Online — We recently got a request to review a short musical film that has not yet been released. Jen Xponential is a 90’s horror sci-fi musical short revolving around a a young woman, K, who has returned home after dropping out of college. She has a mother with some health problems that she needs to assist, and has just obtained a job at the local video store, where she is given the uniform and name tag of a former employee, Jen. One day while working at the store, she is confronted by an angry customer who rented Shakespeare in Love, but got “actually Shakespeare.” She decides to watch the tape, named “Hamnet,” and oddly the characters in the movie are herself and all her coworkers. She enlists the help of her high school friend to figure it all out, and one night makes a copy of the tape. That’s when the story kicks into high gear.
This film has not yet had a public screening.
Written by Renoir Kobashi and Mark Fogarty, the story seems simple and a bit mundane at first, but as the movie progresses, it really develops. The humor is fun with a little edge at some points, but keeps the story light until the twist kicks in. I felt the story was a little slow to start, but I think that may have been the point, because the middle really amps up the action. The ending was satisfying as it tied up all the story arcs quite neatly.
The songs, with music and lyrics by Renoir Kobashi, are well suited to the action. They don’t conform to any one style, but are all accessible and even had me tapping my toes in a few instances. I don’t know if this is the only musical Renoir has written, but if not, I’d be very intrigued to see what else he has produced.
The style of the photography is very much like a comic book. The movie has been altered to look like animation, but specifically like a panel comic book. I particularly liked the fight sequence when the blows were added in like they did in the old Batman series, not to the Pow! Zowie! extent, but with a good animated flourish when the blows land. And switch in styles at the very end of the film was a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Gemma Berg as K.
Gemma Berg as K was delightful to watch. Her voice was a perfect fit for the character and took on power when needed. Ivis Tostes as Paolo was the perfect foil for K. Their chemistry as close high school friends felt real and went a long way to fleshing out K’s character. Another standout in the cast as Chris Goodwin as the twins Bert and Bret. He really captured the high school/post grad bully who continues to live off whatever perceived glory they had. And their personas were the perfect antagonist for the heart of the conflict in the movie.
This is a short musical clocking in at about 25 minutes, but doesn’t feel either rushed or lacking in story. It’s a really fun concept and the music is well written and feel cohesive with the plot. This movie is just now being submitted to film festivals and hasn’t had any public screenings. Hopefully it will get some acceptances and a good showing in the coming months. And I hope to see more from this team. Jen Xponential is a fun musical with an engaging story and a great visual style.
