Kid Icarus

Kid Icarus is a captivating documentary-style film directed and produced by renowned filmmaker, Mike Ott in 2008. The movie is an intriguing study of aspiration, ambition, and the creative process, as it follows Leigh Harkrider in his quest to climb the ladder of Hollywood stardom. The film offers an intimate, often humorous but candid take on the struggles of making it in the film industry.

At the heart of Kid Icarus is Leigh Harkrider, a film student at a California community college who dreams of transforming his class film project into a fully-fledged Hollywood movie. Harkrider, with a larger-than-life personality, fills the screen with his ambition and unwavering self-belief, drawing the audience into his journey, rooting for his success even as they cringe at his occasional missteps.

However, Kid Icarus isn't just about Harkrider. The film also puts a spotlight on his fellow student filmmakers, specifically Cory Zacharia, Carlo Chavez, and Cory Rubin. These characters provide a nuanced perspective on the filmmaking process, highlighting that the ladder to success is a collective climb rather than an individual race.

Cory Zacharia, with his unique perspective on life and film, creates a sort of balance to Harkrider’s driven and sometimes overambitious personality. Meanwhile, Carlo Chavez adds an undercurrent of criticism to the group dynamic, often questioning Harkrider's decisions and prompting thought-provoking discussions about the nature of filmmaking. Cory Rubin, on the other hand, serves as the group's empathetic heart, who, despite his own dreams and aspirations, often finds himself drawn into Harkrider's grandiose plans.

In the backdrop of this engaging dynamic is the film's critique of the industry and the scrutiny it gives to the creative process. The director, Mike Ott, effectively captures the struggles of being a young artist trying to break into an industry that often prioritizes box office hits over unique creativity. Through the lens of Harkrider's perhaps naive but still compelling perspective, Kid Icarus serves as a commentary on the harsh realities of filmmaking ambition and the sometimes-crushing logistics of turning that ambition into reality.

Ott's direction superbly blends the real-life drama of everyday struggles with elements of classic mockumentary-style humor. With each scene, Kid Icarus presents a blend of laugh-out-loud moments and cringe-worthy episodes, creating an emotional roller-coaster for the audience. It doesn't shy away from showcasing the trials and tribulations that aspiring filmmakers endure, making it a potent, deeply-rooted slice of life narrative.

Another notable aspect of Kid Icarus is the technical prowess on display. The cinematography, editing, and sound design all contribute to creating a believable world that the characters inhabit. This is further enhanced by the impressive performance of the cast. Leigh Harkrider shines in his role, delivering a performance filled with a wide range of emotions that keep the audience invested in his character's journey.

The supporting cast also does a commendable job. The performances of Zacharia, Chavez, and Rubin successfully capture the mix of camaraderie, competition, and creative differences that exist among a group of artists striving to make a mark in a challenging industry.

In conclusion, Kid Icarus is a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the world of independent filmmaking. It offers a deep dive into the dreams, challenges, and often harsh reality associated with trying to break into the film industry. With its compelling narrative, authentic performances, and thoughtful commentary on the cinematic art form, Kid Icarus is a tour de force that will leave you both entertained and contemplative.