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The Independent Critic

STARRING
Karlee Fomalont, Mohamed Elachi, Christopher McGuire, Aram Nazaryan, Ilya Nikitemko and Laurie Delmond
DIRECTED BY
Zoe Robyn
SCREENPLAY
Timothy J. Lea (Story), Zoe Robyn (Writer)
RUNNING TIME
15:26

 "Bolt Cutters in Paris" a Quirky Love Story 
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Sometimes love stories start with a break-up.

There's much love and humor in the air during writer/director Zoe Robyn's delightful and quirky short film Bolt Cutters in Paris, a 15-minute short film about Molly (Karlee Fomalont), Momo (Mohamed Elachi, A Prophet & The Incredible Hulk), a pair of bolt cutters and a couple of punks.

In Paris.

Shot on location in Paris, the recently completed Bolt Cutters in Paris is already an official selection of the Brooklyn Girl Film Festival, Portland's Women's Film Festival and last weekend's Dam Short Film Festival in Nevada. As Molly, Karlee Fomalont is an absolute joy, weaving together a healthy dose of Doris Day meets Sarah Silverman into the persona of a young woman who just wants to move on after a relationship goes bad. In this case, "moving on" involves the not so subtle destruction of a romantically engraved padlock located in a place of honor in the City of Love.

That's where Momo comes into the picture, beautifully captured as both your stereotypical suave and sophisticated Parisian and a guy with just enough "guy next door" qualities that you really can see an instant spark.

While there are tougher tasks than shooting a beautiful film in Paris, Executive Producer and D.P. Brad Turner (24, Hawaii Five-O, Transporter) gives the film a vibrancy that works perfectly alongside a retro feeling and wonderfully energized original score from Jamie Forsyth. The film also features an appearance by Christopher McGuire (300, Scott Pilgrim, Kick-Ass).

The story from Timothy J. Lea (CSI: New York, Lie to Me) works because it wisely only tries to capture that one essential moment when one is on the verge of saying "No relationships ever again" only to look around the corner and see opportunity knocking. Lea's story, written by Zoe Robyn, is humorous with just the right touch of honesty and heart.

Of course, much of the credit for the film's success must also go to director Zoe Robyn. Robyn nicely paces the film, which also at one point feels like a quirky cousin film to Julie Delpy's 2 Days in Paris.

Personally, I have a feeling I'd rather spend two hours with Molly and Momo.

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic