Misfortune Smiles (2008)

 

This is another great short film from director Patrick Rea.  In this movie we are introduced to the Great Oswald, a fortuneteller who makes it up as he goes.  One day while giving one of his normal bogus readings his crystal ball actually starts working.  He tells a man when and where to purchase a winning lottery ticket.  Also he lets him know that he will find happiness with a woman other than his wife.  When the man credit’s Oswald with him winning the lottery business really picks up.  But unfortunately for Oswald his powers come with a price and fate has a way of catching up with him.

 

This is the first short from Rea that isn’t a horror film.  It is played more as a comedy.  While I personally prefer his short horror films, I have to admit I was laughing at some of the jokes.  If you are new to the short films of Patrick Rea all of his movies have really cool twist endings.  Even though it is a comedy Misfortune Smiles has the same sort of satisfying twist ending that help set Patrick Rea’s movies apart from other director’s efforts.  

 

Something else that I’ve always liked about Patrick Rea’s movies is that he uses professional actors.  This along with his obvious skills as a director and the superior lighting and camerawork give all of his movies a polished feel to them. The cast here is very good, especially the actor who played the Great Oswald.  

 

 

3 ½ out of 4

 

reviewed by John Shatzer

 

© Copyright 2008 John Shatzer