Local Legends
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It was a couple of weeks ago when I got a message through my site (yes, it finally happened) of someone wanting me to go over their movie. As a big lover and supporter of independent movies, I jumped at the chance to review. Now, with the independent movies there is always a catch-22; lower production value always compromises on quality of the movie but you need to keep making lower budget movies to gain more publicity. If you are lucky enough, you can still to write and direct an incredible movie despite it all. If you are unlucky enough, it will ruin your work. Matt Farley and his Motern Media production Local Legends, falls just in the latter although Farley is an incredible lead.
Local Legends is based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It tells the story of actor, director, writer, comedian and musician Matthew Farley and the story of his, well, life. Shot in black and white, Local Legends shows the trials and tribulations of being an artists, the hard work verses the mundane meetings with some interesting characters along the way. It is definitely a showcase of the talent that Matt Farley has and if anything, it is an attempted Woody Allen comedy.
Local Legends definitely is hindered by its production value. That is unbeatable but nevertheless, seemingly unchangeable. What really jars Local Legends is that the off-beat attempt funny instead of focusing on what is actually hilarious. At times, it carries away with itself and it is an unclear genre. Farley’s narration overbears some scenes making it seem more like an hour long advert then a serious movie. And then a lot of the supporting cast just can’t act, jutting out terribly in a movie that had a lot of potential. Halfway through you’ll be bored, confused and feel as though you are subject to a prank; a terrible, terrible prank
Stick with it, and you could be absolved. Local Legends is a somewhat charming piece and that is carried with the incredible talent, Matt Farley. He is a comfortable character to get behind with charisma and wit to pull the movie forward. And when his reactions or jokes kick in, there is entertainment that can pull you through the awkward off parts. After the funny set in the beginning to his journey through music, films and whatever comes next, Local Legends can be a good semi-autobiographical film on Farley’s career. If you end up at the finale, there is genuine comedy and big laughs.
As I mentioned before, it is a catch-22 situation. With a low budget, there was always going to be fault. But with Local Legends, it is also an underwritten script and bad supporting cast. As a fellow writer, there is a quirk and empathic need for Farley to do well because there is enough potential here to raise his career up. Local Legends isn’t the best nor is it downright terrible. But unfortunately, it leans more into that second category.
Legendary, I think not.
But there is some spark here to blow into a flame.
TTFN
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