All things considered, One Day: A Musical is a great piece. It is an enthusiastic first movie from an obviously talented filmmaker. Although rough around the edges, there are definite pockets of brilliance both in the writing and the artistic presentation.
The humor was very good. As typical in his YouTube skits, the film has about a half dozen clever hard-hitting bits that make you laugh for days sprinkled throughout a bed of crazy goofy jokes indicative of Kowalski's young age. Running jokes are perfectly picked up when appropriate and dropped when they get boring. Although not publicized as a comedy, One Day showcases Kowalski's ability to both craft a joke and deliver it.
***SPOILERS- THIS PARAGRAPH CONTAINS SPOILERS*** The film has a long-running metaphor of the internal struggle of the main character with multiple characters personifying different external influences. Although it can be blunt and simple, it is consistent and clear. However, at the end of the movie, the main character explains the whole running metaphor which seems to insult the intelligence of the audience.
Overall, One Day is a lot like seeing a very good high school play. The singing is adequate and the acting is solid with the core performers. The charm and enthusiasm cover up an obvious low budget, and shows a lot of creative potential. I do not see this movie going much farther than possibly a few film festivals, but it is an entertaining attempt by a rookie filmmaker and an artistic stepping stone to bigger and better things.
It's FREE on YouTube. Go watch it!
The humor was very good. As typical in his YouTube skits, the film has about a half dozen clever hard-hitting bits that make you laugh for days sprinkled throughout a bed of crazy goofy jokes indicative of Kowalski's young age. Running jokes are perfectly picked up when appropriate and dropped when they get boring. Although not publicized as a comedy, One Day showcases Kowalski's ability to both craft a joke and deliver it.
***SPOILERS- THIS PARAGRAPH CONTAINS SPOILERS*** The film has a long-running metaphor of the internal struggle of the main character with multiple characters personifying different external influences. Although it can be blunt and simple, it is consistent and clear. However, at the end of the movie, the main character explains the whole running metaphor which seems to insult the intelligence of the audience.
Overall, One Day is a lot like seeing a very good high school play. The singing is adequate and the acting is solid with the core performers. The charm and enthusiasm cover up an obvious low budget, and shows a lot of creative potential. I do not see this movie going much farther than possibly a few film festivals, but it is an entertaining attempt by a rookie filmmaker and an artistic stepping stone to bigger and better things.
It's FREE on YouTube. Go watch it!