The Human Beeing (2002) Reviews

• A Triumph

  bjmckay872002-10-09

  When this project was announced in May, 2000, Ricky Martin and Natalie Portman were mentioned as possible stars. Set in 1959 Havana, this is the story of a lonely 17-year-old American girl who moves to Cuba in the days right before the Revolution. No, wait...that's Havana Nights: Dirty Dancing 2. "The Human BEEing" is a smart, sleek, comedic gem. Looking at the movie poster (which does not feature the film's hero), this movie appears to be a straight-ahead spooky-thing-around-the-corner movie. But when you watch it, you immediately experience a monstrously crazy tribute to 50's-60's horror flicks. The bold choice to film in black-n-white shows how much the director-producer team of Plank & Shea believed in this project. The introduction by the films "producer", played by Chicago-trained comedian Andy Abramowicz, sets the tone of the film. Sharp, dry, well-paced, intelligent comedy that makes you laugh almost by reflex. Everyone in the cast sells their lines with the passion they deserve. In an era where comic timing is becoming a lost art, the cast delivers the punches smoothly and always in-character. Estetically intriguing, "The Human BEEing" takes you on a 45-minute ride into the past. The brilliant cinematography and crisp editing are a shining tribute to the job of Producer, Colin Plank, who assembled a cast and crew talented enough to stand toe-to-toe with the big-budget crews. First time Director, Tony Shea, gives us something to think, talk & argue about. He delivers a mature, reverent comedy which wonders what our importance 'is' in the universe...ignites our imagination & curiosity, and inspires us to dig for insights.

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