What is it about Reel 13's obsession with Canada? I can't seem to figure it out. It's a New York-based TV show there are lots of New York films and New York filmmakers. Why do they insist on continually going north of the border for independent films? No comprendo. Fortunately, Things to Do, though very formulaic, is a couple notches above the star-studded, though incredibly lame Wilby Wonderful from a couple weeks ago.
Things to Do is the story of Adam a mid-twenties low-level employee in a non-descript corporation in a non-descript city somewhere in Ontario. For reasons not initially clear, Adam can't deal with the rat race anymore. He quits his job and returns to his small suburban hometown (apparently Ontario suburbs are sadly similar to American ones), where the rumors are already swirling about the reasons behind his return. Mac, the neighborhood eccentric who went to school with Adam, doesn't seem to care, however. He's just happy to have a new person to hang out with. Then, the duo, inspired by a television talk show, come up with a list of things they've always wanted to do, They then go about completing the tasks on the list and as a result, go on a journey of self-discovery.
Yes, I know it's kind of a cookie-cutter plot (reminds me of that short-lived Fox TV show Free Ride do you guys remember that?) and that's the biggest detractor of the film. However, while Things to Do isn't ground-breaking, it's a very watchable and mildly enjoyable comedy. Michael Stasko, in the lead role of Adam (he is also the co-writer), is charismatic in a very soft-spoken, minimalist way, which in and of itself, is an interesting choice. Daniel Wilson, as the dim-witted sidekick Mac, is an equally unique presence and is responsible for the film's few hearty laughs (the film otherwise only elicits the occasional wry smile). Director Theodore Bezaire displays strong comic timing and pace throughout the film and manages to add several clever details through his direction and blocking (The moment with the bus driver and the luggage, the blocking of the only kiss in the film and the flunkies of the pre-pubescent soapbox king are all worthy examples).
Things to Do shows off the skills of some very talented people, but still fails to achieve maximum impact. The previously-mentioned predictability of the plot and also the lack of talent surrounding the three key figures (the majority of the dayplayers in the film are very bad and very distracting) hold the film back. Furthermore, the more serious moments don't really fly - there is a very tragic moment in the film that is skirted over in a very lazy way. I almost wonder if this was purposely done to avoid challenging the triumvirate (Bezaire, Stasko and Wilson) beyond their comfort level. That would be unfortunate because only then will these three gifted gentlemen get to the next level. Perhaps they will take it up a notch on the next project and I sincerely hope they do because the raw potential is there. I truly believe the sky's the limit for these guys but it's up to them.
