Mockbuster is more than just a look at an infamous film production company. The documentary follows Anthony Frith, an Australian who has spent his life dreaming of becoming a movie director. Though he has spent the past few years making films, they are not the kind he had fantasized about. But when The Asylum agrees to let him direct one of their movies, he begins to reevaluate his lifelong goal.
From the opening moments, the film is filled with charm. It is a feeling that resonates throughout Mockbuster. Everyone interviewed is supportive of Frith in a way that is genuine but also good-natured and fun. They joke about the situation he has gotten himself into (he has six days to film an action movie filled with dinosaurs called The Land That Time Forgot) but constantly tell him that he will be able to get it done. It is the rare feel good story that does not feel emotionally manipulative.
The interviews are one of the highlights of Mockbuster. Frith secures interviews with Eric Robers and Danny Philippou. It is entertaining to watch a Hollywood legend and newcomer bother have similar reactions to the situations. But it is the conversations with the partners at The Asylulm which steal the show. In particular, Paul Bales, David Michael Latt, and David Rimawi are fantastic. The three men (one’s business card lists his title as “Powerful Figurehead”) are open, honest, and hilarious. They all know what their business is about. But they also let Frith know he can still achieve his aspirations if not in the way he originally intended.
For many, it is the unprecedented behind the scenes access that will be the standout. Everyone from Frith to the executives at The Asylum poke fun at the low budget movies the company makes. This is certainly a lot of comedy to mine from these films, but the fact of the matter is Mockbuster lets audiences see how the sausage is made. These moments provide their fair share of comedy, but they also showcase the stress that Frith is going through. These changes in tone make Mockbuster an all around great watch.
Mockbuster opens in select theaters July 10.
