I have seen my share of indie films and they could truly range from horrendously bad to very impressive. B.A.D. Movers lands somewhere in the middle but definitely more worthwhile than some. The film has a lot of new faces in it and some definitive amateur performances and work but there is also a fair share of talent. The best thing about the film is the unique story and writing. There are some genuinely funny lines and the type of humour that would normally be subject to disgusting toilet humour is toned down enough that it's adult without being stupid. The characters are well defined and there is a diverse and large main cast but everyone gets their moment and some great lines as well. The film would almost work on stage as a play but as it is it works well as a fun different comedy. People are always saying there is nothing unique left in Hollywood so maybe its time to turn to the independent film world. The film reminds me a lot of early National Lampoon type comedy and while it is very Canadian by make, it doesn't jam it down your throat. This could be anywhere and anytime really. The production value isn't amazing by any means but the script is good enough that you overlook some the rough editing.
I'm not sure the film has a "star." This is the type of comedy that has an ensemble cast and if you enjoy the film you'll find your favourite character quickly. I thought Troy Matthew Martin and Bryan Paccagnella are fantastic. The one liners and sarcasm between them is perfect. The two of them seem to have great chemistry and Paccagnella's comedic timing is terrific. I've seen him do one other comedy type routine on Youtube and I think he's got some serious talent ahead of him. I would absolutely watch him headline something again. Sean Morris plays Randall. Now the interesting thing about his character is that it probably has the most depth, the most back story and might be the character with the most likability. Morris nails Randall's laid back, serious demeanour and definitely plays the straight-man to everyone else's "in your face" comedy. That doesn't make him any less funny. You have to really watch and listen to his character because some of his best moments are as he's walking away or mumbling something to himself. David John Phillips is also fantastic as the functioning alcoholic "Bent." He definitely shows that he's the most experienced on the cast but his character is great and he is very funny. Danz Altvater is decent but underused as the female member of the moving squad. She has a few good lines but they probably could have gotten away without her at all. Sara Sue Vallee and Bill Murphy round out the main supporting cast in decent roles as well. I would have liked to have seen Murphy's role as boss of the moving company be a little bigger. Dana Tartau and Steve Booth were both great too. Booth was fantastic particularly at the end of the film.
Normally I go by the rule that writer's shouldn't direct their own material. However, sometimes you can see genuine talent in a newcomers work and I think director and co-writer Jory Lyon's does a solid job on this. The cinematography and story are solid and definitely bring up the ante of the entertainment value. The film has a good pace and builds perfectly and the best scenes of the film are near the end with Steve Booth attacking the movers. There were times when there was almost too much story to fit into the small run time but this was absolutely one of the better small indie films I've seen. I have a particular opinion of comedies and nowadays it takes a lot for me to be impressed by a comedy. I laughed out loud several times and will walk away quoting the film and that in itself is worthwhile. This was better than several of the Hollywood comedies I've seen this year. I would definitely tune in for a sequel and will be watching this cast for future roles!! 7.5/10
I'm not sure the film has a "star." This is the type of comedy that has an ensemble cast and if you enjoy the film you'll find your favourite character quickly. I thought Troy Matthew Martin and Bryan Paccagnella are fantastic. The one liners and sarcasm between them is perfect. The two of them seem to have great chemistry and Paccagnella's comedic timing is terrific. I've seen him do one other comedy type routine on Youtube and I think he's got some serious talent ahead of him. I would absolutely watch him headline something again. Sean Morris plays Randall. Now the interesting thing about his character is that it probably has the most depth, the most back story and might be the character with the most likability. Morris nails Randall's laid back, serious demeanour and definitely plays the straight-man to everyone else's "in your face" comedy. That doesn't make him any less funny. You have to really watch and listen to his character because some of his best moments are as he's walking away or mumbling something to himself. David John Phillips is also fantastic as the functioning alcoholic "Bent." He definitely shows that he's the most experienced on the cast but his character is great and he is very funny. Danz Altvater is decent but underused as the female member of the moving squad. She has a few good lines but they probably could have gotten away without her at all. Sara Sue Vallee and Bill Murphy round out the main supporting cast in decent roles as well. I would have liked to have seen Murphy's role as boss of the moving company be a little bigger. Dana Tartau and Steve Booth were both great too. Booth was fantastic particularly at the end of the film.
Normally I go by the rule that writer's shouldn't direct their own material. However, sometimes you can see genuine talent in a newcomers work and I think director and co-writer Jory Lyon's does a solid job on this. The cinematography and story are solid and definitely bring up the ante of the entertainment value. The film has a good pace and builds perfectly and the best scenes of the film are near the end with Steve Booth attacking the movers. There were times when there was almost too much story to fit into the small run time but this was absolutely one of the better small indie films I've seen. I have a particular opinion of comedies and nowadays it takes a lot for me to be impressed by a comedy. I laughed out loud several times and will walk away quoting the film and that in itself is worthwhile. This was better than several of the Hollywood comedies I've seen this year. I would definitely tune in for a sequel and will be watching this cast for future roles!! 7.5/10