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The Rumperbutts
A Beautiful Sound
USA 2015
produced by Marc Brener, Dena Hysell-Cornejo, Kori Gardner (co), Jason Edward Hammel (co), Scott R. Meyers (co) for Rumpus Room Productions, BB Productions
directed by Marc Brener
starring Jason Edward Hammel, Kori Gardner, Josh Brener, Vanessa Ray, Arian Moayed, Marc Brener, Marty Lang, Erica Everett, Brittany Nisco, Olivia Twarowski, Evelyn Twarowski
written by Marc Brener, music by Mates of State (= Kori Gardner, Jason Edward Hammel)
review by Mike Haberfelner
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Once upon a time, Jack (Jason Edward Hammel) and Bonnie (Kori Gardner)
were a promising indie rock duo who back when found their love for each
other through music, and their career was on the right tangent - when they
made the mistake to sign a lucrative contract to become the Rumperbutts, a
band playing kiddie songs for a largely kiddie crows wearing stupid animal
costumes. They are successful alright, both on TV and on tour, but they
more and more have the feeling they've sold their souls, plus they're
openly talking about divorce, as Jack has long started an affair with
Ashlee (Vanessa Ray), a supporting actress on their show, while Bonnie
sleeps with their manager Gavin (Arian Moayed) - and then they both
receive mysterious invitations to a bar and there meet Richie (Josh
Brener), who claims to be a magical being and who offers to bring their
life back on track. Of course they don't believe him, but accept a joint
from him just so he leaves them alone. They wake up in bed together with
no idea how they got there, and what's worse, a video of them has turned
up on the internet showing them completely high screaming insults at their
fans. Naturally, they're fired pretty much on the spot ... and enter
Richie again, who promises to help them with their career. And making
non-kiddie music again really fans their desire, not only for their
project and for music, but also for one another. But of course, it's not
as easy as that, as it's not long before Gavin wants them back as the
Rumperbutts, seeing their fanbase is more forgiving than thought, and when
they refuse, he puts heaven and earth in motion to make them fail at their
comeback as indie band ... The Rumperbutts is a rather
charming blend of musical, showbiz satire and romantic comedy, one that
escapes being cheesy by its quirky approach and also its indie music
soundtrack, and that despite its somewhat far-fetched premise remains
relatable throughout. And thanks to a clever script, a direction subtle
enough to give the actors room to breath but on point to make certain
scenes pop, and a very competent ensemble, this has turned out to be a
very entertaining movie.
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