DVD Dry Spell

Suzi Lorraine demonstrated in the film 'Won Ton Baby' her ability to handle comedy roles as well as those in Horror and Thriller genre movies. She has certainly enhanced her fast developing reputation as a versatile actress with her performance in this romantic comedy film. Indeed, I wonder if the producers of 'Dry Spell' were encouraged to cast Suzi in the lead role of Sasha after watching her performance in 'Won Ton Baby'. Once again, she displayed her ability to utilise a range of expressions, gestures and body language to full effect and capture attention as well as deliver hilarious one-liners. Her scenes with Tim Swan, in the role of Jeff towards the end of the film are particularly memorable and well filmed.

'Dry Slip' earned my appreciation with its fresh approach to romantic comedy through original story line and interesting characters which brought a smile to my face on numerous occasions as we follow the romantic misadventures and escapades of Sasha and her husband Kyle played by Kyle Hoskins as they try to disentangle their relationship. The film is ably directed by Travis Legge whose future work will no doubt attract my attention again in the future.

The story is well constructed in neat layers. No time is wasted in introducing the viewer to the principal personalities and the background to their relationships. Plot foundations are firmly laid as the main supporting roles of the couples' friends are introduced. Further developments in the storyline appear in well structured scenes at regular intervals as the plot and characters combine to make compelling viewing as one tries to anticipate how the web of dilemmas and predicaments that the two central characters have found themselves entangled up in is going to be resolved. The final scenes are very effectively produced with the unexpected sudden twist to the story provided in the finishing straight when the humour elements are eclipsed by serious emotional considerations.

The past film acting experience of the cast members ranges from no previous experience to very extensive but they all blend together admirably to present an enjoyable viewing experience. The only names that I recognised from the cast list were those of Suzi and Rachael Robbins ('Bikini Bloodbath' films). As far as the lesser known names were concerned, I was particularly impressed with Amber-Elizabeth Sawyer as Lacey, Deann Baker as Karen and Tim Swan. Deann is a young lady who projects tremendous confidence in her effervescent, bubbling performance and makes the maximum impact in the amount of screen time afforded to her character. Amber-Elizabeth's scenes involving verbal exchanges with Suzi are vital ingredients in propelling the story forward and I look forward to observing how this talented young lady's career progresses. Kyle Hoskins has been perfectly cast as the husband as he radiates warmth and attracts empathy. Kyle's scenes involving his eccentric 'dates' are among the film's highlights.

With regard to the technical aspects of the film, one of my main gripes with films these days is the increasing use of dim lighting and the mumbling delivery of lines by actors when neither is necessary in an effort to create the impression of it being trendy and fashionable film making. I am pleased to report that 'Dry Spell' does not suffer from such irritations as the lighting is consistently bright throughout, focus is sharp and all actors deliver their lines with clarity, and shots are well framed.

It is not often that I view a film again so quickly after the initial viewing but I did so in this case in order to savour several moments enjoyed the first time round.