A Film About Poo ★★★★☆

Review of 'A Film About Poo' which can be found here on Vimeo.

Length: 01:30

Written & directed by Emily Howells & Anne Wilkins

Genre: Animation

Date: 2009
Rating: ★★★★☆

Logline: Musical animation about the do's and don'ts of doo doo.

There's a nice mixture of styles in this quirky cartoon, which tells us to wash our hands after dropping the kids off at the pool. Stop motion, hand drawn sketches, text, paper craft, and graphic art all blend together well to make this continually visually interesting. 

A catchy little acoustic guitar ditty accompanies the imagery, which is both appealingly harmonic and humorous. Similar to the animation, there's variation between singing and talking which gives a good change of tempo and tone. The home recorded sound quality and innocently delivered lyrics goes hand in hand with the childish fun of the animation and they compliment each other well. 

It's very simple in concept and will no doubt be appreciated by both adults and kids. Lyrically, this feels underwhelming and could perhaps have been written stronger but musically it hits the right note. The collection of styles on screen is a nice way to show off the animation skills, there's a good flow of movement without it ever feeling overcrowded. Good effort. 

Best Bit: Breeks round ankles. 

Worst Bit: Lyrics not always perfectly clear. 

Final thought: A few little germs never killed anybody. 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Pub Dogs - Babies ★★★☆☆

Review of 'Pub Dogs - Babies' which can be found here on Vimeo. 

Length: 01:24

Written & directed by Dave Anderson

Genre: Animation

Date: 2004
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: Some dogs discuss having kids vs having a wife.

This concept is great in theory but it doesn't quite come together that well in practise. Gotta love talking dogs drinking beers and playing pool of course but while this is playing, all I'm imagining, is the real life blokes standing about, probably in much the same positions, doing all the talking. 

It feels really like this is just a fly on the wall audio recording which has been animated. That's all well and good but to me, this could have done with some decent scripting to fine tune it. There's too many instances of people talking over each other, dialogue that can't be made out, and daft ranting that hinders the pace. The dialogue on its own probably isn't that funny. It's only with the well constructed animation on top that any humour is added to the piece. 

The dog characters are created brilliantly. This is very much a 2D animation but there's good attention to changing perspectives, differing shot compositions and some nice details added which all combine to make a good 3D look. The edit brings some much needed action via zooms, pans and quick cuts. Colours are vibrant with good lighting used too. Even though this is a great concept where the visuals have been put together really well, ultimately, it's the poor dialogue that lets this piece down. 

Best Bit: Aw, cute Westie.

Worst Bit: Talking over each other dialogue. 

Final thought: Yeah, pub talk should just stay where it belongs. In the pub. 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Matter Fisher ★★★☆☆

Review of 'Matter Fisher' which can be found here on Future Shorts. 

Length: 07:30

Written & directed by David Prosser

Genre: Animation

Date: 2010
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: A fisherman's bounty isn't the fish he's caught, it's the particle of matter inside it. 

A very moody and evocative piece which although scrimping on plot, dialogue, colour and soundtrack a little, makes up for it by giving a haunting cinematic experience. 

Using a monochrome palette which switches between busy dark backgrounds and sparse light ones, there's plenty of depth, range and volume on screen. Shot composition is inventive using a nice range of perspectives covering everything from askew underwater shots to minimalistic aerial ones. There's a sketchy hand drawn style mixed in with a smooth computer generated one here which allows for a lot of movement on screen at the same time. The expressive sleepy movement of the water mimics the slow pace of the film so this is very much a slow burner. The increase in tension is sedate and that build up is kind of let down at the end with the confusing and abstract ending.  

Simplistic character design means the only character in this has no facial expressions or any dialogue. Emotion is conveyed well by body language and a series of grunts. Rich sound design is used instead of a music track and works well in this setting. 

With a clear three act structure, there's a nice visual change at midpoint where the story takes us away from the sea and onto the land. Wasn't sure why the fisherman just leaves his precious cargo in the boat all night after going to such efforts to capture it and logic is thrown out the window as the fellow seems to be the only thing that doesn't get sucked into the ever increasing mass. Overall, while it's a pleasure just to sit back and soak up the oppressive atmosphere, audiences may be left feeling dejected at the lack of oomph at the end. 

Best Bit: Well presented style.  

Worst Bit: Bit of a build up to nothing. 

Final thought: All that water audio also evokes the need to pee. 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Nursery Crimes ★★★★★

Review of 'Nursery Crimes' which can be found here on Vimeo.

Length: 03:35

Written by L. Whyte & M.J. Magee. Directed by L. Whyte

Genre: Animation

Date: 2010
Rating: ★★★★★

Logline: Little Bo Peep finally snaps and goes on a murderous rampage. 

This alternative telling of a familiar tale merges several well known nursery rhymes together and blends them into an altogether darker story. Mimicking the traditional rhythms used in children's rhymes, narration by Andy Turvey is well paced, as is the edit. Turvey's voice over experience comes over in his clear, concise and thoughtful delivery. His reading which is in keeping with kids storytelling juxtaposes well against the disturbing plot and provides another layer of unease to the tone. Of course it's the writing and the concept that really makes this good. While sometimes there's an expectation on which rhyming word is going to be pronounced, inserts of key words such as "gutted", "sickening" and "butchered" all add humorous and surprising moments to the story. 

Both set and character design are brilliant with great attention to detail. Character faces are static but are designed well enough so that they convey character essence suitably. Gruesome blood and guts get presented as cute red wool knitting and the variety of textures and surfaces used build an interesting setting. There is a mixture of animation techniques here. 3D model animation and what looks like 2D cut outs are used, possibly as a time saving device, but creates good variation in visuals none the less. Overall, this not only looks good is sounds good thanks the engaging dialogue. It plays out at a good length and has a winning premise. 

Best Bit: Really like the concept.

Worst Bit: Jack might not be dead. 

Final thought: Plenty of scope for further films here. 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Bowling For Doreen ★★★★☆

Review of 'Bowling For Doreen' which can be found here on MiShorts. 

Length: 08:11

Written & directed by Brent Lockley

Genre: Animation

Date: 2006
Rating: ★★★★☆

Logline: An amateur bowler must harness all his focus in order to beat a rival and to save his marriage in the process. 

This cute animation revolves around the torrid world of competitive bowling and although it looks pretty rough around the edges, it's entertaining enough. Dialogue is well written and performed. The Northern accents add warmth to the story as well as humour. Lead voice overs are provided by the well known Philip Jackson and Anne Reid and lines are delivered naturally and professionally by all. The comedy isn't laugh out loud stuff but is aptly fitting and there's some nice examples of how structure is used in comedy writing in there too. Sound is well composed also. A suiting soundtrack plays throughout and is orchestrated well to echo on screen character emotion. The layered sfx's provide depth and round off the audio well. 

There's some nicely considered shot compositions in here but often the camera lingers too long on the one pose so a quicker edit and more variation of shots wouldn't have gone amiss. Adding to the lagging pace is the slowish movement and character animation which draws out the action more than necessary. The simplistic design of the characters mimics the basic array of movements they can achieve. And while the animation looks kind of bumbling, in a way, it rather suits the tone of the film and is more of a style than a hindrance. Overall, not the best in terms of character look and animation but the voice over performances, cosy plot and thorough audio more than make up for it. 

Best Bit: Voice over actors.

Worst Bit: Slow animation. 

Final thought: Couldn't find any info on writer/director Lockley at all am afraid. 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

The Surprise Demise Of Francis Cooper's Mother ★★★★★

Review of 'The Surprise Demise Of Francis Cooper's Mother' which can be found here on Future Shorts. 

Length: 07:41

Directed by Felix Massie

Genre: Animation 

Date: 2008
Rating: ★★★★★

Logline: Three tales of people learning to cope with the unpredictable and inevitable. 

A nice example of three subplots centred around a common theme, something which well structured feature films should be composed off too. Original style, competent animation which shows restraint through pacing, and compelling narrative, this is a well rounded short through and through. 

Although 2D, the attention in the shot arrangement and composition gives a great depth of field within the frame. While there is often several different things happening in a shot, and with several points of movement, having certain things out of focus gives a clear indication as to what the filmmaker really wants us to pay attention to. Similarly with the audio, the detailed sound effects and an instrumental music track enhance the experience rather than crowding it and never intruding on the narration by the excellent Alexei Sayle who reels of the dialogue like he's reciting poetry. 

That's perhaps testament to the writing which at some points sounds more like a short story. That's certainly not a criticism (well it is narrated isn't it). What probably reads well off the page is a sarcastic and quirky (hate that word) tale which is more than brought to life by the complementing visuals and comedic tones of Sayle. Each storyline is thoughtfully structured together in a way that doesn't leave the audience lingering on one more than the other and which neatly follows on from each other. While the wording may not always be laugh a minute stuff, there are a few gems in there and the character direction on screen more than makes up for it. Very good. 

Best Bit: Good structure, layout and who doesn't love Alexei Sayle (Who's that fat bastard?)

Worst Bit: Pacing could be on the slow side but doesn't really matter. 

Final thought: Awright John, got a new mot'a?

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Probably ★★★★☆

Review of 'Probably' which can be found here on the BBC Film Network.

Length: 01:46

Animated & directed by Kate Anderson

Genre: Animation

Date: 2010
Rating: ★★★★☆

Logline: An average guy reminisces on his past and makes predictions about his future. 

Simple in design, this short cartoon has a hand drawn graphic style, which utilises blocks of bold flat colour. The colour scheme gives this a fun and funky feel although the drawing style is still somewhat basic. The digital soundtrack also enhances the retro computer game vibe and this combined with the animation design of having the main character continually move on through various settings, also mimics video games of yester year. 

There's little to the plot and it's lacking some originality in this area but on the whole is a bit of amusement based around concepts of daydreaming, fulfilment and wishful thinking. The protagonist, voiced suitably by comedian Kim Noble, manages to encapsulate the everyman quite well and portrays what is probably a very average life for a lot of people. Noble's dulcet tones flatter the character making the whole thing sound like a 'Streets' track. 

The animation is busy so there's always something to catch your eye and makes this one of those films you'll want to watch more than once in case you missed something going on in the background. Overall, it's an easy watch.

Best Bit: continual movement through scenes. 

Worst Bit: Plot's nothing to write home about. 

Final thought: "It was acceptable in the 80's."

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Dead Bird ★★★★☆

Review of 'Dead Bird' which can be found here on Daily Motion.

Length: 01:06

Written & animated by Trevor Hardy

Genre: Animation

Date: 2011
Rating: ★★★★☆

Logline: A cantankerous old man unsuccessfully tries to comfort a young boy.

This is a cute and humorous wee short which brings a little entertainment to your screens. Very simple in design but pleasing to the eye. Primary colours add vibrancy, basic set design is uncomplicated and effective, characters are minimalistic but plausible. 

The camera is static but zooms are used to give some movement. They work well with the pacing of the film. Something which seems more important in animation somehow, is the sound. Again, it's kept simple and doesn't intrude over the dialogue. The basic guitar soundtrack at beginning and end is fitting with the tone. The animation itself works well also, the kids transforming into adults is probably the most complicated of the sequences and it's carried off without problems. There's no outstanding claymation here but there doesn't need to be. The animation functions well enough to convey story. 

The  humour teeters ever so slightly on the dark side but that's why I like this. Bloody kids eh! The old guy reminds me of Captain Birdseye or something, he looks like a nice old guy who's kind to kids but cleverly turns out to be someone who probably can't really stand them. He is the stronger character. Would like to see him feature in other short animations. Well done also on paying off the title right at the end. This is what it is, a delightful cartoon which will raise a smile. 

Best Bit: The last joke rounds this off nicely. 

Worst Bit: The boys voice is a bit weak. 

Final thought: Naw, the kids mates ran off and left him cos he's ginger!

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

15th February ★★☆☆☆

Review of '15th February' which can be found here on YouTube.

Length: 06:40

Written by Peter Reading. Directed by Tim Webb

Genre: Animation

Date: 1995

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Logline: A visual representation of a Peter Reading poem.

This starts off with filmed footage but with a stop motion effect which has a nice quality about it before dipping into hand drawn animation then into montage. But it doesn't take long for the fairly repetitious content to become highly uninteresting after a while. It seems like half the length of this short is used up developing set up. Narration, by Peter Reading comes in at midpoint and so the film already runs a high risk of audience tune out before anything interesting happens. Okay, so it's based on a Reading poem (never a great start for a film) and tries to build upon that deliberate staggering verbal repetition, and I guess it works in that way but for me, it's not a good translation onto screen. 

The pace builds in the third act where the narration and edit become manic. It ends up in a bitter tone which is at least evoking some other emotion rather than boredom. The plot seems to follow some habitual smoker (for whatever reason) sending a valentines card then being rebuffed and taking it quite hard. That makes it sound more interesting than it actually is. Readings reading of the poem is quite emotionally engaging but the film doesn't quite do it justice. Looks like a ramshackle animation to me which lacks substance and originality. 

Best Bit: The end titles. 

Worst Bit: Sound of licking envelops. 

Final thought: Yes, it is quite old isn't it. 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Life And Stuff ★★★★☆

Review of 'Life And Stuff' which can be found here on YouTube.

Length: 04:46

Written & directed by Kumar Satkunarasa

Genre: Animation

Date: 2011
Rating: ★★★★☆

Logline: A blunt narration on life. 

I'm not sure whether this is possibly semi-biopic rather than just a general life story to fit all but I really enjoyed the downbeat and depressing tonal aspects of this short film. The overall theme seems to be of regret at a life not really lived, something almost everyone can probably relate too (animators in particular of course).

Sound design is well produced with plenty of SFX's in there to match the onslaught of images that bombard the screen. Animation comes mostly in the form of found imagery, collage and video clips which are all combined to paint a clustered portrait of an entire life. A zoom effect combines shots and gives the a nice fluid motion of travelling forward which matches the narration well. 

The story, voiced by the filmmaker, is pretty much all doom and gloom with one or two rare moments of happiness stuck in there somewhere. That isn't a criticism as the dialogue is honest, candid and meaningful. The film provides food for thought, dark humour, and maybe even a little inspiration as well. While the visuals might not always match the quality of the writing, this is still piece worth watching. 

Best Bit: Unhappy ending, hurrah!

Worst Bit: Looking into my own future. 

Final thought: Perhaps the title should have been 'Life is Stuff'

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

The Persistent Resistance Of Vision ★★☆☆☆

Review of 'The Persistent Resistance Of Vision' which can be found here on the BBC Film Network.

Length: 02:37

Animated & directed by James Baker

Genre: Animation

Date: 2009
Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Logline: An animation which parodies the children's spinning disc toy where two images combine to make a third.

This is one of them films where you have to read the logline or premise first before any of it really makes sense. To me, that means it's either an art house film or the filmmaker hasn't done a good enough job in conveying the films meaning. In this particular case, I think it's the latter. 

While the film itself does pertain to it's stated objective, when looked at in respect to audience (after all, they're the ones for which films are usually made for) the end result is somewhat inadequate. First off, there is limited animation here. In fact it looks more like a series of stills edited together. What's more, is that it feels like the pace of the edits have been created to match the pre-selected tempo of a soundtrack. Usually, it's the other way round where music is composed to the finished image, but in this instance it looks like the filmmaker has done the vice-versa. Whether that was the case or not, who knows, but it certainly comes across that way. 

The abstract plot means that not a lot is happening here either. There's a bird in a cage and a cat, then for some reason a fly comes into play. Think Sylvester and Tweetie then minus any humour, action, dialogue, interesting visuals...and entertainment, and you'll be left with this. Overall, I found this unstimulating and badly contrived. I'm sure this film has it's place somewhere as it does have some artistic value to it. Maybe those experamentalists might like it???

Best Bit: The piano strings moment.  

Worst Bit: Relatively nothing happens. 

Final thought: Playing with an actual spinning image toy would be more entertaining than this. 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

The Eagleman Stag ★★★★★

Review of 'The Eagleman Stag' which can be found here on Future Shorts.

Length: 09:12

Written & directed by Michael Please

Genre: Animation

Date: 2010

Rating: ★★★★★

Logline: A philosophical man is constantly distracted by thoughts about time perception. 

This is a brilliantly animated short where attention to detail is everything. The model making is absolutely awesome, flawless, intricate and yet starkly simple at the same time. With complex and difficult shot compositions, this film doesn't scrimp on being a visual treat. The black and white colour choice allows the shadows of the flat surfaces to create great depth without crowding shots. Don't get me wrong, there is often a lot going on in the set design but the monochrome palette helps dissolve a busy scene and makes it easier on the eye. That or it was a deliberate decision to give the film a pretentious arty-farty look.

Sound design is also of a high standard. Music is used minimally but the sound effects are spot on and as thorough as the visuals. Story-wise, it's a bit lacklustre though. The main character suitably voiced by David Cann, is rather droll and uninteresting. This is a bitter-sweet tale but not a compelling one. Yes, it's highly original but the 'weighty' dialogue runs the risk of making audiences tune out. But, at the same time, you'll no doubt catch something new every time you watch this as there is so much compressed into it. That's if you can be bothered to watch it again of course. 

Best Bit: Model design without a doubt.

Worst Bit: Bit boring. 

Final thought: Wonder how long that took and if that had anything to do with the time perception theme?

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

The Broken Jaw ★★★☆☆

Review of 'The Broken Jaw' which can be found here on Youtube.

Length: 06:36

Written & directed by Chris Shepherd

Genre: Animation

Date: 1997

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: A bunch of traditional drinkers find their local has been updated beyond recognition. 

This cartoon pretty much epitomises Galashiels on a Saturday night. Combining the traditional shit-hole pub like the 'Auld Mill' or 'The Bridge' with the karaoke filled (and likely to be stabbed in) pubs like 'The Glue Pot', 'The Harrow' and again, the 'Auld Mill'. This depressing little number has a cool mixture of hand drawn animation and still photography and centers around themes of not fitting in with progress, change, and what we in Gala like to refer to as "The way it's ay been". 

It's a bit on the grim side as it highlights the unsavoury nature of a good night out. Dialogue, or lack of it, is interesting and varies from lairy undescriptive shouts of abuse, phlegm filled clearings of throats and slurred pub singing. Musical elements have also been incorporated but seem more like time fillers rather than plot forwarding narration. All combine to create a realistic and unconventional effect as character intentions and emotions are well conveyed by these techniques.

The characters themselves are all completely unlikeable yet the filmmaker has done well to make you feel sorry for the old folk when they find times have moved on and they haven't. The plot nicely comes full circle but I wondered what audiences were supposed to be left feeling by the end of this film. I was just glad it was over. 

Best Bit: Looking into a cartoon mirror of auld Gala.

Worst Bit: False teeth sound effect. Eugh.

Final thought: A zimmer frame in the face shows yev had a good night, so it does. 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

All Consuming Love (Man In A Cat) ★★★☆☆

Review of 'All Consuming Love (Man In A Cat)' which can be found here on YouTube.

Length: 09:20

Written by Ian Ravenscroft & Louis Hudson. Directed by Louis Hudson.

Genre: Animation

Date: 2011

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: A small man living in a cat falls in love with it's new owner. Shame she doesn't feel the same way.

Saw this one at this years EIFF in amongst some other animations but wasn't overly impressed at the time and was left feeling a bit disturbed by it.

I remember thinking that the animation of the cat owner looked like it had been filmed in real time then been drawn over on top. While this helps give a more realistic movement to the character, I couldn't help think that this was a bit like cheating plus it creates an inconsistency with the other characters. The changing perspectives - the size of the man in the cat peering out of the eye compared to his bulbous head squeezing out of the cats arse - is also off putting and it's this fluctuating mixture on the screen which adds to the weirdness.

Extra points are given for the sheer originality of the story but minus points were awarded for the uneasy nature of the plot too. It's a surreal tale alright. Yorkie, brilliantly voiced by Kevin Eldon, pretty much has a one track mind which is certainly reflected in the title. His determination is also his downfall but there is a nice conclusion to his story, if a bit on the squeamish side.

Plenty of attention to detail has gone into the sound design. Every squelching footstep and every cat fart adds to the disgusting tone and the sound is by far the highlight for me. The cheesy piano track does well when emphasising the emotions but is also a bit naff. Structurally, it's sound too with clear story beats. Dialogue and voice work are also of good caliber, it's just the whole man up cat's arse thing that puts me off.

Best Bit: Sound design is top.

Worst Bit: The concept is too weird for me.

Final thought: How'd he get a chair inside a cat?

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.