Stars of Tomorrow No. 2: A strange, gong-heavy trip

Is this worth your time?

If you have an obsession with mid-century variety filler or just really love watching people get unceremoniously kicked off a stage by a loud gong, then sure, go for it. Otherwise, this is mostly a relic for people who enjoy digging through the bottom of the cinematic barrel. If you're looking for high-concept art, you are going to hate every single second of this.

The whole premise is basically N.T.G. playing the role of a slightly manic M.C. He stands there, tries to keep the energy up, and introduces acts that range from "mildly amusing" to "did they really think this was a good idea?" It’s not exactly Broadway, but it has that strange, frantic energy you find in these old shorts.

There is a Jimmy Durante imitator who just makes you wish you were watching the real thing. He leans into the bit so hard it almost hurts to watch. It’s like watching someone try to paint a masterpiece with a wet noodle.

Then there’s the hillbilly band. They play for about two minutes too long, and I found myself staring at the wall behind my monitor, wondering if the audio was actually synced or if I was just losing my mind. 😅

The best part: The gong. Every time that thing rings, there is this sudden, violent sense of relief. It’s the only time the movie actually feels like it has a point.

I couldn't help but compare it to the slightly more polished efforts you see in films like Polly of the Circus, which at least has a narrative thread to hang onto. Here, it’s just a scramble. It feels like a fever dream you’d have after eating too much cheese before bed.

There is a hot girl dancer who shows up late in the game, and the camerawork does that weird thing where it just zooms in and out like it’s looking for something it lost. It’s deeply unglamorous.

I sat there wondering if Ben Schwartz had any idea what he was getting into, or if he just needed the paycheck. We’ve all been there, right? Sometimes you just gotta take the gig and hope nobody notices you were there.

This isn't a movie you analyze. You just let it wash over you until it ends. It’s not going to change your life, but it might make you appreciate the invention of the remote control. Or at least the 'fast forward' button.

• That gong sound will haunt my dreams tonight.
• The M.C. really needs to take a breath.
• Why is the lighting so flat?
• I think I prefer Caught Short for its actual charm.