Checking In (2006) User Reviews

An excellent short...

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 8 February 2009]

This short film is quite clever and it offers up a few surprises--setting it apart from the average short.

The film begins with a guy entering a motel lobby with a gun and taking the desk guy prisoner. Before he can make his getaway with the cash, a cop enters the place and indicates that he's alerting motels that there is a bandit targeting them. The robber pretends (rather poorly) to be the manager and again and again you assume the cop is going to catch on that he obviously knows nothing about the business. However, the cop appears to be an idiot and misses clue after clue that something is amiss. Do NOT assume this is due to poor writing--watch this film yourself and see what's REALLY happening.

Very well written and worth seeing.

Best Gelder film I've seen

[magicalvisions_net · 10/10 · 30 November 2009]

This I would say is THE BEST film on Gelder's "Steve Gelder presents 4 short films" DVD!!

A scorpion crosses the road. Not sure why the scorpion is in, but it's done artistically and enjoyably and adds production value in my eyes. Then, a guy with a scorpion drawn on his wrist arrives at a motel to rob it, and then the twists and tails start.

Gelder's writing style is very sharp and well thought out, with subtle humor throughout - now THIS is the style I can enjoy! His twists in his stories are soowheet! Really great writing.

Gelder is also clearly someone with a touch of art in him, which adds a lot of production value to his movies. Many things are either just there for artistic touch, or done artistically.

Sometimes when I watch indie films, I'm like grrrrrr, obvious mistake there! Steve Gelder's films don't have that. His has very high production values.

Checking In is written fantastically, executed fantastically, I loved it! :) Best Gelder film I've ever seen.

Great little film.

[amandarealtor · 10/10 · 9 July 2006]

Being an independent film lover, I can honestly say, this is a GREAT movie. The pace was perfect. When you meet the characters, you can associate with them. You root for the hero, you boo the villain. The music was perfect for the movie. It told a story on it's own. It made me laugh, and even dance around in my seat. I enjoyed the combined efforts of Dean Evans and Steve Gelder. They have a way with the camera. The visuals were unique. The setting was unusual, as were the characters. I look forward to many more movies from this Dynamic Duo. All short films should have the chemistry these two bring to the table. Grab a bag of popcorn, put your feet up, and enjoy the show!