Middle Man

Middle Man is a delightfully twisted, dark comedy from 2016, anchored by a standout performance from Jim O'Heir, best known as Jerry Gergich from the hit TV series "Parks and Recreation". The film also features compelling performances by Andrew J. West and Josh McDermitt, who both bring their A-game to this small-scale but complex story. Middle Man is directed and written by Ned Crowley who crafts a compelling narrative that uses both the conventions and stereotypes of traditional storytelling to craft something genuinely fresh and offbeat.

The story centers on O’Heir’s character, Lenny Freeman. Lenny is a mild-mannered accountant with a dream - to ditch the numbers and make it big as a stand-up comedian. But as it so often happens in the real world, the road to stardom is bumpy and riddled with setbacks and pitfalls. After the demise of his mother, Lenny decides it's time to pursue his lifelong comedy dream and embarks on a cross-country road trip to the "Las Vegas of the Liver", also known as Las Vegas.

On this road trip, a series of unfortunate events leads him to cross paths with a mysterious drifter, hitchhiker Hitch played by Andrew J. West. This unexpected encounter takes Lenny's journey into a dangerous and unpredictable new direction as Hitch introduces him to a different side of life. Lenny, as innocent as he is, is thrown into strange realities representing the darker side of fame and fortune. Hitch’s character, though presented as a helpful guide on the surface, secretly holds ulterior motives, adding a psychological element to the plot.

Josh McDermitt appears as T-Bird, another key character, and delivers an engaging performance. He, along with other minor characters, contributes to the overall tension and surreal flavor of the narrative adding multiple layers of intrigue to an already complex storyline.

This film successfully combines comedy and crime, engaging audiences with unexpected story twists and sudden dark undertones. The humor is distinctive, frequently featuring darkly comedic moments that test the boundaries and norms of traditional comedy. The writing is brilliant and tightly wound, filled with deliciously sharp dialogue that keeps you engrossed throughout.

Middle Man borrows elements from several genres, it straddles the line between dark comedy and thriller, with an occasional foray into horror. It's a tragicomic odyssey that takes viewers on a whirlwind ride across genres while maintaining a cohesive narrative. The comedy is well-weaved into the plot and doesn't shy away from incorporating morality into its storyline.

O'Heir's performance as Lenny is excellent, demonstrating his range beyond the bumbling character he’s best known for on Parks and Recreation. He manages to instill in Lenny a bold combination of sympathy and fear, helping audiences connect with the character on multiple levels. Andrew J. West also gives a standout performance as Hitch, bringing an unsettling charm to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional antagonist.

Middle Man is the winner of Seattle International Festival's New American Cinema Competition, a testament to its quality. The film makes great use of its mostly desert settings. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, often evoking a distinct sense of location that adds to the overall feel of the story. The soundtrack, as well, plays a key role, with music that subtly enhances the mood, making the viewing experience more immersive.

Despite being a relatively low-budget film, Middle Man excels in terms of production value, with high-quality cinematography, sound editing, and selection of music. The film also boasts a unique narrative structure that sets it apart from traditional crime or comedy films.

In summary, Middle Man is a uniquely twisted tale of dreams, comedy, and crime. It's a satisfying stew of emotions, served with a side of dark humor that continually keeps you guessing. The last-minute twists and turns make it a suspenseful watch. Through its engaging narrative and powerful performances, Middle Man serves as both a thrilling crime-comedy and a subtle commentary on the pursuit of fame and the real cost of dreams. The film, with its oddball characters and unconventional approach to storytelling, provides an original and thought-provoking viewing experience. This is surely a must-watch for anyone in search of a comedy that defies expectations.