Before Rian Johnson became either the most hated or most loved filmmakers in his contribution to the Star Wars sequel trilogy (depending on your own personal opinion) he began with short independent films that are themselves quite interesting. "Evil Demon Golf Ball from Hell!!!" is his second attempt in filmmaking that I know of, apparently made in film school - presumably during college. Compared to "Ninja Ko, the Origami Master" (his first short film) this eight-minute movie works very well. The plot is weird and strange but solidly told with some very good editing, acting and direction; while lacking in dialogue, it manages to be pretty effective. An interesting curiosity piece Johnson might laugh at seeing it today, but very good considering the lack of a real budget.
The story is about a robber who breaks into the house of a wealthy man and apparently kills him. The man's golf ball then takes on a variety of supernatural powers that give it life, so that it begins to taunt and plague the man wherever he goes. This all leads up to a very interesting and dark finale, which is very well-executed.
The story is definitely very odd, but pretty original and it works for an eight-minute film. Well made, and definitely darker and more serious given the black-and-white picture. Whereas "Ninja Ko" was just a silly home movie video Johnson made just to entertain him and his friends, this one is nicely crafted and no doubt earned an A grade in film school because of it. Worth seeing certainly.
