Questions and Comments * As Funny As It Is Relatable And Tragic
Hal, a reclusive hermit, pays tribute to his mother’s death by calling various “Questions and Comments” hot-line to capitalize on their 100% customer satisfaction guarantee until the country’s biggest food and beverage conglomerate, KNACK, hits him with a lawsuit. Armed with nothing but free food samples and the less than mediocre legal aid of his eccentric next door neighbor Amelia, Hal must lead the battle against the corporate giants to retain his peaceful solitary existence. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Heather S. comments, “Questions and Comments is a great film about harsh realities. It has excellent characters and serves as a wonderful motivator to some viewers. It’s easy to want to get up off your seat and change the world.” See her full review below.
Questions and Comments
By Heather S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Questions and Comments is a great film about harsh realities. It has excellent characters and serves as a wonderful motivator to some viewers. It’s easy to want to get up off your seat and change the world.
The storyline follows Hal (Danny Leonard), a reclusive young man who is facing a hard time coping with his mother’s death. Hal decides to phone almost every Questions and Comments hotline to be able to receive free samples. When he gets discovered by the law and ordered to court, he’s accompanied by his lawyer and friend Amelia (Nathalie Galde).
This film is as funny as it is relatable and tragic. Hal, wallowing in his sorrows, represents so many people around the globe dealing with their grief. He feels very alone and doesn’t have anyone to turn to, which then leads to him falling off the deep end. Hal makes the audience sympathize with him as it’s easy to see ourselves in his shoes. Amelia also represents many around the globe; a young woman not knowing how to get her foot in the door. She faces all odds and becomes a fan favorite for being a powerful lawyer and a good friend. The production is extremely solid and holds up well. It is clear the movie is an independent production; however they take complete advantage of their budget and provide adequate visuals, lighting and music. The music especially stands out, because it points directly to Hal’s emotions, almost as if his feelings were translated to tunes.
The lesson Hal learns and teaches audiences is that there is always someone who loves you and will be there for you. Hal feels lonely and doesn’t have anyone to comfort him, but he soon learns that help is always around the corner, in his case, literally. Amelia becomes a close friend, putting her career on the line for Hal.
I give Questions and Comments 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages for 15 to 18, plus adults. Playing in November 2021 at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival
