Mikes Film Talk

Clarke M Smith offers us two very different short films here. Stimuli, a just over 2 minute treat and House Party is just over 7 and a half minutes. While Clarke directs and writes the first film, he directs the second from a script written by Xina Marie Uhl. Both films are comedic in nature with the latter film being a slightly darker toned effort.

Stimuli

A man is laying on his settee asleep. The television has “signed off” from regular broadcasting and is emitting snow and static. This sleepy chap wants to make the racket stop. Cue a load of remote control devices and increasing frustration.

This is almost a time machine moment. I remember very well when television shut off for the day. In America it closed to the National anthem. In England, it also shut down after playing “God Save the Queen.” *Of course now it would be “God Save the King,” but telly doesn’t really shut down like it used to. But that is, of course, a different story.*

The comedy in this short, short is about having too many remotes. Owners of these labour saving wonders could never remember what worked on which device.

The Stimuli Cast

Thomas Findlow is Sleeping Man.

The Verdict

Stimuli, for all its “old fashioned” VHS tape format, entertains. It is funny and works well, if only for those of us who remember the “good old days” of TV. The only question I had at the end was why are the bottom of his socks green? This is a solid 3.75 stars for nostalgia alone. It is funny and clever.

House Party

A serial prowler breaks into the wrong home. The lady of the house is not about to allow this to go unpunished.

The House Party Cast

Stef Teran is Andrea.

Jarryd Gooch is the prowler.

Lauren Saez is Gretchen.

Let’s Talk

House Party is a comedy first and foremost. It works as such and despite a few problems still entertains. The main problem is the ending feels rather convoluted, contrived; if you will. However, the humour still tickles the old funny bone.

The heroine, seems to be having far too much fun, as does her exercise partner; the rookie cop. The prowler appears to have been lucky thus far in his escapades in other people’s houses. He scares far too easily.

The only real question that springs to mind is this. Why is the kitchen window broken? Gretchen has a nice looking house; but, with a well publicised prowler about wouldn’t this have been fixed already?

The Verdict

House Party earns a solid 3 stars. It does what it says on the label. The film is a comedy and apart from straining credibility, it entertains.

Where to Watch

Both films are available on YouTube via TimeAxisMedia. Go and check these out. See what you think. Are we being too harsh here?