troma's Greatness!

[10/10 · 23 November 2018]

This film is incredible! Some might say "it's a bit too long." Well, I'd argue the film is a perfectly paced reminder of how incredibly important Troma is, and has been to the independent film community since its inception. Esposito is a legit fan and that love of Troma is obvious with every fun story the film allows us to revisit. There's a sincerity here that you simply wouldn't get with a filmmaker getting paid big bucks to whip up something on the subject matter. I found myself enjoying every minute of this doc, and found it as endearing as it is informative. Lloyd Kaufman is a damn icon of a man (not just filmmaker, but as an inspiration) and it's wildly refreshing to see a film that truly shows him the respect he's earned so many times over. If you're even remotely a fan of Troma and/or Lloyd Kaufman, I can't recommend this film enough. Hats off to Esposito.

My Sucky Teen Romance (2011)

Fun Flick

[8/10 · 6 April 2011]

Wow, I'm shocked at the other reviews. I also saw it at SXSW and feel like I'm the one taking crazy pills after reading those negative reviews. Part of getting asses in seats is some kind of hook no matter what the budget of the thing is, it's some great story that peaks your interest. Sure I went in wondering what kind of a film could a 17 year old make and that got me in, but that thought completely fizzled out after about five minutes into it.

The movie's fun regardless of whatever budget they were working with (I could care less). I absolutely found it charming, quirky, and the fact that a kid who can't even order a beer yet made it just impressed me more. There are moments where I thought "Hmm, I'd approach that differently," but I don't think it has anything to do with age/budget - I just think that's how the director wanted to go about it, which isn't to say it's bad just different. Would I give anyone in this an Oscar? No. Do I think they're going for an Oscar though? No. I think they set out to make a fun flick with goofy characters and vampires tossed into the mix and I absolutely think they succeeded.

I don't know when or how this thing's coming out, but I've talked my friends ears off about the flick and can't wait for the DVD/BluRay/whatever.

The movie's fun. If you can, check it out.

Of All the Things (2008)

Great Flick

[8/10 · 27 February 2008]

I'm not really into docs... like at all, BUT this movie genuinely had me from the get go. I had no idea who Dennis Lambert was, but I'm glad I was able to learn about him and all of that good stuff. Aside from the music (which is his claim to fame) he's hilarious and I was positively surprised by just how much I got into it. This movie's got heart and I hope it gets the attention it deserves! I don't know what kind of distribution this thing's getting, but I think whatever the case may be it's worth checkin out. It's also cool how the director of the movie is the son of the Lambert and I say that because it really does give you a unique look on the man himself. It's not just another doc about some random filmmaker following some guy, but it's the guy's son and that really adds to it. Again this movie's got heart and I dig the hell out of it.