Four friends (and roommates), Greg (Greg Vorob), Dan (Dan Conrad), Marc (Marc Seidenstein), and Paul (Paul White), are just the worst people in the world. They are crude, arrogant, and entirely too energetic. As they make their way through life and antagonize everyone in their path, they question everything that surrounds them. Overcrowded is the story of these four friends and their meaningless lives.
Alright, let’s start with what’s wrong with Overcrowded. The cinematography is sloppy; it’s sometimes difficult to focus on the content as a result of the shaky cinematography, and the film suffers to a degree as a result. The other issue: this (intended) television pilot wasn’t picked up, and we are left with this single episode of Overcrowded. I want to see more of the eccentric friends as they ramble on about bonsai trees and the Yakuza, but, sadly, we are left only to imagine the comedy that would have followed.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: all that should have warranted Overcrowded being picked up by a television network. Vorob and Conrad (who also act as writers for the film) are what make this film so entertaining, and while they are surrounded by a number of ridiculously funny individuals, their over-the-top approach toward comedy is superb. Both Greg and Dan are so far-fetched that there are moments when I struggled to connect with them, and I believe that’s the beauty of Overcrowded. The two place their, and the other, characters in precarious situations that, in many ways, make little sense. They seem out of control, overwhelming, and unimaginable in the real world, but it’s this ridiculousness that sets the film up for success--and Vorob and Conrad are to thank, as they give viewers a way to escape their realities.
I thought to myself, on a number of occasions throughout watching Overcrowded, that “this is so stupid, but so funny.” Is this short film for everyone? Of course not, as it walks the fine line between entertainment and incoherent mumbo jumbo. The reality is, however, that this temporary escape from the real world is exactly what people need from time to time. I was impressed with how quickly I was enveloped in this obscene story and was able to curb the uncomfortable realities of life. While the writing is absurd, it’s anything but simple. To come up with the scenarios that they did takes true genius, and their genius translates nicely to this film. From the opening credits I believed that this film had potential through all of its absurdities, and I couldn’t have been more right.
I grew up during the 90’s, and as a result I love that era’s sitcoms. I’ve lately gone on somewhat of a binge of said 90’s sitcoms, watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Full House, and Step by Step, transporting me back to what I would consider the good ol’ days. Overcrowded is, in many ways, a satire of those aforementioned family-friendly shows, as it, through its own version of comedy and drama, points out the glaring issues with the television shows of that time. While one might not consider Overcrowded tasteful, their ability to bring the flaws of others to the surface without being cruel is, in fact, tasteful. As the silliness of the opening credits, the constant familial drama, and the typical work-related issues of shows like Family Matters and Boy Meets World are taken to a new level, viewers are transported back to what many would consider a simpler time, making Overcrowded relevant and even more entertaining than before.
Overcrowded was originally intended to be a 80’s/90’s sitcom-esque television show, and this was meant to be the show's pilot episode. As a result of the show not being picked up, this stands alone as a single short film used to bring to light the flaws of 80’s and 90’s television and entertain viewers using crude, but hilarious, humor. I anticipated a lull at some point during the film as the four leads struggled with their own issues and viewers were veritably pulled in four different directions; I could not have been more wrong. Director Dan Kowalski, as well as the writers, the rest of the crew, and the cast, never relent. I’m impressed by how funny each and every character is, how brilliantly stupid the writing is, and how overall entertaining Overcrowded is; if anyone out there is listening, give this sitcom a chance!
Directed by Dan Kowalski.
Written by Dan Conrad & Greg Vorob.
Starring Greg Vorob, Dan Conrad, Marc Seidenstein, Paul White, Ian Campbell Dunn, Jennifer Zigler, Cristopher John Patrick Farley, Timothy J. Cox, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
