A Trilogy That Celebrates the Creative Spirit

Read Time:6 Minute, 6 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Writing Fren-Zee –
Revenge of Zoe –
The Love Song of William H. Shaw –

Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2009 / 2018 / 2023
Runtime: 1h 18m / 1h 39m / 1h 35m
Director(s): Clif Campbell, Marty Ketola
Writer(s): Clif Campbell, Marty Ketola
Cast: Jonathan Northover, Nathan Campbell, Eric Schumacher, Julie Schaffer, Megan Guthrie, Paul Navarro, Reb Moorehead, Marie Sembar, J.J. Baker, Marty Ketola, Mark Brady, Jillian Corsie, Olivia Blake, Sara Jackson, Drew Kallen, Austin Buchanan, Gia Gerardo, Michael Guyll, Autumn Ivy, Blaize Naasz, Rachel Netherton, Geoffrey Notkin, Christina Pflueger, Bradford Trojan
Where To Watch: “Writing Fren-Zee” will be re-released in 2024, “Revenge of Zoe” is on Tubi here www.tubitv.com, and “The Love Song of William H. Shaw” is currently on its festival run throughout 2024 with future release info TBA. Check out www.facebook.com for more information.

Trailers:
Writing Fren-Zee – www.youtube.com
Revenge of Zoe – www.youtube.com
The Love Song of William H. Shaw – www.youtube.com

RAVING REVIEW: Okay, so bare with me; this is where I start the review, but I wanted to give a little back story on this experience. So, reviewing indie films is a particularly intriguing experience; I’ve had some of the best experiences I’ve ever had watching a movie, and I’ve also had some of the worst experiences possible. Until diving in, you seldom know what you’ll get, but I’ve always made it my purpose to review anything I’m approached with because these films need coverage more than any colossal blockbuster. Thankfully, this is one of those situations that was a fantastic experience. I was approached to review THE LOVE SONG OF WILLIAM H. SHAW, and it looked fascinating from the get-go; as I dove deeper, I found out this was the final film in a trilogy (although you can watch any of them as their own standalone experiences as well.) Well, if you know anything about me, you know that I couldn’t just watch the one, so I asked and was sent over the other two films and below will be my experience with them.

In the landscape of independent film, a trilogy emerges as a beacon of imaginative storytelling and rich character development. At the forefront of this trio (even though it’s the final chapter,) THE LOVE SONG OF WILLIAM H. SHAW distinguishes itself with a masterful blend of comedy and emotional depth, engaging its audience in a story that profoundly resonates with its audience and takes the narrative in an unexpected direction.

Starting the series, WRITING FREN-ZEE throws us into the world of Billy Shaw, a screenwriter struggling to transform a popular comic into a Hollywood Blockbuster. This film establishes a strong foundation for the trilogy, delving into the personal and professional challenges of writing and the inspiration drawn from one’s environment, including the legacy of a comic legend. This film is the definition of the mid-2000s shot on video indie cinema. A group of friends getting together, inspired by the indie films that have come before, and dare I say, one of the most entertaining films I’ve seen this year. Passion for a project can overcome so much; budget, production, etc., are all secondary when you can tell there is a heart to the film.

Transitioning next to REVENGE OF ZOE, released nine years later, the trilogy shifts gears, combining elements of humor with heartfelt character exploration. Initially seeming all over the place, the film unfolds into a well-layered narrative. It echoes the charm of 80s nerd comedies, enriching its narrative with well-crafted humor and character development. I would argue it is most important to make sure you’ve seen WRITING FREN-ZEE before this if you don’t want to wait for the pieces to come together, but the plotline of the first film is explained well enough that if you’re patient, you don’t need to. This also reaps the benefits of nine years’ worth of technology advancements. It looks like a much higher quality and better production value throughout the film.

Culminating with THE LOVE SONG OF WILLIAM H. SHAW, the trilogy revisits Billy Shaw (Bradford Trojan,) who is now on a journey of sobriety and introspection. The film artfully balances comedic and dramatic elements, focusing on the tense relationships between Billy and his companions, John (Eric Schumacher) and Pete (Nathan Campbell.) Their story poignantly underscores themes of reconciliation and growth, adding depth and relatability to the film’s plot. Its distinctive humor injects an engaging twist, providing a commentary on the artistry of filmmaking.

The performances and crew behind the films were crucial in bringing the trilogy’s narrative to life. Their evolving interactions and character growth infuse the story with realism and engagement. Bringing so much together after an almost 15-year project is a monumental experience that even more prominent films couldn’t achieve.

One of the co-directors, Marty Ketola’s, insights illuminate the production challenges of THE LOVE SONG OF WILLIAM H. SHAW, especially amid the global pandemic. Filming partially at TusCon Sci-Fi Convention added authenticity and serves as a nod to the fan culture that plays a pivotal role in the trilogy’s narrative.

Reflecting on the entire trilogy, it’s evident that the progression from WRITING FREN-ZEE to THE LOVE SONG OF WILLIAM H. SHAW is not only about narrative development but also about the filmmakers’ evolution and more profound comprehension of the cinematic craft. This series is a heartfelt homage to fan culture, the multifaceted nature of the creative process, and the lasting power of friendship and artistic collaboration.

THE LOVE SONG OF WILLIAM H. SHAW stands out not only as the zenith of the trilogy but also as a standalone work that eloquently speaks to the themes of creativity, personal struggle, and the transformative power of art and relationships. Its ability to connect with anyone who has ever dared to dream and create firmly establishes it as a must-see for those who appreciate indie cinema and engaging storytelling. Make sure to follow along on Facebook for all the most current news, including the rerelease of WRITING FREN-ZEE to digital and a Blu-ray trilogy set in 2024.

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[photo courtesy of PONDO ENTERPRISES, HOLBROOK AND KOWOSKY PRODUCTIONS, DESERT OWL PRODUCTIONS, SEELIE STUDIOS, BRINK FILMS, INDIE RIGHTS]

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