Two Not-So-Short Films from Chris Matheson
DVD Review

by Linda Kay

New to DVD is the release of two short films written and directed by Bill & Ted co-creator, Chris Matheson.  The two films are combined on one disc to form a package any fan of offbeat comedy will find interesting!  Here is our review of the two short films featured on this release:

Mike the Detective - 1993
Written and Directed by Chris Matheson
runs 43 minutes
contains adult language, mild violence

Not since the obscure Manchu Eagle Murder Caper Mystery has there been such a bizarre and perplexing yet funny send-up of crime thrillers in general.  Mike the Detective focuses on a detective, aptly named Mike, who is in the throes of trying to solve a bizarre string of murders.  In his quest he meets an assortment of odd dialogue-spewing characters who only seem to complicate matters with their supposedly sensible philosophies.  Love is found and lost, a radish is a central clue and surrealism abounds as normal scene set-ups dissolve into twisted, unexpected moments of atypical action.

It?s interesting to note how this short film is evenly divided between stretches of disjointed dialogue which, in and of themselves, spoof film dialogue at its best (and worst) and equal periods of silence and pauses which allow the absurdity to build to its pinnacle.  Likewise the sets and settings are seldom clubbed over the viewers head; what is seemingly very normal on the surface turns out to be twisted just enough or are so out of their normal context as to be equally outrageous on their own.  As a whole, these elements come together to create a unique form of cockamamie unique to Chris? sensibilities, which showed themselves in a more subtle form in the Bill and Ted films.

Playing the part of Mike is Shane Black (best known for writing the Lethal Weapon screenplays), who brings to the character the necessary desperation and confusion.  Kyle Gass (who with Jack Black makes up the awesome Tenacious D) turns in a versatile and outrageous performance as Phil, Mike?s philosophical partner whose fancies lead to monologues about Jesus and an imagination-induced trip to the moon.  Of particular note is the performance of Aled Glynn Davies as Nestor, Man of Many Faces, which is nothing short of brilliant.

Of particular note are cameos by Ed Solomon (who appears as a member of a chess team) and "Most Important Person" Martha Davis, who appears as the singer at the dance (as well as penning the music for both Mike and Monkeys . . . an additional bit of trivia is that she also happens to be Chris Matheson?s mother-in-law!)

 
Monkeys - 1991
Written and Directed by Chris Matheson
runs 1 hour, 18 minutes
contains adult language and violence

It?s hard to consider this a short film at its impressive running time of 78 minutes; for all intents and purposes Monkeys plays out like a feature film, albeit an experimental and independent one.  The story focuses on four male characters worthy of a Tarantino epic who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of someone named "Steve" who is to bring them their "stuff."  The interaction between the characters is the film . . . particularly that between Joe (Shane Black) and Mike (Ryan Rowe, who interestingly enough would direct Cynthia Cleese, Ed Solomon?s wife, in the independent short film I?m on Fire), as tormentor and victim, respectively.  Kyle Gass makes a short but notable appearance as Fat Guy.  Greg Brooker (who penned the screenplay for Stuart Little) as Tom and Brent Hinkley as Huckleberry also turn in very good performances.

The claustrophobic feel of the movie, which takes place in only two rooms, helps define its sense of absurdity.  Indeed the longest gun-wrestling segment ever is recorded here for posterity.  As the anticipation grows (and the cast dwindles) the viewer is carried along in moments of violence, philosophy, aimless panicked running around and even dancing, not to mention cheese sandwiches and orange drink.

The conclusion of this film is even more open-ended than that of Mike the Detective, which seems to be part of Matheson?s upside-down world that never seems to have any real rhyme or reason (except perhaps to Chris himself) but just is.  Likewise the directing style on both Mike and Monkeys is unobtrusive . . . Chris is able to allow the material and actors to be the center of attention, utilizing the camera to capture, not to interfere, with what?s happening and letting things play out as he's imagined.

OUR RATING??
**Most Atypical!**

Overall no one will argue that these films are eclectic and rather disjointed.  Certainly they are not suited to everyone?s taste.  But if you enjoy really oddball and obscure short films, surrealistic and outrageous comedy or just want a glimpse into the workings of Chris Matheson?s celluloid mind, you could do much worse than to invest in this interesting two film set.  For myself I found the films uneven but there were certainly enough laugh-out-loud moments for me to make them worthwhile.

The DVD includes extras of Chris Matheson providing commentary for Mike the Detective, talking about the making of the film and his association with those involved, plus a 30 minute interview with Kyle Gass by Warren Etheridge of The Warren Report.

Copies of the Mike the Detective / Monkeys DVD can be purchased now through
The Warren Report Store