The Pez Outlaw is a globetrotting documentary that involves Homeland Security, international deals, and a character known as the Pezident. Steve Glew is a factory worker in Michigan. A chance meeting at a toy fair with a mystery woman leads him into the world of grey market Pez deals. The documentary is a lighthearted story with a bumbling hero vibe. No one has a harsh thing to say about Glew as a person, but the descriptions of the self-proclaimed Pez Outlaw are hilarious. From being described as looking like a homeless man to his own wife saying Glew has “some good ideas and a lot of stupid ones” he has an Inspector Clouseau-like charm.
Glew plays into this by describing how he planned to get through customs by acting crazy. In one of the film’s most hilarious moments, a Homeland Security officer is interviewed stating this is the worst thing a person could do. This is followed by Glew stating his scheme failed spectacularly. Many dramatic scenes also take on the feel of an espionage movie. The Pez Outlaw tells a serious story in a cheery way.
The film always seems like it wants to delve into mental health. From its earliest moments, The Pez Outlaw discusses Glew’s OCD and depression. While these are serious issues, they are only treated as diversions. When The Pez Outlaw focuses on Glew and his adventures is when it is at its best. Its thrilling and sometimes conflicting interviews add to the silliness (and severity) of the situation. It is a fun underdog story that is an important part of the story of Pez.
The documentary ends on something of an odd note. An underlying theme is how the little guy cannot compete with big corporations. This is highlighted in the result of Glew’s final plan. From there, The Pez Outlaw shifts its attention briefly to Glew being bi-polar before ending on his relationship with his wife. Kathy has a been an important part of the story, but she also disappears for long periods of time. The love between the two is obviously there; the film just not spend as much time on it as it could have.
The Pez Outlaw will be screening at SXSW beginning March 12
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