Fell, Jumped or Pushed

Fell, Jumped or Pushed is a charming and whimsically dramatic comedy from 2016 that navigates through the joys and hurdles of filmmaking while embodying a unique fusion of a romantic-comedy with a dash of complex mysteries. The film wonderfully intertwines comedy, romance, family dynamics, and the chaotic world of independent film production, challenging the conventional boundaries of genre definitions. Directed by Todd Peters who also stars in the film, it is a testament to raw indie-arthouse cinema that keeps audiences engaged and entertained.

The impressive cast includes Priscilla Allen, Abbas Arabzadeh, and Amanda V. Axtell, each of whom breathes life into their roles and yet looks convincingly authentic. Priscilla Allen, renowned for her work in cult classics like Robocop and Total Recall, delivers a standout performance alongside Abbas Arabzadeh, whose subtle humor and wit paints a vibrant character on screen. Amanda V. Axtell is equally delightful in her on-screen presence, and together, they morph their eclectic range of experiences into their characters to create a symphony of intriguing performances.

Fell, Jumped or Pushed starts with a documentary film crew getting caught in the middle of a long-standing dispute between Ian and Rod, two aspiring story-tellers, filmmakers, and brothers with clashing visions. Ian (played by Todd Peters), an overbearing, high-drama veteran of film school, contrasts his brother Rod, a jovial dreamer, doubtful of his abilities yet full of vivid ideas. Their characters are designed with sufficient complexities and emotional depths that make them seem relatable and compelling.

The story takes an interesting turn when the brothers decide to reconcile and collaborate on a 'no-budget' independent film about a family gathering. What follows is a rollercoaster ride of comic disruptions, emotional turmoil, sibling rivalry, and a constant clash of reality versus idealism. As the filming commences, the seemingly simple task of movie making turns chaotic, leading to an array of hilarious twists and turns. The chaos, debate, and struggle are the heartbeat of Fell, Jumped or Pushed, reflecting upon the not-so-glamourous yet audacious world of indie filmmaking.

Adding to the keep-you-on-the-edge factor is the mysterious cloud hovering over the lead actress in their "film within the film". This charismatic young woman, played by Amanda V. Axtell, is bafflingly wonderful and enigmatic. Known only as "the red-haired woman", her involvement in the storyline fuels another flavor of curiosity and suspense, as audiences are left wondering about her true intentions and background.

The film’s clever concept of a feature within a feature experimentally employs a movie-making clash of chaos and passion, propelling a deeper look into the struggles behind the scenes. It is a tale that showcases the labyrinth of filmmaking from the perspective of an independent film crew, offering a raw exploration of passion, ego, and creativity where ambition and reality overlap.

The movie is also refreshing, combining its narrative with the nuances of indie filmmaking, a character-driven plot, rib-tickling humor and a tantalizing edge of mystery. Todd Peters’ directorial venture lives up to the expectation, cleverly unfolding comedy and drama in a familiar yet diverse creative landscape while making an interesting commentary on the real price of dreams and art.

In addition to the charismatic performances and the engaging narrative, the film is also visually appealing, with intelligent use of cinematography and the atmospheric set design that contributes to the film's overall charm and aura. Each scene is crafted with care, and the visual storytelling style adds depth to the narrative and character development.

Fell, Jumped or Pushed is a delightful examination of independent filmmaking and the trials and tribulations that come with it. It beautifully combines various elements of cinema to offer an unconventional yet entertaining and thought-provoking ride through the world of independent movie making. Whether you're a cinephile interested in the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking or someone who simply enjoys a good comedy, Fell, Jumped or Pushed serves up an engaging and enchanting story balanced with humor and heart.