I’m going to try and not be too hard on this film, because it was Eric Ortiz’s first time directing, writing, and acting in his own full length film. Given that the film is based on true events, it is probably also special to him. The story is actually pretty interesting, but the film-making and acting is so amateur that it is hard to take anything going on in this movie seriously.
The film begins with Michael (Jereme Badger), previous druggie, recounting the events that happened during a fatal summer. Michael, his brother Dominic (Eric Ortiz), and their friend Ben (Anthony Ashmore) had given up all hope on life. Unable to accomplish their dreams, they settle for a construction worker job where they meet bad boy James (Nathan Spiteri). He might have been the only experienced actor in the film, and the most tolerable to watch. It might have been the Australian accent, but he at least fully committed to his character.
After Dominic pulls his antics on the boss, everyone gets fired. Angry at Dominic for causing him to loose his job, James pressures the guys to help him rob a bank. And it all goes down hill from there.
Ortiz might want to focus more on his screenwriting skills versus his directing and acting. He proved he could deliver lines quickly, but failed to have any meaning behind them. As far as camera work goes, I’ve seen better filming from my past production classes. The beginning had some awkward out-of-focus shots, and the movie had too many unnecessary scenes. I’m not sure who was in charge of audio, but the sound was all over the place. At times, it was as if the characters had been mute or maybe they were just mumbling; I’m not really sure.
The premise gives this movie so much potential. Had the movie been filmed differently, and with better acting it would have made for an admirable independent film. Sadly, Exit 727 fails to perceive the impact or message it was trying to get across.
Originally Posted on RedCarpetCrash.com
Even with the cast being mostly new to the big screen, they don’t show any signs of amateur acting. Eugenio Derbez is one of the biggest actors in Mexico, if not the biggest. Having already made a few small appearances in American films like Jack and Jill and Girl in Progress, he makes a giant leap as the star, director, and co-writer of Instructions Not Included. He is a natural comedian and is hilarious in either language. From his dumb-founded facial expressions to his genuine caring father moments, you’re immediately connected to this character. Throw in newcomer, Loreto Peralta, as the adorable smart-aleck daughter and you have a dynamic duo. These two have such great chemistry and a heartwarming father/daughter relationship. Of course watching Valentin figure out how to take care of baby Maggie using whatever he has around him, including a clever backpack with holes for legs as a baby carrier strap on is priceless. Maggie’s mother Julie plays a less lovable character. Jessica Lindsey, does a fantastic job as a selfish and confused baby mama who can’t quite make up her mind on whether or not she’s capable of motherhood.
