Stuck – A Short Film Review
Despite the slightly risque subject of the ‘Love Trap 3000’, this short comedy manages to keep it clean with some great performances, plenty of laughs and a truly fitting soundtrack that pleases the ear.
What’s It All About?
George and Helen Simon are a New York advertising couple who buy a sex machine to spice up their lives, but it comes with a crazed delivery boy who gets stuck in it on the night of their dinner with George’s clients.
My Opinion
Steve Blackwood’s short film about a sex machine could have quite easily become very low brow but he has managed to keep it very wholesome, light-hearted and most of all, entertaining. The laughs come thick and fast with Blackwood setting a superb pace from start to finish. The pacing of this short make the fourteen minute runtime fly by. There is not a wasted minute as everything has a purpose and it is all driving towards the conclusion of the short. The quickfire dialogue, and the sharp editing really keep you glued to the screen.
The opening and closing credits were a real highlight, thanks to the animation from Riley Thompson who has done a superb job. The dancing letters and the colourful animation set to the jazz soundtrack were a great accompaniment to the light-hearted comedy. On that note, the score as a whole was fantastic and very fitting to the short. I was surprised to see that Steve Blackwood also performed the two tracks featured in the short. Clearly Steve Blackwood is a man of many talents.
The camerawork was very well done. A lot of quick cuts and close-up shots keep the audience interested which is no mean feat considering this is taking place in a house, the cramped conditions catering for awkward shots. Full credit goes to Michael B. Fisher who has managed to keep this visually interesting and appealing.
There was a slight issue with the sound in this film concerning the dialogue. The sound did not seem to be mixed quite right with the voices not sounding as they should. Also one or two moments where it was a slight struggle to make out what was being said. Although these are only minor issues and did not take anything away from the short.
Notable Performances
As well as being the writer and director, Steve Blackwood is also on hand as a star of the short playing George. Steve gives it his all in this role whether it is delivering his quick-fire dialogue or his energetic performance he grabs the attention of the viewer. He demonstrates great comedic timing and some good intensity.
Sandy Bainum plays Helen. Her over-the-top performance is perfectly suited to the character of Helen. Bainum matches Blackwood line for line making for a perfect double act with hilarious consequences. She also gives a very visual performance with some excellent facial expressions and physical comedy. Her experience on stage certainly plays to her advantage in this short.
Max Schochet plays the delivery driver and his enthusiastic performance is perfectly suited to delivery driver extremely eager to help out the Simon’s. He lights up his scenes and his eagerness to demonstrate the Love Trap 3000 was very entertaining.
The Verdict
Steve Blackwood has masterminded a very well thought out script that makes use of every minute of its runtime. His double act with Bainum was a joy to watch. The fast-paced dialogue, entertaining comedy and visual presentation really makes this short stand out. Despite one or two minor sound issues, the laughs that you get more than makes up for it.
