The Bellmen

The Bellmen, a comedic caper set in an elegant resort, brings a refreshing twist to the classic genre of slapstick comedies. Released in 2020, the film features the ensemble of recognized names such as Thomas Lennon, Richard Kind, and Josh Zuckerman, offering a delightful blend of hilarity, innocence, and a dash of satire.

The film introduces us to Steve (Josh Zuckerman) and his band of endearing bellmen at the Sun Sky, a legendary Palm Springs resort. Steve, the lead character of the film, is a good-spirited, fun, yet slightly gullible bellman who looks at his job as more than just ferrying luggage, offering refreshments, or maintaining the hospitality facade. He believes the purpose of the bellmen is to provide a magical experience for the guests.

Thomas Lennon plays the role of the eccentric, imaginative 'fantasy novelist,' Alan Reynolds. Reynolds' passionate theories about otherworldly portals and mystical lands are shared with Steve, who never misses an opportunity to lap up these fascinating stories. And then we have Richard Kind's character, the grouchy resort manager who is ever skeptical of Steve and his team's antics.

At the heart of the story, an imminent threat hangs above the Sun Sky resort. The resort is at the brink of a hostile takeover by a massive hospitality conglomerate, and even though most employees are worried, they are ultimately helpless. The resort's owner is slowly succumbing to the pressures of selling his cherished property.

Meanwhile, Steve, enticed by Alan Reynolds' enthusiastic tales of heroic fulfilment and intertwined with the imminent takeover, turns his focus away from his mundane bellman duties and onto a quest. The quest is to save the resort from the impending doom and lead it back to its former glory. However, his journey is riddled with an array of humorous obstacles that incites laughter and happy roots for the underdogs.

The Bellmen explores themes of friendship, loyalty, corporate malfeasance, and intrigue, showcasing the strength of unity and determination. As Steve embarks on his high-stakes mission with a merry band of bellmen, they encounter a series of strange guests, hilarious mishaps, and unexpected twists.

The film displays a unique mix of slapstick humor and heartwarming moments. It approaches the tradition of physical comedy evident in the iconic scenes featuring the bellmen's zany antics, bearing a slight resemblance to the comedic styling of storied groups like 'The Three Stooges.' Each character is lovingly constructed, with their quirks and eccentricities making for a mishmash of amusing personalities in a world full of wonder and laughter.

As for the performances, from Steve's clueless enthusiasm portrayed by Zuckerman to Lennon’s goofily inspiring author and Kind’s flustered resort manager, the cast of The Bellmen give their characters a certain charm that is simple yet compelling. Along with the hilarity and tomfoolery, the film generates an undercurrent of suspense and mystery, as the fate of the beloved Sun Sky resort hang in the balance.

The colorful cinematography compliments the sunny, picturesque setting of Palm Springs resort and its surrounding desert scenery. The lighthearted soundtrack and whimsical dialogue add a quirky flavor to the film.

In essence, The Bellmen is a feel-good comedy about an everyday hero and his motley crew trying to save their world – in this case, their beloved workplace. It calls back to classic comedies while incorporating contemporary humor and ethos. Simultaneously silly, fun, and captivating, it is a timeless family movie reminding us of the significance of unity, loyalty, and the magic of believing in something bigger than ourselves.