50 TO DEATH

50 TO DEATH: AD HOC 2011 in Association with JSOK Films, presents an endearing web short film titled "50 to Death". A film directed by Jason Sokoloff.

First, I tip my hat to director Jason Sokoloff. He has accomplished with this film, what many advertising conglomerate companies (and their subsidiaries) can only dream of. The multiple 'messages' this short film is expressing goes beyond the theme of reaching 50 and deciding whether or not being a senior is an good or bad thing. No, it accomplishes much, much more than that.

If truth be told, this film has everything to do with the very foundation of what it is to be a family. A team, a unit of support, both physically, and mentally. It addresses the issue of patience, humor (laughing at one self), and always maintaining a positive outlook. This is what a family is all about; going back to the fundamentals.

Diseases which affect people over 50 usually are considered to be depression, early heart disease (including circulatory diseases), and some form of arthritis.


I found it refreshing that the men made no mention of any medical issues, and were actually, quite physically flexible. Can one say that this is attributed to good nutrition and health? Or is it that when you are plugged into family, from the very young to the very old (way past 50!), your overall emotional health becomes that more involved and animated. And that "animation" permeates throughout this film. I'm only 44 years old, and suddenly, after looking at this film, actually look forward to reaching 50 (if God permits!)

Excellent acting by Joan Barber and Jon Freda. They actually looked like they were really a couple. They were well cast. Norm Golden reminds me of Ed Norton from the 1950's classic sitcom hit, "The Honeymooners". His character added color and a touch of the "trickster energy" going on. I get a feeling we'll see more of this actor.

And what  about that baby! (Phoebe Bokhour) She "took it and ran"! It was golden! Christine Bokhour must be the real mother. They both just looked too real together. The whole presentation of this film was cohesive, warm, engaging, and real.

I can see this being "picked up" commercially.            This film receives 5 STARS

THE CREW: Episode 1 (the drop), Episode 2 (the aftermath), Episode 3 (Slick Willie Jones)

THE CREW: By Gamble Productions, Corp. is new, original, innovative, attractive, and full of a lot of testosterone! Boy! I was totally "struck" by an insidious-yet pervasive, almost "oozing" sexual tension (which didn't necessarily come across as "sexual", but intense!)

The Style of filming was also part of the "charm". Tony Napolitano knows what he's doing. Sex sells! And whether this was intentional or not, I hope he continues with this type of mysterious "surcharge" which actually drives the premise of the story and make the characters equally compelling and interesting.

For a fifteen to seventeen minute production, this short film sure packs a punch! It is just right!

I will not reveal the story premise because I want you to see it for yourselves. It will totally entertain you and actually have you really caring for these characters, who were well portrayed by Z. Louis Finney, as the provocative and  overwhelming Slick Willie Jones; David Mohr, who is an embodiment of the classical Italian Mafia type with the classic black hair and good looks that comes with it; Elisa Santamaria, as the quiet type who calculates her motives; Greg Acceta, whose "presence" is very interestingly captivating, and dark.  And honorable mention goes to Skip Johnson, his experience in doing film work or television work is quite evident in his style.

The Crew will return for next season and deliver five more episodes. However, beginning tomorrow July 31st will begin the fourth episode "No Strings Attached", let's see what the good old boys will be up to now"!

You can  watch the rest of the series by logging on to www.thecrewwebseries.com

And let me know what you think!