I admit to a bit of bias. The man who made this film is my cousin, and I appear very fleetingly as an extra. That said, "Slow Dancin' Down the Aisles of the Quick Check" is a gem, and one wishes it were longer than a half hour, for we want to spend a little more time with Earl, Maybelline, and the others who work and shop in that supermarket. Thomas Wade Jackson made the film to fulfill his master's thesis at the Florida State University film school. Not only did he write and direct, he also composed all the songs (except the one that plays over the closing credits), edited, and acted (as Earl's cousin Gene). The film generated a favorable buzz even before its first showing. It was filmed after hours in a supermarket in Wade's hometown of Bainbridge, Georgia, and actual townspeople were used in small roles and as extras. His goal was to show a slice of life in the South without stereotypes or editorializing, and, working closely with his actors and crew, he has certainly succeeded. The performances (especially Mark Lainer as Earl) are poignant and heartfelt. Even if the director weren't my cousin, I'd still cherish this film. It was previously available on Atomfilms, and is now on YouTube.
