The student produced film is about the relationship of Farmer Ellen and a family of gophers who want to live on the farm. The humor is great. I love all the various jokes throughout the entire film and the interaction between all the characters in the various scenes.
The camera work is well done. I especially like the camera shots of the gophers, shot from below with their faces showing the sky in the background. There are lots of good facial expressions. The gopher costumes are fabulous. Farmer Ellen's is good, but David Flim Flam's costume is absolutely hysterical, with all his "chest hair." The costumes definitely make this film! The background music is good and upbeat; it keeps things moving. The Gopher family song about Ellen finding love is really fun and funny! Do stay for the credits, because they're quite fun too.
All the performances are quite good, but there are two breakout performances that stand out. Tess Painchaud as Margaret Cheeker and Greyson LeClair as David FlimFlam (not in the credits on filmfreeway). Mother Gopher's singing, line delivery and facial expressions are all terrific. Greyson LeClair's performance hits it out of the park in part because of his costume, but also his tongue-in-cheek attitude.
The message of this film is about learning about others.
I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12. Keep in mind that it is a student produced film, so don't weigh it against professional productions. But, if your festival is showcasing student films, you should definitely consider this one.
Reviewed by Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
The student produced film is about the relationship of Farmer Ellen and a family of gophers who want to live on the farm. The humor is great. I love all the various jokes throughout the entire film and the interaction between all the characters in the various scenes.
The camera work is well done. I especially like the camera shots of the gophers, shot from below with their faces showing the sky in the background. There are lots of good facial expressions. The gopher costumes are fabulous. Farmer Ellen's is good, but David Flim Flam's costume is absolutely hysterical, with all his "chest hair." The costumes definitely make this film! The background music is good and upbeat; it keeps things moving. The Gopher family song about Ellen finding love is really fun and funny! Do stay for the credits, because they're quite fun too.
All the performances are quite good, but there are two breakout performances that stand out. Tess Painchaud as Margaret Cheeker and Greyson LeClair as David FlimFlam (not in the credits on filmfreeway). Mother Gopher's singing, line delivery and facial expressions are all terrific. Greyson LeClair's performance hits it out of the park in part because of his costume, but also his tongue-in-cheek attitude.
The message of this film is about learning about others.
I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 12. Keep in mind that it is a student produced film, so don't weigh it against professional productions. But, if your festival is showcasing student films, you should definitely consider this one.
Reviewed by Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
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