Mikes Film Talk

I have been reviewing Timothy J Cox for a number of years now. Nothing that he has done failed to impress. He is an Actor and Writer. A Producer as well as Editor. Tim is also a Director and Publicity guru. In keeping with his many accomplishments, his latest film, Unfortunate Fortune (2026) doesn’t disappoint. It is a “backhanded win,” of sorts.

Let me explain.

The Story

Todd, (Cox) seeks a fortune teller to get a very specific reading. This anxious man wants what he wants. The Teller cannot do this. However…

It needs to be said that Todd is the worst customer.

Ever.

His attitude and aggressive negative demeanor limits the fortune teller and his access to those “other worldly” powers. This sets up the rest of the film, beautifully. Once you watch this one, you will see how this can be seen as a “backhanded win.”

The Unfortunate Fortune Cast

Timothy J Cox is Todd.

Diane M. Strohm is Kate.

George R. Hildebrand is Rick.

Jay Buchheim is Fortune Teller.

Behind the Camera

Adam Dailey and Ryan Dailey Co-direct/co-write/co-produce, and co-edit Unfortunate Fortune. Kevin Lakes is cinematographer as well, the colour grader and he is the third editorial wheel. Kudos to Sam Jennings for the score. The music playing over the final credits feels like an ode to Dragnet, circa 1951 but without the brass. (Google it.)

Unfortunate Fortune Works

As a character, Todd already seems pretty rattled. His response to the Fortune Teller is, in short; angry and downright belligerent. Most folks partake of the old crystal ball as a last resort. This at least explains his clear anxiety. Team Daily cleverly use camera angles to help the tale move along,

The twist? There are a couple, not necessarily signposted, and one that took me a time or two to pick up. Sadly, I cannot point out any of them as it takes away from the story.

Unfortunate Fortune in a Nutshell

Sure, we feel that the film “takes the Mick” about people named Todd, but there is so much more on offer here.

The short film reeks of “Poetic Irony.” Although “Overkill” would also be an apt description. *Neither of these two suggestions are to be taken seriously.* However, a real “clever clogs” might guess the film’s ending.

Darkly Comic

This film also leads the viewer into a blackly comic look at consequences. Although, darkly comic is, in my opinion, the tone of delivery. We are given, in the space of near 10 minutes, a great little tale with rage, desperation, anger and frustration, and blood.

*”Oh yes, there will be blood.”*

Unfortunate Fortune Verdict

This film hits a lot of boxes. It even, with admirable panche, dots i’s and crosses the t’s. The film’s final frame, the tight shot of Todd, is nigh on perfect. I can easily rate this one as the “Full Monty,” aka, 5 out of 5 stars.

We’ll let you know as soon as hits streaming services. This is one that we really enjoyed. Let us know what you think.