Shelf Life (2005)

Director:

Tamar Halpern

Writer:

Tamar Halpern (script)

Stars:

Joe Smith, Richard Ankrom, Robert Beckwith

1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Joe Smith	...	Ronald
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Richard Ankrom	...	Ray the Mumbler
Robert Beckwith	...	Inspirational Tape Voice (voice)
Teneale Bender	...	Susan the Receptionist
Elisa Bocanegra	...	Betty Bonhauser
Betsy Brandt	...	Nikki Reynolds
Christo Brock	...	Dickson the Computer Guy
Tatum De Roeck	...	Amanda the Reporter
Holgie Forrester	...	Nikki's Mom
Jordan Halpern	...	Library Punk #1
William Jones	...	Uncle Tommy
Jack Kennedy	...	Charlie the Photographer
Bonnie J. Kirk	...	Sergeant Knofelmacher
Michael McTaggert	...	Library Punk #2
Carbon Merrill

Storyline

---

Plot Keywords:

dark comedy | library | independent film

---

Taglines:

Everyone has an expiration date...

---

Genres:

Comedy

---

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 May 2005 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Bakersfield, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$75,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (hd)

User Reviews

Nikki begins work at a branch library, where she clashes with Betty, the fascist head librarian.

Shelf Life seemed like the kind of movie I love to find on Netflix's Instant Watch. Lil' hidden treasures. Well, I suppose I am glad I watched it, but mostly because I enjoyed Betsy Brandt and now have another reason to check out Breaking Bad.

The actor portraying Jared made some really strange choices, and gave off a really "gay" vibe, so much so that when it turned out that he was actually romantically interested in Nikki, my girlfriend and I were in disbelief.

After spending the whole movie outright hating Betty, we never really see her get her what she deserves. She realizes the error of her ways, but in a completely and unconvincing manner. If she really cared for her library, would she really let her dislike for Nikki put her library in danger? Couldn't she see that the electrics were wonky herself? Anyway, this all led to an end that was unexpected, unsatisfying, and not entirely unwelcome.

Anyways, this "dark" comedy is enjoyable at moments, especially those involving the main character, Nikki, who Betsy Brandt portrays charmingly, and fairly convincingly, but there are so many moments, mostly involving the Betty the Librarian, that will cause one to wince and contemplate turning the film off.