It's All Good

It's All Good (2016) is a crowdfunded comedy film directed by Aaron Fronk that gives a satirical and hilarious take on a filmmaking journey. The film stars Aaron Fronk, Cooper Johnson, and Vince DeGaetano, the trio that makes up the well-known comedic group FND Films. Known for their impeccable timing and deliverance of humor, these actors take center stage in a story about deceit, desperation, and ultimately, determination.

The plot revolves around three characters, played by Fronk, Johnson, and DeGaetano, who crowdfund $75,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to make a movie. But instead of using the funds to create the film as promised, the trio takes the money and uses it for a luxurious month-long vacation in Europe. Faced with the wrath and backlash of their investors, they are left in a pile of debt and an army of furious backers demanding the completion of the movie they pledged their hard-earned money for. This interesting premise follows a continuous string of misadventures, allowing for an examination of the meaning of friends, loyalty, and the ruthless world of indie movie-making.

What makes It's All Good standout is the clever meta aspect of the narrative. As the audience, we are watching a movie about characters who were supposed to make a movie but did not. The brilliant screenplay creates an engaging plot full of twists and turns, keeping viewers guessing about what will happen next. It also makes us question the ethics of internet crowdfunding, leaving us to speculate whether it’s a great platform for creators or a potential means for exploitation.

The film is characterized by the awkward yet hilarious interactions between the main characters and the challenges they face in trying to create an acceptable movie to appease their disgruntled backers. The friendships are tested, and the bonds are strained as the plot unfolds.

The performances of Fronk, Johnson, and DeGaetano work perfectly together, with a chemistry conducted by shared humor and camaraderie. They excel in displaying a range of emotions, from exhilaration during their time in Europe to the denial and fear of their looming predicament. Of particular note is their comedic timing which is well executed, and their banter feels genuine and spontaneous.

The film's direction is commendable, finely balancing the comedic and serious elements of the story. Fronk, who is not just an actor but also the director, does a fabulous job of keeping the narrative tight and engaging the audience through the confusion, excitement, and numerous comedic fails the trio encounter. The movie is beautifully shot with some stunning panoramic visuals of Europe that contrast well with the rugged indie filming scenes back in the United States.

It's All Good serves to be a unique mockumentary on indie film production and crowdfunding in the technology-focused modern world. The humor is a breath of fresh air from typical slapstick, and instead, focuses on the comedic tension built between the characters. In addition, the film carries an underlying message about the harsh realities of indie filmmaking, the challenges that come with it, and interestingly, the ethics and responsibility around crowdfunding.

In summary, "It's All Good" is a subversive, witty, and original comedy that offers an insightful look into indie filmmaking and crowdfunding, and also provides a resiliently comedic and entertaining viewing experience. The performances are top-notch, and the story is compelling and thought-provoking. This is a film made to be enjoyed by casual viewers and cinema buffs alike, and it's certainly one that crowdfunded film supporters won't want to miss.