THIS FILM IS FUCKING CRAZY!
Motivational Growth
***1/2
Review by Justin T. Bowler
@IndyFilmTwittic
Wildly independent!
“Motivational Growth” is not independent in its budget. The film looks great: beautifully shot and lit by Bliss Holloway.
It’s not independent in its acting. That’s top notch all around. Adrian DiGiovanni is incredible (very Bradley Cooper-esque), and the chemistry with Jeffrey Combs (yes, that Jeffrey Combs) is quite good.
It is independent in its absolute unapologetic vision. This film is a giant middle finger to the formula of the studio system. It refuses to be “genre’ized”: part comedy, part horror, part eighties TV show, it cannot be contained.
Shot entirely in the apartment of our hero, “Motivational Growth” follows the story of Ian Foliver (Adrian DiGiovanni), a depressed and reclusive man in his 30s, who finds himself taking advice from a growth in his bathroom after a failed suicide attempt. The Mold (“Re-Animator” star Jeffrey Combs), a smooth talking fungus born of the filth in a neglected bathroom, works to help Ian clean himself up and remodel his lifestyle. The Mold has big plans for Ian, but don’t believe for a second that they are innocent. And so the ride begins…
Think David Lynch, but with an ’80s video game soundtrack (and ’80s video game animation at times too). While at times a little too dark for my tastes, director Don Thacker adds just the right level of levity. It sort of feels like riding a scary roller coaster when you are a child. The ride genuinely makes you uncomfortable from turn to turn but elates you in between. So, while you don’t know if you will end up enjoying the experience, you can’t deny the ride is full of wonderful ups and downs.
3.5 out of 4 stars (for indie fans).
Your Indie Reviewer,
Justin Bowler
@JustinTBowler
“Motivational Growth” is available on Blu-Ray and is streaming on AMAZON.
