Better late than never, or so I’ve heard. Since On The Lot has been popular here in the past, I figured I’d revive it. It’s a much different field than it was a month ago, as I’d argue that these people have all proven they still deserve to be around this late in the game.
We start off at the house with the directors discussing who might go home. Zach feels his film was his weakest yet. Given his strong previous performance, I’d have thought he was in no danger. Even his worst film beats what most of the others can do on their best day. Andrew fears his superhero film may not have connected with the audience. It came down to the two of them, and Andrew ended up being the one getting the boot. I thought he had a decent film myself. At the end of the day, though, I’m hoping Zach’s fans rally behind him.
This week is road week, so all movies will involve cars. Also, a special guest actor, Jerry O’Connell, has been awarded to the director with the most votes. I’m guessing that’s a big deal or something. Anyway, the top vote getter was Jason, who’s been a fan favorite ever since Carrie went insane and told him he was making fun of challenged people.
Penny Marshall showed up to take the place of her brother on the panel. I’ve been wondering when we’d see her. Gary Ross, director of Seabiscuit, is this week’s guest judge.
Driving Under the Influence by Adam Stein
Description: A car radio makes people dance against their will.
My Thoughts: I liked the concept and was somewhat amused but felt it was just okay. I got more out of his previous musical bit with the dough.
Carrie: This was really funny.
Gary: Charming, ambitious, technically proficient.
Penny: It was excellent. None of the judges cared for the ending.
Backseat Driving Test by Sam Friedlander
Description: A son tries to cure his mother of her backseat driving
My Thoughts: Highly relateable concept that’s good primarily on that basis. He went for a nice mix of action and character and did a decent job of accomplishing that.
Carrie: The best thing you’ve done here.
Gary: Wanted more relationship development between the mom and son.
Penny: Excellent, identifiable.
Bonus Feature Two by Zach Lipovsky
Description: A sequel to his previous film
My Thoughts: This is what he was missing last week. Nice character development led to a very good film.
Carrie: Much better than last week.
Gary: Cohesive, wonderful storytelling, didn’t take itself too seriously, well cast.
Penny: Excellent filmmaker.
The Move by Jason Epperson
Description: A story about playing a prank on a friend
My Thoughts: I was confused the whole time trying to figure out what I was watching and why. The payoff at the end didn’t really help matters any.
Carrie: I didn’t completely get this.
Gary: Confused, too.
Penny: Didn’t get it.
Road Rage 101Â by Will Bigham
Description: A guy pounds on his car, and his car turns on him.
My Thoughts: I liked the concept, and like Sam’s movie, this is relateable. Would have expected more out of Will, however.
Carrie: Amazing spirit, pleasure to watch.
Gary: Really good but didn’t quite feel the character of the car.
Penny: Could have done better.
Winning logline for next week’s films: a man wakes up, finds himself in a dress, but can’t remember what happened the night before.
Judges Picks:
Carrie: Driving Under the Influence by Adam
Gary: Driving Under the Influence Adam
Penny: Backseat Driving Test by Sam
My Pick:
Bonus Feature Two by Zach. It wasn’t his best movie (for that matter, nobody really had their best night), but it was the one that kept me the most entertained. I applaud Zach’s willingness to take risks and ability to take the constructive criticism from the judges and implement it.
If I have to pick a boot based on this week’s performance, it’s hands down Jason. However, he is quite popular as evidenced by grabbing the top box office spot last week, though that may lure his fans into a false sense of security. Beyond that, I would suggest that Sam and Adam, despite their rave reviews from the judges, don’t appear to have the fanbases to continue.
On The Lot episode 14 airs on Tuesday at 8/7c on Fox. Stay tuned for a full recap of the show right here on dingoRUE.com.