review: I NEED TO LOSE TEN POUNDS

Red Cow Entertainment  //  Buy from official site I Need to Lose Ten Pounds tells of the exploits of an overweight young man named Miguel, who is incapable of losing weight. He tries everything from bulimia to condom ingestion, and meets some friends along the way, including a pimp with a whore factory named Silly Waunka. Meanwhile, the evil celebrity Richard Simmons is looking for one more fat person to complete his fat army and rule the world. Miguel is right under his gaze. I didn't know what to make of this film when I first received the DVD - the cover/inlay is a comic book-style montage of cartoon images, and somehow I had it in my head that this one was only 10-15 minutes long. Tack on 60 more minutes to that, and I am astounded at the sheer creativity that went into this production - an independent musical comedy, shot on digital video?! FANTASTIC!! The singing is unbelievable - truly "so bad it's good," especially the mother's songs to her boys (or about her boys) - she has the voice of an angel, so long as you define "angelic singing" by gargling broken glass and strangling a cat. And I loved it!! It's unabashed b-movieness is brazen, in your face and endlessly entertaining. This is a shot-on-DV movie and it doesn't pretend to be anything but... and for that, I applaud the director! To come up with this type of storyline, and gather around cast & crew to realize your wild & wacky cinematic vision, is truly impressive, and the director Frankie Frain manages to deliver 80 minutes of truly entertaining fare... if you like your cheese ripe, this is one for you! Video Released in its original 4:3 aspect ratio, I was suitably impressed with the quality of the production. While obviously shot on digital video, the picture is solid throughout, with no video noise or jaggedies to detract from the overall presentation. Audio Solid audio throughout - even during the seizure-inducing singing numbers! Extras 2 commentary tracks (director & marketing director) deleted scenes (w/ commentary) alternate scenes (w/ commentary) trailer Closing Thoughts Very original, very entertaining indie romp + some fun extras = fun, zany romp into true b-movie land!