I saw this film at the Reelheart film festival in Toronto in late June, and it was very funny. It's a light-hearted film which revolves around a group of social guidance filmmakers who have lost their touch. Add a mysterious loner, a desperate situation, and a few subtle jabs at Hollywood and you have a fun but predictable story. Like many big studio pictures, you know how it's going to end. Luckily, the journey is fun, with some surprising and witty moments. It's interesting how it pokes fun at how out-of-touch filmmakers can be with their audience. If you're a filmmaker or you just love Troy McClure, you'll like this movie.
The direction is well paced, I don't remember being bored at anytime during the film. Production values are good, with a fifties' dinerish style of production design and solid cinematography throughout. The acting doesn't go over the top with the comedy except maybe Ted Gregory as the villain. Good script, unexplored territory in some ways.
Trapped at a festival full of depressing documentaries about dying children and missing loved ones, this movie was quite refreshing. Go see it if you have a chance.
Formosa succeeds where many Hollywood comedies do not--it's entertaining.
