MOVIE REVIEW
Two Cents & A Footlong
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 11m
Director(s): Kanin Guntzelman
Writer(s): Kanin Guntzelman
Cast: George Russo, Saul Trujillo, Arielle Uppaluri, J Ryan Middleton
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Santa Barbara International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Late into the evening at the 24-hour sandwich shop Subclub, what should have been a routine sandwich order transforms into a compelling, emotionally charged dialogue. This simple encounter between Roger, your not-so-ordinary customer, and Lenny, the night worker, escalates into an intense unraveling of Roger's pent-up frustrations and hidden pains. In TWO CENTS & A FOOTLONG, directed by Kanin Guntzelman, the shop becomes more than just a backdrop; profound human truths are laid bare, and lives can change in moments.

TWO CENTS & A FOOTLONG thrives on the simplicity of its setting to delve deep into complex human emotions. The narrative ties the layers of Roger's sandwich to the layers of his life, creating a metaphor for his unmet dreams and desires. Each addition to his meal parallels a reveal in his story, enriching the film's texture and depth.

The performances are central to the film's impact. Saul Trujillo's portrayal of Lenny mixes just the right amount of humor and empathy, engaging viewers without overwhelming them. George Russo, as Roger, is a captivating addition to the film's story. He delivers a raw and nuanced performance that perfectly captures the essence of a man on the edge, making every frame he's in charge with tension and potential breakdown. Arielle Uppaluri's unnamed character adds a breaking point to the story, giving an unexpected twist and offering so much without saying much.

Director Kanin Guntzelman's style is subtly powerful. He crafts a scene that focuses as much on the unspoken as on the dialogue, with close-ups that capture every nuanced expression of the actors. This approach brings an intense intimacy to the interaction between Roger and Lenny, set against the sandwich shop backdrop, which adds stark realism to the film.

The plot thickens with the arrival of another late-night customer, introducing a new layer of complexity. This moment amplifies the film's exploration of the difficulty of genuine connection in public spaces, highlighting society's often superficial nature and the rareness of authentic interpersonal moments.

TWO CENTS & A FOOTLONG doesn't just explore loneliness and the need for connection; it critiques the shallow interactions that dominate our modern lives. It underscores how meaningful, albeit brief, exchanges can affect us, challenging viewers to reconsider the depth of their daily interactions.

Guntzelman's film reminds viewers of the power of unexpected connections in the most ordinary places. It urges viewers to look beyond the surface and value the complex emotions and profound interactions that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced world.

TWO CENTS & A FOOTLONG transcends its simple premise of a conversation at a sandwich counter to explore themes that resonate on a universal level. It's a testament to the power of film to turn the mundane into something extraordinary, urging us all to engage more deeply with the world around us. This film is a compelling narrative about human connection, wrapped in a dialogue-driven story that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt overlooked by the hustle and bustle of daily life.

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[photo courtesy of QUEEN CITY, REGENESIS PICTURES]

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