Mr. Video review

Will (Gary Holt), the owner of Mr. Video, is struggling to keep the business afloat in the face of DVD piracy, internet downloading, and an ensemble of local eccentrics who visit the store to pass the time of day rather than rent anything. The independent, small town video rental shop is dying on it's feet and Will is helpless to fight the competition and the perils of piracy. A young man, who's house sitting round the corner, comes into the shop and pushes Will to breaking point. Encouraged by his best customer, Colin (Graham Todd), Will sees an opening in the market for his own special films and starts fighting back.

Mr. Video, a new short film directed by Alex Masterton, combines a comedy horror tale about a video rental shop owner who has been pushed too far, with a very serious message about film piracy and dodgy downloading. The writing is sharp and witty and the production is top notch with some accomplished photography and directing. The acting is very good all round and it's nice to see some mature performers getting the lead roles.

Gary Holt, who playes Will, the long suffering shop owner, is very convincing as the kind of affable guy we used to rent films from before the chains monopolised the video rental industry. Teddy Nygh is funny and bizarelly authentic as the chav who tips poor Will over the edge and Graham Todd, who plays Colin, the old soldier fighting on Will's side, is amusing.

I'm not usually over-enamoured with social morality lessons, but Mr.Video tackles a subject that affects all of us who love movies; from film makers down to the DVD buying public. Whether you think downloading the latest film for your own use, or buying pirates from someone in your office who brings round that photocopied list of new releases every week is accepatable or not, this little film may make you ponder. Of course, you can simply enjoy Mr. Video for the very well made, engaging and humourous little film that it is. I look forward to seeing more of Alex Masterton's work, I believe that with a decent budget, he would be capable of producing some exceptional work. S.J.T.

Mr.Video. 2008

Directed by Alex Masterton