Dead Dad (2012)

When their dad dies unexpectedly, estranged siblings Russell, Jane and their adopted brother, Alex, come home to tend to his remains. The three must overcome their differences to achieve a ... See full summary »

Director:

Ken J. Adachi

Writers:

Ken J. Adachi, Kyle Arrington

Stars:

Kyle Arrington, Jenni Melear, Lucas Kwan Peterson

2 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
Kyle Arrington	...	Russell Sawtelle
Jenni Melear	...	Jane Sawtelle
Lucas Kwan Peterson	...	Alex Sawtelle (as Lucas K. Peterson)
Allyn Rachel	...	Hailie Tyler
Ben Hethcoat	...	Brandon Blake
Brett Erlich	...	Eli Casey
Fred Stoller	...	Jon Jones
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Brennan Murray	...	Party Go-er
Tom Sasinowski	...	Party Go-er

Storyline

When their dad dies unexpectedly, estranged siblings Russell, Jane and their adopted brother, Alex, come home to tend to his remains. The three must overcome their differences to achieve a proper goodbye and discover what it means to be a family without their dad.

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Taglines:

The perfect goodbye doesn't exist.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 October 2012 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dead Dad LLC, Hansen Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Daringly hysterical, an absolute gem

Saw the World Premier of this movie last night. How you can take a somber event and turn it such a dramatic yet hilarious film is sheer genius on the part of the cast and crew. Made for $25,000, the reason this film works is we learn that like so many married couples, Dad had died years ago when his wife had passed and turned into an angry, depressed pill and alcohol consuming shell of himself. His kids had long since distanced themselves and the death, which always a shock to the system, did not lay them into a deep dark place as he was now just gone physically as well. The interpersonal relationships that are explored between siblings and friends coming together under odd circumstances, especially as the same week as the funeral is the celebration of a baby's first year. The camera-work was intimate when it needed to be, the shot framing was exquisite when it needed to be. Director Ken Adachi was deft at avoiding clichés and keeping the audience involved. The stellar acting from the 3 siblings were nuanced and subtle, powerful and commanding when needed without ever going over the top. I'd be thrilled if I could make a movie this good my first time out.