Watch Kids' Reviews of
IN THE COMPANY OF VILLAINS

The fantastic production In the Company of Villains is well shot, musically impeccable and colorful! The cast is adorable. But there is a lot of talk and not a lot of action.

The story follows Charlotte Shackle, a PR girl, taking charge of the table conversation and setting the process for determining which evil action they should choose to be most destructive to the world. Meanwhile, they would be giving to charities that would redeem them and give the world the impression that they had a positive, humanitarian reputation.

I love the initial introductions, the narrative and cast. The 'minions' are hilarious. I like the introductions very much! Each kid plays their part and the different caricatures. Really, it's only downside is with the audio - I could not understand some of the dialogue. Perhaps it wasn't recorded well, or perhaps the cast mumbled or spoke too quickly. But I found the narrative difficult to follow.

The cinematography is well planned out. The lighting is interesting and the production is well made. Costuming is great! Each character wears a costume that represents their profession - doctor, a cowboy, a French model, PR powerhouse, and Russian scientist. The set is cool with black walls and silver picture frames, a mannequin and city lights with lighting that set the stage for evil. The music is my favorite part of this film. Brilliantly scored to action on the screen, the technique of "mickey mousing" (e.g. punching in the numbers of a lock box, with each stroke being accompanied by a drum or tuba) is used throughout the short and the underscore uses a full orchestra! Impressive work! Special effects, FX, are frequently used to emphasize emotions, and scene endings. They are accompanied by music. Explosions and fireballs are great!

The Henchman (Barry Landers) and Irwinigator (Maunuel Hunick) set the stage for the villains by humorously describing them as they set the table. We had a couple good laughs! Charlotte Shackle (Sophie Jane Frick) is self assertive, articulate and expressive. In fact all of the characters exhibit excellent acting skills - as student actors, they each play their part to the tee. Each of the behind the scenes contributors are very good. The director and writer deserve credit for their attempts at setting up a complex vision. At times it seems that the lines are a bit lengthy and the interaction between the actors falls a bit short. One of my favorite parts is the adorable Dr. Verruckt, (Corwin Ireland) when he challenges the safety of his colleagues! Another great element is the 'explosive' Doris Neuklyushova (Julianne Frick). But all of the cast are terrific when on screen.

The film's message is that being a villain is fun!

I give In the Company of Villains 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

The fantastic production In the Company of Villains is well shot, musically impeccable and colorful! The cast is adorable. But there is a lot of talk and not a lot of action.

The story follows Charlotte Shackle, a PR girl, taking charge of the table conversation and setting the process for determining which evil action they should choose to be most destructive to the world. Meanwhile, they would be giving to charities that would redeem them and give the world the impression that they had a positive, humanitarian reputation.

I love the initial introductions, the narrative and cast. The 'minions' are hilarious. I like the introductions very much! Each kid plays their part and the different caricatures. Really, it's only downside is with the audio - I could not understand some of the dialogue. Perhaps it wasn't recorded well, or perhaps the cast mumbled or spoke too quickly. But I found the narrative difficult to follow.

The cinematography is well planned out. The lighting is interesting and the production is well made. Costuming is great! Each character wears a costume that represents their profession - doctor, a cowboy, a French model, PR powerhouse, and Russian scientist. The set is cool with black walls and silver picture frames, a mannequin and city lights with lighting that set the stage for evil. The music is my favorite part of this film. Brilliantly scored to action on the screen, the technique of "mickey mousing" (e.g. punching in the numbers of a lock box, with each stroke being accompanied by a drum or tuba) is used throughout the short and the underscore uses a full orchestra! Impressive work! Special effects, FX, are frequently used to emphasize emotions, and scene endings. They are accompanied by music. Explosions and fireballs are great!

The Henchman (Barry Landers) and Irwinigator (Maunuel Hunick) set the stage for the villains by humorously describing them as they set the table. We had a couple good laughs! Charlotte Shackle (Sophie Jane Frick) is self assertive, articulate and expressive. In fact all of the characters exhibit excellent acting skills - as student actors, they each play their part to the tee. Each of the behind the scenes contributors are very good. The director and writer deserve credit for their attempts at setting up a complex vision. At times it seems that the lines are a bit lengthy and the interaction between the actors falls a bit short. One of my favorite parts is the adorable Dr. Verruckt, (Corwin Ireland) when he challenges the safety of his colleagues! Another great element is the 'explosive' Doris Neuklyushova (Julianne Frick). But all of the cast are terrific when on screen.

The film's message is that being a villain is fun!

I give In the Company of Villains 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

A group of bungling, would be, super villains plot to take over the Northern Hemisphere. All while trying to bolster their public image. But, an equally inept investigative journalist threatens their plans.