A man (Dan Berkey), a woman (Renee Gagner), and a hostage. Where has the money gone? Ava’s Last Ride or Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Ransom depicts two individuals attempting to figure out where their money has gone, and they plan to torture their hostage until he spills the beans. Only their forms of torture are nothing like anything you’ve seen before, and the poor man strapped to the chair is in for a long, painful, day. Will he survive? Will the money be found? Only time will tell.
As the film begins viewers are taken on a journey that appears will be intense, maybe even difficult to swallow. Ideas of torture and kidnapping are quickly discussed, and when it’s mentioned that it wasn’t the intention to hurt the hostage, it seemingly becomes clear that what viewers are about to see will be harrowing. In an instant, however, the tone of Ava’s Last Ride or Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Ransom shifts, and viewers begin to see the true nature of the film–comedy. The techniques used to torture the hostage are hilarious, nothing like you could have ever imagined, but you’ll instantly understand why these methods are so effective. They play on the little things in life that are so infuriating, things that would likely drive you crazy, and it works so well throughout the course of Ava’s Last Ride or Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Ransom.
Director Eddie Contento uses sound to drive Ava’s Last Ride or Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Ransom forward. The clicking of a pen, the subtle whispers from Ava, loud, intense chewing, and a series of other things play a role in how viewers perceive what occurs throughout. While the volume of the dialogue changes throughout the film (and it does become frustrating), the use of sound and sound effects to facilitate this hilarious story is incredibly well done. You don’t always see films that play with sound in this fashion, but Contento makes the decision to make this a prominent feature in his short film–and it works wonders for the narrative.
There are moments when Ava’s Last Ride or Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Ransom seems fractured, and there are moments when it becomes difficult to follow the narrative. When Contento moves back and forth between parts of the narrative, these moments become confusing. There were even times when I was confused as to what certain scenes had to do with the overall film; but I digress, because in the grand scheme of the film these instances don’t make that much of a difference.
Overall, Ava’s Last Ride or Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Ransom is a ridiculous film full of absurd comedy, and it works wonderfully. The asinine nature of Ava’s Last Ride or Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Ransom guides viewers through the film and through the story of kidnapping and torture. The group of actors work together to create subtle humor that resonates with viewers and entertains from beginning to end. Ava’s Last Ride or Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Ransom is truly hilarious, I laughed out loud on multiple occasions, and what Contento brings to life is unique and full of energy.
Directed by Eddie Contento.
Starring Dan Berkey, Renee Gagner, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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