Sometimes less is more and this was the case in this wickedly funny little film that came from of all places Canada! - proving that our northern neighbors still can make comedy of the highest order. Recently screening in LA, this was one of the highlights of the festival. In a plastic, neon, day-glow world, STRUM is the story of a dysfunctional employee in a most dysfunctional hamburger restaurant. The dysfunctional employee is a bumbling fool and her co-workers don't take too kindly to her inept attempts to fit in. Mocking corporate conformity, McDonalds and every place that has ever had a "team cheer", STRUM is a hilarious romp at life in the modern fast-food restaurant. While I'd never eat at Strum, I'd certainly love to see more stories set in this weird little truck stop restaurant. And who says the short film is dead? STRUM is a compelling story about four misfits and proves that less is more. Probably no more than eight minutes, this is a relentless story that unfolds in various "acts" that are showcased through the various shift changes in the restaurant. Visually vibrant with a relentless moving camera, the director really found a creative way to make a single set come to life. While there wasn't a lot of money it seems to make this restaurant world it does seem to be something we haven't seen in a film before. Its been a while since I've seen a short film that really made me laugh. Most short films are angst-ridden or autobiographical. Fortunately, this film never takes itself or its characters too seriously and just has fun at everyone's joyous expense. The performances were all top notch. Hopefully we'll see more of them and the creative team that made this fantastic film. One gets the feeling that so much more could happen in this bizarre little restaurant if given the chance. Could a feature film of STRUM be far behind? Let's hope so. But again, I'd never eat at a place like STRUM (if it actually existed) and if you've seen the film, you'll know why!