Judging the uber-independent film can be tricky for a film critic.
The sets are spare, the acting less than polished and the story often takes shortcuts bigger budgeted films don’t need to follow.
So critiquing any of the aforementioned feels like kicking a puppy.
“The Mini,” which cost a mere $25,000, doesn’t require much in the way of self-defense. It’s an engaging lark, directed with a steady hand by first-timer Ron Beck.
Sure, the gags aren’t uproarious, and the story goes precisely where you expect it to head. But Beck’s savvy enough to keep the tone light and, more importantly, consistent.
Tone is crucial to a successful comedy, and this young writer/director has a better handle on that lesson than some of his more celebrated peers.
Fran Molon (Larry Dahlke) spends his weekdays trying to sell futons in a desolate strip mall in Anytown, Indianapolis.
Customers don’t want futons. They’re rather buy a mattress from the store’s ace salesman, Rick (Chris Stack).
But when a blank-faced teen comes in asking to put a poster up for a mini-marathon in the store’s window, inspiration strikes. Fran bets he can beat Rick in the race, and Fran gets his cranky boss to give the winner a coveted promotion.
The only trouble is winning and Fran are hardly on speaking terms. He still lives with his mom and drives a clunker that can barely make it from point A to point B.
Never count out the screen underdog. Heck, he might even get the girl (Angie Craft) in the end.
“The Mini” serves up an array of comical side players, from Fran’s goofy best bud (Jeff Stockberger) to a volunteer mall security guard (Michael Sammaciccia).
Paul Blart, watch your back.
The story moves along at an amiable clip, and Beck dials up just enough wacky camera angles to keep the comedic elements in perspective.
Some of the gags are groan-worthy, and you’ll want to reach into the screen and brush Fran’s bangs away from his forehead. But this “Rocky”-style saga has hard and an undeniably quirky appeal.
And, at a bargain rate price tag, “The Mini” out-hustles comedies with 20 times the budget and star power.
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