This is a charming little short that showcases some potential comedic talent and eases its way across the screen due to its laid back humor.
The main reason this film is in any way successful is because it is subtle. I think the worst crime any "mockumentary" filmmaker can commit is to bash you over the head with their jokes. Of course, some of the details here are certainly exaggerated, but the beauty of the core idea is that you can see it happening at this very moment in some seedy bar. And from a film making standpoint, this thing flows quite well due to its precise editing and natural hand-held cinematography. There are some nice shots here, specifically during the "training montage." It's treated like a real film, which helps sell the illusion. Comedy movie makers sometimes don't seem to realize how important "realism" is.
In a piece such as this, your central subject has to be just as interesting as your story. The filmmakers were lucky enough to have such a protagonist in the form of Ryan Richard. He definitely makes for an engaging catalyst. Ryan's in pretty much every scene and everything that happens is because of him, so ideally you'd want someone with energy and laid back charm. He certainly displays those qualities here, as well as a kind of "loserishness" that is funny and sad at the same time.
Ryan's got obvious screen presence, and pulls off the whole "hapless guy who is tenaciously hanging on to the ridiculous dream of making a name for himself as a karaoke singer" thing off quite well. You definitely buy him as someone who wants the spotlight and applause, thinks he's a born entertainer, and will do anything in his power to make it happen...as misguided as it may be. How does he do it? Again, subtlety. He's not in on the joke; you believe that he really WANTS this.
All in all, this is a well-executed short, with just the right amount of exaggeration mixed in with its low-key humor and a lead that serves as a funny anchor to center 14 minutes around. Good show!
