A Wild Ride Fueled by Lo-Fi Madness

Read Time:5 Minute, 0 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Le Tour De Canada
–

Genre: Comedy, Short
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 6m
Director(s): John Hollands
Writer(s): John Hollands
Cast: Matthew Rankin, Ben Cockell, Zander Eke
Where to Watch: shown at the 2025 Fantasia Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: With its six-minute runtime and nonstop unapologetic chaos, LE TOUR DE CANADA doesn't just wink at stereotypes—it barrels straight through them on two wheels. This proudly weird and artistically stylized short from director John Hollands careens across Canada in a frenzy of rear projection, archival oddities, animated mayhem, bravado, and fish decapitation. And yes, it is every bit as strange—and strangely endearing—as that sounds.

The film pits two cyclists—one anglophone, one francophone—in a hilariously overblown, fictionalized race from St. John’s to Vancouver, blending low-tech ingenuity with full-throttle energy. There’s no real tension here about who will win. That’s not the point. Instead, Hollands is more interested in the concept of national identity, parodying everything from regional stereotypes to cinematic traditions, all while asking: What happens when the Great Canadian Road Trip turns into a fever dream?

Matthew Rankin lends his distinctive voice as narrator, anchoring the film with a delivery that's equal parts theatrical and deadpan wit. It’s an inspired choice, especially considering Rankin’s filmography, which similarly revels in high-concept oddities and satirical pageantry. His involvement feels like a playful passing of the baton to Hollands, who takes those surreal sensibilities and pushes them even further into the territory of lo-fi spectacle.

But make no mistake—this isn’t just a riff on Canadian clichés. It’s a loving jab. Hollands has a deep appreciation for the quirks of his homeland’s cinematic legacy. Drawing inspiration from the offbeat genius of John Paizs and the meticulous chaos of Rankin, LE TOUR DE CANADA acts as both homage and evolution. It proudly wears its influences on its sleeve while crafting a language of its own, one spoken through absurd compositions, literal visual gags, and the unrelenting silliness of national competition.

The creative team makes the most of their tight time constraints. Rowan Landaiche’s production design gives the film a handcrafted charm, while Elliot Farinaro’s editing keeps the energy racing forward. The use of rear projection isn’t just a stylistic flourish—it becomes part of the comedy, deliberately amplifying the lo-fi nature of this bizarre showdown. Archival footage is treated less as documentary material and more as punchline fuel.

That said, the short’s chaotic structure may be a double-edged sword for some viewers. The barrage of stylistic shifts and abrupt tonal changes can feel dizzying, even within its brief runtime. Hollands has a strong handle on comedic timing and visual language, but there are moments where the rapid-fire absurdity slightly overshadows the rhythm of the satire. This is a short that explodes, and some might find themselves scrambling to keep up.

That frenetic approach is part of its charm. The film is built on a foundation of playful contradiction: it's fast-paced yet strangely laid-back, nationalistic yet mocking, silly yet savvy. In the context of the Fantasia Festival’s Perilous Ports showcase—already known for celebrating weird, daring entries—this film feels right at home. It’s not trying to reinvent animation or redefine national cinema. It's just having a good time, and that enthusiasm is contagious.

Hollands makes it clear that LE TOUR DE CANADA isn’t about winning the race. Whether you cheer for the anglophone or the francophone cyclist, you’re still caught in the same surreal national circus. And if you're laughing by the time they cross the finish line (or wherever they end up), the film has done its job. I don’t think this film would have worked as a feature film; I think there would have been too much chaos and insanity, but as a short, it truly nailed it!

There’s a scrappy underdog energy here that deserves attention. Hollands may be drawing from Canada’s cinematic past, but he's forging his own weirdly confident path forward. With a little more cohesion or restraint, future works could refine this balance of chaos and commentary even further. But as a calling card, LE TOUR DE CANADA is one hell of a debut—fast, funny, and unhinged in the best way possible. LE TOUR DE CANADA is a short that zips by with anarchic confidence, packed with just enough weirdness and wit to leave a lasting impression. It may not be a flawless victory lap, but it's one worth watching—and laughing through.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive complimentary items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl Records, Books, and more. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.