This past week, Mental Ward Films had 3 test screenings for the rough cut of Bamboo Shark. I was asked to be one of the fortunate and privileged guests to watch the screening and I have to admit that this film doesn’t just have a clever idea for a plot… but, it also comes with so many hilarious and memorable moments! It’s a real gem of a film! I was so excited to be a part of this! Now, I don’t want to give anything away, but I did want to share a few things with you…
The first thing that comes to my mind is how cool is it that a small independent filmmaker from little ole Harrisburg, PA was able to get an Academy Award Winning actor… Mickey Rooney! For those of you that don’t know, Mickey Rooney worked with Judy Garland (Dorothy from the Original “Wizard of OZ”) along with many other famous faces and has been featured in over 300 films! His character, Brooks, was so warm and so welcoming that you’re going to leave the theatre wishing you could share some more inspirational and special moments with his character.
Now, how about those celebrity impersonators? I know you’ve seen them in the trailer and you’ve probably done a double take while saying to yourself, “Oh my gosh… is that… is that who I think it is?” I assure you, they were all celebrity impersonators! They did a fantastic job! They were pretty darn convincing and had so many of the real celebrity’s voices, mannerisms, and appearances down. That, in my opinion, is the best part of the movie. Just watching these celebrity impersonators do their thing on film. Plus, some of the witty jokes and dialogue that was in the script… well, it left me wanting for more… and I think it’ll do the same to you.
Since it was the “rough cut” there were a few things here and there that were incomplete like the sound design and special fx. In fact, there was a great fight scene but it left the audience at the test screening a little confused with the “rough cut” version… because you couldn’t hear punches, grunts, etc. However, the sound design team will be putting that in soon and the fight scene will feel more like, well... a fight scene!
How about that music, too!? Not only did Dennis find really great independent music for his film, but he hired a film composer, Robert Gulya, who provided the original score to Bamboo Shark. Once that soundtrack goes on sale, I’m buying it. The score was so enjoyable and complimented the films scene transitions. The music was almost a mix of Alan Silvestri meets John Williams meets Thomas Newman. If you don’t know who those guys are, 1. I’m sad for you 2. Look them up… you won’t be sorry. Robert Gulya is definitely the next best thing when it comes to film composers.
Finally, the movie overall was just really well put together. The storyline, the acting, the locations that the scenes were shot, the music, the celebrity impersonators, the jokes, and the message that this movie provides are priceless. Dennis Ward accomplished so much in this film when you think about it. It’s actually pretty inspiring. Here’s a guy from Kansas City, moves out to Pennsylvania, develops a film, and gets an Academy Award Winning actor to star in it along with over 50 celebrity impersonators that are the best in the business plus hires a crew that will do just about anything for him!
Get excited for this film!! When it’s in theatres, bring as many people as you can to share this comedy! When it comes to independent filmmaking, this really is the next best thing.
-Nika Belcastro
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