Size doesn't matter... until it does.
There's a perverse joy to be found in Holt Boggs's directorial debut Crazy, 10 minutes of darkly comical humor and psychological tension set amidst the washed out innards of some dingy roadside dinner where two men, Monty (Brian Villalobos) and Stanley (Boggs), have gathered to discuss the gritty details of dastardly deeds done and yet to be done.
The storyline is simple. Stanley is a mob boss with an insecure streak who has enlisted the help of the eccentric Monty to "take out" his girlfriend's presumably more well hung lover.
While the storyline hints at the glittery black humor to be found in Crazy, there's something brilliantly inspired about the ways in which Boggs takes it all so incredibly seriously setting the humor smack dab in the middle of your usual elements of a classic thriller. The result, brought to life by Crazy's stellar ensemble cast, is one of 2020's early indie gems and a surefire bet to be an indie fest favorite.
Inspired by his latest viewing of the Michael Mann classic Heat, a viewing of Jim Cummings' award-winning short Thunder Road that eventually inspired Cummings' own feature film, and a longtime desire to work with Brian Villalobos, Crazy finally came together and we're all the better for it.
Lost somewhere in the world between a Bond Baddie and a Diedrich Bader absurdist comedy, Villalobos is absolutely brilliant as Monty. Villalobos's Monty is so deadpan awesome that you're pretty sure you wouldn't want to run into him in a dark alley, but you'd likely laugh your head off if he was on a comedy stage. On the flip side, Boggs's Stanley radiates hints of Louis C.K. but is more likel to be found fondling himself.
Somehow, Keturah Branch shows up and keeps it on an even keel even as Boggs's story takes some hilarious twists and turns that are so matter-of-factly manifested that they turn into cinematic "Aha!" moments. And yes, of course, both Villalobos and Boggs play it beautifully all the way. Watch for a brief, memorable cameo from executive producer Mark Fishbach.
Lensing by Jake Bayless is simultaneously classic thriller meets Farrelly Brothers, while Matt Bukaty's original score is absolute perfection. There's a tune credited to Missio, "I See You," that plays over the film's closing credits that deserves to find a wider audience.
For more information on Crazy, visit the film's official website linked to in the credits. For information on the film's world premiere at the Mammoth Film Festival in California, visit the Mammoth Film Festival website.
Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic
