All Sorts, with "Sing Along if You Know the Words"
Main feature (which screened after the short film):
SIFF link and summary: All Sorts
USA, 2021; 93 minutes; director J Rick Castañeda
In a comedy that could only have come out of the Pacific Northwest, a lonely data entry clerk discovers a secret door in the office and stumbles upon the world of competitive champion folder filing.
This comedy has an element of romance, but I wouldn't call it a "romantic comedy" because it doesn't go near the formula that "romantic comedy" implies.
However, most of all, it's weird comedy. On a scale from Sleepless in Seattle (very low weirdness) or Office Space (moderate weirdness) to Sorry to Bother You (high weirdness) or The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes (very high weirdness), it rates a little weirder than Being John Malkovich. But the weirdness doesn't get so weird that it interferes with the storytelling.
So, does it work as comedy? Yes! "J" and I were laughing pretty much start to end. It also works as a romance, but that does take a back seat to the comedy. Excellent.
Languages: English.
Rating: I don't think this film has a US rating (yet), but I'd guess it would rate a "PG-13", unless some language slipped past my notice.
Short film (which screened before the feature):
SIFF link and summary: "Sing Along if You Know the Words"
US, 2021; 8 minutes; director Alycia Delmore
Determined to conquer his social anxiety, Ben throws a dinner party that challenges his harmonious limitations.
Mini review:
This musical-comedy works pretty well as a musical, but I thought the comedy fell short. Fair.
Languages: English.
Rating: Short films aren't awarded ratings in the US, but this film would probably rate a "PG-13" if they were. (I think there was alcohol consumption on screen.)
Screening: streaming at home.
Audience: two.
Snacks: just caffeinated drinks.