Harvie Krumpet is a 22 minute claymation short that blends dark themes with humor really well.  The story centers around Harvie, a guy who’s dealt with a lot in life—dealing with Tourette’s syndrome, a troubled upbringing and having to flee his home of Poland as the Nazi’s invaded.  Despite these challenges, Harvie embraces life on his own terms, culminating in a moment of liberation as he enjoys a cigarette in the sunshine.

The animation is solid and the Australian charm…

I stumbled upon this one looking for a low-budget post-apocalyptic film and I was entertained for what it was.  It definitely has more of a late ‘70s feel, even though it’s from 1982.  The action and effects were a bit clumsy but the atmosphere was good, giving off original Mad Max vibes.  

Sid Haig as the villain, Cutter, was a highlight, though he could’ve used a little more screen time and maybe a villain monologue.  Steve Barkett, who played…

I waited a long time to see The Wrestler and it absolutely exceeded my expectations.  Mickey Rourke as Randy “The Ram” is phenomenal, fully embodying an aging wrestler who’s given his entire life to the business and is left with almost nothing.  His struggle to stay afloat, both physically and emotionally, is heartbreaking and the film captures the harsh realities of life after wrestling better than I ever expected.

The authenticity is what makes it so incredible—filming in real indie…

An interesting, if rough-around-the-edges, look at the life and mind of outsider musician Wesley Willis.  

The documentary follows a few days in his life, capturing his struggles with schizophrenia, his passion for music and art and his deep desire for connection and stability.  While the production is low-quality—likely shot on a camcorder—it effectively showcases Willis’ world without feeling exploitative.

The film left me feeling both sad and inspired.  Willis faced serious challenges but he still lived life on his…