Monday, March 2, 2015

Short Film: Hero's Guide to Saving Lives



"The Action Hero's Guide to Saving Lives" is a parody of those all-too-common Hollywood action flicks that strain our ability to suspend disbelief.  The result is an hilarious short film that is almost a check list of genre clichés.  There's the Hero, a Damsel in need of rescue, a plucky Side-Kick, and, of course, the evil Bad Guy.  Throw in some explosions and gun play and presto, instant action movie.

The film's "in-your-face" form of satire works well in the short form. The movie isn’t subtle, but really, it isn’t meant to be. Our hero is played by Patrick Warburton (that’s Puddy from Seinfeld for those of you playing at home), and he is perfectly cast as the cocky badass who can do no wrong. With each iteration of the story, he masterfully poses and snickers for the camera, completely self-aware of the role he is expected to fill. As is the case with all typical Hollywood action movies, we know our leading man can’t fail. This time, however, we get the unexpected treat of seeing him try and try again until he gets it right. The idea may predominately be played for laughs, but at the same time, the film is slyly winking at the audience. Ace isn’t the only one who’s been here before; with decades of blockbuster tropes under our belts, so have we. 
"If At First You Don't Succeed... You Must Be Ace Mulligan!

When lives are on the line... When there's danger at every turn... When clichés run amuck... Sometimes the best thing to do is call Mulligan! Ace Mulligan! Starring PATRICK WARBURTON, “The Action Hero’s Guide To Saving Lives” is a laugh-out-loud action-comedy that takes you behind the scenes of Ace Mulligan’s perilous and not-always-successful mission to stop the bad guys, get the girl, and save the day. It’s not always easy being an action hero!

Produced entirely from concept to screen in just under 6 1/2 weeks and shot in 4 nights. This ambitious, micro-budget short was made possible through collaboration with a talented and dedicated cast and crew."

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