Based upon and clearly inspired by the Skinny Cavallo song of the same name, writer/director Jeremy Jed Hammel's dramatic yet feel good short film A Little Push centers on a man (Cavallo) at a crossroads who begins looking at the choices he has made and the choices he can make in the future. The only constant in his visions is his relationship with Jules (Sarah Duncan), a vibrant and fully alive companion whose spirit clearly empowers his own.

It's difficult to accurately describe A Little Push, a nearly nine-minute short film that feels like it's part narrative short, part music video and part behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inspiration that fuels an artist. The song, which appears in the short film Once Again, is front and center here and Hammel does a fantastic job of creating a spirited and memorable video experience that will likely leave you wanting to listen more of Cavallo's music while learning more about the artist himself.

The film also features appearances by Slaine, of The Town and Killing Them Softly, and Jay Giannone (Safe, Gone Baby Gone), but even with its star power it's the tune and the visuals it inspires that is really the star here. With MTV and every other music video channel largely abandoning videos in favor of low-brow reality television and other cinematic crap, it's downright refreshing to get a chance to check out a truly well made and entertaining short film such as A Little Push.

The film is just kicking off its festival tour, and any festival that features arts oriented or musical shorts will absolutely love this addition to their programming. If you get a chance, check it out!


© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic