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The Independent Critic

STARRING
Timothy J. Cox, Rachel Lynn Jackson, Max Plush
DIRECTED BY
Lee Loechler
SCREENPLAY
Yael Green
RUNNING TIME
5 Mins.

 

 "Choosing Sides" a Solid Indie Short 
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A regular contributor of shorts to The Independent Critic, Timothy J. Cox co-stars as the father in this slight but funny short film that seems like a fun way to kick off the holiday season as two obviously theologically opposed parents, Peter (Cox) and Ellen (Rachel Lynn Jackson), celebrate their son's 12th birthday by having "the" talk about which path he intends to choose - Catholicism or Judaism.

Choosing Sides is an intentionally funny and over-the-top short film that comes in at just over five minutes and is filled with one-liners, digs, and otherwise blunt insults that play off common beliefs, stereotypes and, more than likely, a few things you've wanted to say while gathered around the holiday table with people you may not see the rest of the year.

The second short film from director Lee Loechler, Choosing Sides takes its relatively one-note theme and makes the most of it before, as one probably expects, handing it all over to the able young hands of Max Plush, a young man who is smart enough and funny enough to figure out that both his mother and his father have a few unresolved issues.

Choosing Sides is a film that depends entirely upon your appreciating its humor, and let's face it, we religious folks aren't exactly known for our sense of humor when it comes to even gently poking fun at our beliefs. That said, the film is clearly just having fun with it all and the performances are solid across the board.

I will admit that one joke, in particular, completely pulled me out of the film as a crack was made about Ellen having gone through menopause. While I have no doubt that the quite beautiful Rachel Lynn Jackson will wear her 50's stunningly, it seemed like a joke that didn't quite fit the appearance of her character.

Minor quibbles aside, Choosing Sides is a fun little short that you should check out if you get the chance.

Written by Richard Propes 
The Independent Critic