MOVIE REVIEW
Cart Girls
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 14m
Director(s): Katelyn McCulloch
Writer(s): Katelyn McCulloch, Mary Austin
Cast: Mary Austin, Gil Anderson, Marietta Laan, Steve Lund, Liam Fair, Peter Anthony
Where To Watch: announcements coming soon; follow @hey.old.friend on Instagram for more information

RAVING REVIEW: CART GIRLS, crafted by the spirited team at Hey Old Friend Productions (an emerging female comedy production company out of Canada) with a minimal budget, this short film (that this reviewer hopes to see turned into a feature) redefines comedic storytelling from a fresh, female perspective, turning the traditionally male-dominated world on its head.

In CART GIRLS, laughter is par for the course. Blending the spirited chaos of BRIDESMAIDS with the cheeky humor of HAPPY GILMORE, this film reimagines the golf genre through a distinctly feminine and fiercely funny lens. It's a narrative shift that entertains and enriches the genre with varied voices and a new perspective. My favorite aspect is that this was made by a group of women, taking back the power of the 90s comedy genre and making it their own.

Every scene is a blend of humor and heart, skillfully designed to resonate with audiences and provide a steady flow of laughs and genuine moments. At just 14 minutes, this cast and crew give it their all and create a fun and entertaining premise with so much promise! The cast and crew deserve a healthy round of applause, especially the leads Mary Austin, Gil Anderson, and Marietta Laan, who all make the most out of these moments on screen, each being their distinct character! Director Katelyn McCulloch and co-writer Austin also deserve a round of applause for helping to create this unique subgenre I never knew I needed!

The screenplay takes the stereotyped idea of a “cart girl” and flips it on its head, showcasing stories through a female gaze that challenges the status quo and captivates a broad audience. I love that more and more films are utilizing the idea of taking an idea or role that has been a stereotype and empowering the other side. The women behind this short know who holds the power, and I’m here for that!

Comedy is such a rough genre to nail, especially in an independent production, yet the entire cast here nails their roles with precision, keeping the audience entertained scene after scene. The charm of CART GIRLS extends beyond mere entertainment; it actively engages its audience, prompting laughter and reflection in equal measure. The film cleverly incorporates interactive elements that resonate with viewers, such as breaking the fourth wall (almost) and situational comedy that feels relatable and current. This approach entertains and fosters a deeper connection between the audience and the film, ensuring a lasting impression.

This film is a standout example of what independent cinema can achieve. It pushes genre boundaries and delivers an innovative and engaging story. CART GIRLS is a comedic gem that deserves the applause it receives, promising to delight audiences looking for humor and heart on the greens. Even if we don’t get a feature from this short, it shows that Hey Old Friend Productions is on the right course and knows what connects with an audience; I very much look forward to seeing what they do next!

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[photo courtesy of HEY OLD FRIENDS PRODUCTIONS]

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