Roller Coaster

I saw this recently, and its rawness and authenticity really stood out to me. It's easily to relate to, as we've all had days where what could go wrong, did. I liked the humor of it- at times, subtle, other times, over the top. Sarah Hawkins is wonderful as Emily, the main character. She seems very natural and I felt sympathy as her character fights her way through her day. Jim Casella's score also added a lot to the film, as it blended well with both the characters and the action of the story. This film reminded me of a Chaplin film or Buster Keaton. A lot of physicality as well as some pretty outrageous characters. It's a fun film to watch. What I liked most was the pacing and the music, which really gave a sense of what the audition process is like. The acting is spot on. I look forward to more work from this director.

As I sat watching this short film, I was amazed at how well I could relate to everything Emily (Sarah Hawkins) was going through. We've all had days like the one Emily was having and to be able to relate and see that kind of day from a different perspective was refreshing. It's no surprise that the film has won many awards. Dadley Productions has a bright future!

I love a film that is tight...and this one is. The story moves with a perfect pace that keeps the viewer constantly wondering what will happen next. The cinematography is executed at an extremely high level. The evoking of a Chaplin/Hitchcock-esque style is fascinating. "Show me...don't tell me" is at the heart of the film. Young Sarah Hawkins is prefect for the role and brings an effervescence to the character that has you fully empathizing and rooting for her all the way. Obviously Bradley Hawkins is a directorial force to be reckoned with! I especially loved the juxtaposition of two very different clips that guide the film along while creating some added dynamic tension to the feel of the film. And the maraschino cherry on the sundae? A certain domestic animal eating your favorite fast food. I laughed my butt off! Congratulations to the entire cast and crew...well done.

I loved watching Bradley Hawkins' comedy short film Roller Coaster! The film is a hilarious take on the everything-goes-wrong Murphy's Law sort of day that can get the best of us all sometimes. Playing Emily, a character based largely on her own life experiences, Hawkins' daughter Sarah absolutely slays with her visual humor in a film nearly devoid of dialogue as she races around LA trying desperately not to let life's unexpected loops, hills and corkscrews get in the way of her dreams!

It really is such an impressively sharp, crisp, entertaining and believable film that it's hard to believe this is Hawkins' directorial debut! If you're at all a fan of cinema (which I would assume you are if you are reading this review) then this coaster ride is definitely worth taking!

Roller Coaster is a rare gem of a short film that takes you on an emotional up and down journey, and leaves you wanting to take the ride with the film makers over and over again. The story is a simple one. Young actress Emily Chadwick, played by newcomer Sarah Hawkins, encounters many relatable obstacles on her way to an audition. It would have been very easy to take this Murphy's Law tale into farcical territory. Instead, the multitalented Bradley Hawkins has written and directed the story to focus on Emily's naturalness, and ease her through the rough moments and oddities around her. Sarah Hawkins has such a genuine freshness as Emily, that as the camera follows her twists and turns - we feel the frustration, anxiety and joys along with her. That Ms. Hawkins conveys all of these emotions in a largely unspoken part, speaks volumes to her ability to play for the camera and I look forward to seeing her blossoming movie career. Also noteworthy is first time director Bradley Hawkins' efforts in shepherding an ensemble of acting talent and technical skill - especially in regard to photography, musical score, and editing. The pacing and tone of Mr. Hawkins' directing style work well here and are sure to translate into many future projects. Ultimately what Roller Coaster and Bradley Hawkins delivers is a delightful ride.