Robert Rollins (IMDB listing) is a unique filmmaker in many ways. He is making films that are rich and precise in their storytelling. The films he makes are unique not only because of the subject matter but because they're fully realized productions. They simply don't feel like they're being made by other than a true movie studio. I defy anyone to see "The Magic Hourglass" and not think that it came from a studio in Burbank or Vancouver.
Rollin's films are fun, and fundamentally, filmatically sound...he translates his love of all things fantastical into his own little gems of cinema.
Written by Rollins and Edward Fik ("Knightfall") "The Magic Hourglass" follows two modern-day friends as they take a "Bill and Ted" adventure back to the land of Robin Hood and his not-so-merry men. They're not merry yet because Arn (Alex Weber) and Ed (Benjamin Faigus) haven't taught them the ways of Sherwood Forest yet.
Yes, Robin (David Coe) and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Scotty Dickert) are enemies and yes, they run around in Sherwood Forest with abandon but they have little focus. Robin, in this version of the story, is a bit of a slacker. He needs the boys from the future to show him how to be the true Robin Hood who robbed from the rich, gave to the poor, and caused no end of grief for the evil Sheriff. What we didn't know was how it all came about and how funny that origin was back in days of Good King Richard the Lionhearted.
Rollins' handling of the production is top-rate. He has an adept hand and fun vision when it come to silly comedy, and his capable crew is able to make it seem effortlessly real. I was able to visit the
set on one occasion and saw for myself the attention to detail that Rollins demanded. Although the production was done on a shoestring budget nothing looked cheap or cobbled together. And this is most definitely reflected in the sweet-looking production itself which is available on DVD.
Adding to the richness is composer Jeremey Borum ("American Gangster" "The Day The Earth Stood Still") who provides the musical tapestry around which the story is woven. His lush and beautiful orchestrations belie the small ensemble he used to create the soundtrack. And it's so true to the period that one can almost see the maidens dancing and the bustling square of Nottinghamshire.
At only 20 minutes the movie is a good length to enjoy without feeling cheated. More would have been better but Rollins is still working out his feature-length chops. Considering that this was a local production, filmed entirely in Orange County, CA (The OC!) but doesn't look like it either story-wise or production-wise, it appears like a feature from Rollins is certainly possible soon.
Rollins' next production is in the works and I believe it will be a horror piece. My information is that Arn and Ed will be featured in two more shorts that will complete a trilogy.
If Rollins handles horror as well as did "The Magic Hourglass" then we're in for a treat.
Don't be fooled by the small footprint of this film. It'll have you chuckling all through and resonate long after you're done watching it.
Credits: (see IMDB listing HERE)
Robert Rollins Pictures HERE
