Women's Boxing ★★★☆☆

Review of 'Women's Boxing' which can be found here on YouTube.

Length: 03:21

Written & directed by Bradford Foyer.

Genre: Documentary

Date: 2012
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: Looking at sporting opportunities for female youngsters in Bradford.

Another doc brought to you by the young people support group, this time telling us all about a sport that's currently been in the headlines a lot recently. Well, it tells us about a couple of schemes that's been developed and shows us some girls punching a lot but it doesn't really delve into the subject much more than that. 

There's a lot missing. The stigma of being a woman boxer, the struggling history of the sport, health benefits and dangers etc. While this is nice and pro-women's boxing, it's not presenting a balanced view and therefore comes off as bland and uninteresting. The sport is a hot topic but this feels like a wasted opportunity and more like a presentation of statistics and facts. 

To be fair, the production is well put together. Plenty of shot variation and cut aways to keep the audience's eyes busy while it takes in the voice over. The movement within the camera also aids the pace and this has been edited together competently. Whoever delivers the voice over narrative does so well and to a professional standard, giving this a news report feel to it. There's enough interviews included to come off as a decent attempt at film making but a more objective selection of individuals would have helped. Overall, yes it's trying to deliver a positive outlook for the long neglected sport but in terms of documentary journalism, lacks impartiality. 

Best Bit: Encouraging message. 

Worst Bit: One sided and not rounded out. 

Final thought: Not a black eye or broken nose in sight. Those primary school girls aren't hitting hard enough!

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Future Sound ★★★★☆

Review of 'Future Sound' which can be found here on YouTube. 

Length: 13:39

Directed by Rachel Lob-levyt & Jamie Whitby

Genre: Documentary 

Date: 2010
Rating: ★★★★☆

Logline: Documentary looking at the future of digital music coming put of London.

This film gathers influential musicians and producers from the current London underground music scene such as Scratcha DVA, Roska, and Blackdown, to name a few, and gives us their well informed perspectives on there London music has come from and where it is going. 

It feels more factual and educational than entertaining, but that's not a criticism and is coming from someone who knows little about the subject matter. Perhaps some more interesting visuals would benefit viewers new to this topic, as you can only look at so many shots of a spinning record, twiddling knobs and strobe lighting for so long.   

Several fitting music tracks accompany the talking heads which are mellow, unobtrusive and set a good pace from which the edit continues. The music also does well to further inform the audience regarding the theme too. Audio levels vary but everything is audible and clear enough. Interviewing someone in a stairwell was probably not the best idea in the world tho. Not all of the camerawork is brilliant, it sometimes goes a bit Jamie Oliver, but is forgivable as this also reflects the general feel of the film. Everything is nicely edited together with subtle use of text and good pacing with cuts. 

Structurally, the intro sequence sets up the discussion nicely before the belated titles arrive before going into more depth, covering breaking in stories, social media, piracy etc. A fair bit is covered and the fact this goes a long way to make this feel professional, well thought out and in general allows the people on screen to come across as educated and inspirational. Well produced work. 

Best Bit: Feels really well informed and intellectual. 

Worst Bit: Nothing much interesting to look at but good to listen to. 

Final thought: Leaves you wanting to know more. 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Inspiring Yorkshire ★★★☆☆

Review of 'Inspiring Yorkshire' which can be found here at Daily Motion. 

Length: 03:07

Directed by filmmakers from the Prism Youth Project

Genre: Documentary

Date: 2012?
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: Some young people want to tell you about unemployment.  

It's hard to tell if this is the 'making off' or the actual film they've been asked to make about Bradford unemployment. Is it a film or is it a campaign? Or is it a film about making a campaign? Meh, whatever, it's not bad as far as youth projects go. 

It's a group of lads who all look like they've left school and found nothing better to do than fall into filmmaking (who needs an excuse?) Each team member shows they have different skills and all seem to have a good grasp of their specialised area. It actually looks like they work well together and enjoying what they're doing (and haven't been forced into it).

The editing stands out as a particular strength here with good pace, good shot variation and on screen arrangement. Even the animation snippet looks quite professional. The camerawork also looks well composed and done with nice picture quality. If you're familiar with GarageBand, you'll recognise the royalty free music used but when you're on a budget, right?

Although the subject matter is wholly uninteresting and a bog standard youth project subject, the enthusiasm of the filmmakers and their like-ability help add some attention holding moments for the viewer. Again, with these sort of films, you have to wonder who the audience is and if this is just an exercise to keep the funding coming in. If this is aimed towards the money providers, then I think it's done its job well. 

Best Bit: Competent editing. 

Worst Bit: No actual short film about employment. 

Final thought: Wonder if any of them's got a job out of this? 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Risk ★★★☆☆

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

Length: 02:40

Written & directed by Kevin Pickering 

Genre: Documentary 

Date: 2011
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: An Edinburgh guy starts to panic about global warming. 

This is a run of the mill doc with a slight comedic edge. Basically a fella starts phoning around insurance companies to see if he can take out a policy to protect himself against the effects of global warming only to quickly discover no such cover exists. It's slow to start and the inciting incident probably comes in at midpoint, which is a bit late on. This means the film runs the risk of losing audience attention. But once the premise is clearly stated, it does pick up again. The conclusion is a kind of limited as the protagonist reaches a stalemate but considering the short length, the subject matter receives enough attention even though am not very sure what the point or message was.  

Camera quality is passable but the lighting isn't terribly great, especially the blinding light that shines through the patio door illuminating the already pasty skinned Scot. Sound is adequate though and the voice over works well. (Listen out for the chipmunk on the other side of the phone trying to sell insurance) The saving grace in the edit which has quick enough cuts to maintain a visually interesting pace. 

Best Bit: The edit keeps a good pace. 

Worst Bit: Couldn't tell if this was a serious documentary or just a piss take for the first half of the film. 

Final thought: Need a follow up film on how he does indeed "prepare for the worst". 

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Boxing Clever ★★★☆☆

Review of 'Boxing Clever' which can be found here on MiShorts.

Length: 03:50

Directed by Chocolate Films

Genre: Documentary

Date: 2012

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: A documentary showing how sport can be a positive influence on young people.

Think I've reviewed one of this lots films before. The soundtrack has a familiar copyright free twang to it so therefore might get used on every film possible. This is another look at what brilliant things there are for 'disadvantaged' teenagers and is a fairly bog standard doc. There's the usual talking to teens, trainers and lots of sport activity shots. It's technically sound with good stable composition on camera shots, an apt pace in the edit and has a clear structural narrative.

Made by kids, for kids, the target audience towards other youngsters is probably also slightly smothered in the fact that this will be watched by the funding bodies behind it so the positive aspects have been plastered on a bit thick. But on the whole, there is a nice balance between encouraging others to take up the sport by having participants discuss their initial hesitancy, how it's bloody hard work, and the non-health benefits that they've gotten out of doing it too. The film ends with a great positive message and the promotion for boxing as an awesome sport is complete.

Best Bit: "When I first come along I wasn't really happy to"

Worst Bit: No females.

Final thought: Didn't realise punching people in the head was such a calming activity.

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Grass Roots ★★★★★

Review of 'Grass Roots' which can be found here or on Vimeo.

Length: 06:13

Directed by Nick Ray Rutter

Genre: Documentary

Date: 2011?

Rating: ★★★★★

Logline: A glimpse into the drink inducing world of amateur football.

Finding it hard to find any decent shorts online at the moment so took a gander back at some of the previously reviewed filmmakers that stood out for me. From the director who brought you the excellent Myxomatosis, this is a hilarious documentary focusing on the enthusiastic but pie-eyed exploits of the Wodson Park football club.

This one's all about the structure for me (cos, like, I hate football, eh). A quick edited introduction with music opens our eyes to the shouty on pitch violence as well as hinting at team camaraderie. The stakes are firmly stated with the cup final title card and then we meet the players. The narrative of the film lets this band of brothers introduce each other to camera with varying degrees of opinion being shown. The shifting point of view perspective makes for good comedy as well as giving us some great on screen characters.

The heart of the story comes with the introduction of team mascot, Ashley, who's maybe a bit on the slow side (explained by him having epilepsy?). Simon, the manager, tells us that they're really winning for this guy who's in the little brother they all want to protect role. Cut to the cup final match and in true reality TV form, there's a tense re-inactment of 'Escape to Victory' where the team are down 2-0 after the first half. There's a will-they-won't-they build up before SPOILER: they win, yay. Cue the drinking celebrations, which possibly started before the match did, and the resolution of the story of how it's helped Ashley become a more socially rounded person (or somethink).

Good stuff.

Best Bit: Clever manipulative editing.

Worst Bit: Canny make out half of the stuff they're roaring unfortunately.

Final thought: I feel a new reality TV show coming on.

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

The Story Of Keep Calm And Carry On ★★★★★

Review of 'The Story Of Keep Calm And Carry On' which can be found here on YouTube.

Length: 03:00

Written & directed by Temujin Doran

Genre: Documentary

Date: 2012

Rating: ★★★★★

Logline: A look into the Second World War motivational poster.

This is a short but sweet information giving film attempting to explain the resonance of those now fiercely common place posters (and erm, mugs, keyrings, and general tat) that don every gift shop in town.

It's a chirpy little tale but not without depth and certainly doesn't skimp on emotional impact. A story of two halves, the origins of the poster and the book shop in which it was found fifty years later. A pause in the narration signifies the change into modern times and gives time to adjust to the colour, warmth and new subject matter. There is of course, a mixture of found footage and graphics mixed in, which takes us back to yesteryear as well as using the reproduced font to evoke a similar feeling to its original purpose.

In response to the underlying meaning, the pace is steadfast and composed showing a clear structure and efficiency which mimics the war effort ethos. Editing is competently well done with tons of shot variation which keeps the eye busy while the visuals help compliment the filmmakers voice over.

Although this appears to be as much an advert for Barter Books as it is a factual look at the posters history, the information given about the shops itself fits in seamlessly with the poster backstory and could almost be said to be a vital part of the posters history too. There's no attempt to out and out advertise the shop. The shots of cosy tea rooms and toy trains does that for it. The film returns back to its original subject matter and attempts to understand the resonance of the posters simple instructions, leaving a poignant ending to a lovely film.

Best Bit: Subject matter and feel good content.

Worst Bit: No credits at the end (had to think of something)

Final thought: Bet that graphic designer is turning over in his grave right now.

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Pockets ★★★★☆

Review of 'Pockets' which can be found here at 4docs.

Length: 03:01

Directed by James Lees

Genre: Documentary

Date: 2008

Rating: ★★★★☆

Logline: A film showing what various people keep in their pockets and why.

This is a nice straight forward film that makes even seasoned crack addicts seem pleasant enough. But let's take a closer look.

A lot of elements are covered in this. Religion, death, sex, food and friendship to name but a few. Every item seems to have a certain significance, there's no used bus tickets or pocket lint to be seen here. Naturally, the filmmaker has chosen only the interesting things. There's a nice juxtaposition early on where we go from innocent child to toothless druggie. The structure has some sort of thread to it, but is sometimes a little loose and gets a bit focused on religion towards the end.

For a film about Londoners, there's an awful lot of foreign accents to be heard. Clearly, the UK residents are less interesting, and are either bemused kids, gummy old folk or randy adults. None the less, a wide and interesting bunch so you are never sure on what we are going to get next.

Shots vary between close-ups of the owners faces and the items they hold in their hands. (I kind of became transfixed by the state of some folks nails) Camera quality is high though some out of focus shots are a bit distracting. There is an apt and fitting accompanying soundtrack which emulates the continental feel of the London location.

This feels like a topic that could be explored on and on with limitless amounts of interesting people and items to discover. What we get here is limited but also a good taster and easily watchable short film.

Best Bit: Vibrant colours and camera quality.

Worst Bit: People selection.

Final thought: I take it that horn came out of a clowns pocket, right.

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Bradford Jesus ★★★☆☆

Review of 'Bradford Jesus' which can be found here or at MiShorts.

Length: 06:04

Directed by Bradford Foyer

Genre: Documentary

Date: 2012

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: A group of young filmmakers try to hunt down the illusive Bradford Jesus. (A.K.A. the nutjob that lives in a cave and talks to God)

This starts off well and takes on an interesting subject for a doc. It keeps momentum until about mid point then descends into youth video-dom where pointless space fillers, repeated shots and more vox pops get rammed in to bursting point.

We manage to get a little glimpse into the Jesus man, though only from second hand sources, but it’s enough to make an audience want to know more. It was a shame that the crew didn’t get the man in person but they have done an okay job with what they did manage to get. The editor probably has to be commended for doing their best with the footage. Note a couple of shots that, for whatever reason, have been reversed.

The weakness comes when the film kind of stops being about the Bradford Jesus guy and suddenly becomes about the filmmaking team and their attempts to find him. (Was probably in the Department of Educations remit that the kids be in it or they wouldn’t fund the damn thing) Cue several shots of badly drawn posters, bog standard time lapses and poor attempts to engage with the general public.

Overall, this was a good exercise for budding young filmmakers. A lot of different camera techniques have been incorporated and several documentary elements covered. Probably worth a remake with a more thorough investigation into the subject.

Best Bit: The first 56 seconds.

Worst Bit: All the stuff in between 02:33 – 04:23

Final thought: The Department of Education will probably pat itself firmly on the back for that.

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Eric's Secrets ★★★★☆

Review of 'Eric's Secrets' which can be found here at 4docs.

Length: 04:34

Directed by Lucia Ashmore

Genre: Documentary

Date: 2008

Rating: ★★★★☆

Logline: Eric Frankel reveals his cooking tips and talks about life.

This is a sweet film of an elderly gent reminiscing about life and love and imparting understated and practical advise along the way. He tells his story in a straightforward and easy way and makes for an interesting and likeable protagonist.

There are sharp cuts in the editing which looked like a faulty upload at first but soon become an acceptable style to the visuals. Camera quality isn't the highest but it's a documentary so the need for additional lighting and all that stuff isn't very relevant. We're in this guys house and the shoot reflects that realism and gives an intimate portrayal. Using a mixture of shot footage and found imagery, this adds to the flow of the story and gives us something interesting to look at. Sound is clear with a subtle soundtrack playing in the background which nicely cuts out during the more sensitive topics.

The structure follows a natural sequence from informal introduction, hearing about Eric's single life, him meeting his wife Connie and building a home, their growing family, life after the kids have left, the story of Connie's death and we comes full circle back to Eric on his own. All in all, a nice little condensation of a long life led.

Best Bit: I've got the recommendation I was looking for from a doctor saying that drinking when cooking is wholly acceptable.

Worst Bit: He had to move out his house.

Final thought: I don't think he's really still a consultant physician somehow.

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.