4th and 99

4th and 99 is a short film directed by Derek Frey who has made several short films and as a producer he has a long association with director Tim Burton.

Frey joins forces with the comedy troupe from Pennsylvania, The Minor Prophets with whom he has made several comedy shorts.

Bobby is a high school kid who has lost the last game of the season. His dad was the referee and botched a call which stopped his son from making a winning touchdown.

Dad is the aggressive type and it is clear he dislikes his son. In fact he has a kid from the opposing team in his car and he is giving him a ride home. Dad instigates a one on one match between the two high school players in order to further embarrass his son. A passer by is roped in to throw the ball at the football field.

This is the first time I have seen The Minor Prophets in action. There is almost an absurdity in the comedy and the comedy is cruel as dad is a jerk out to humiliate his son.

I found the editing of the film rather choppy in places and the acting is not the best, particularly Gil Damon who played the dad/referee. He is never ever going to give Kenneth Branagh any sleepless nights.

It makes for a minor amusing comedy and you will cheer when Bobby realises that the name of the game is knock-down and not touch-down.