“Have we heard from the devil yet?” 

Perhaps we have, given the cunning deception of the DVD’s front cover. I take joy in walking into films relatively blind, only having seen the attention-grabbing image that prompted me to pick it up. Let it be known that the cover of the DVD I received differs greatly from the one that is advertised on Amazon; however, both covers are severely misleading as to what the film actually entails. That being said, knowing absolutely nothing about this film may not be the best way to approach it.

"When you have a formula, you work it. You work it to death."

Cue obnoxious New York bar expert who reminds me of a Mafia hit man, insert a cute mixologist, an experienced chef, and four different sets of confrontational failing bar owners being gifted with five days with Jon Taffer and his longevity in the industry, experience with over 800 bars, and you have Bar Rescue – Toughest Rescues.

I will be the first to admit that I never watched a horse race prior this film. Just never interested me; however, it did not take long to see that 50 to 1 is more of a story about unwavering friendship; friendship between two men who had a chance encounter years before becoming a team and a friendship between a trainer and a horse that everyone has all but given up on. As cheesy as that may sound in theory, it was actually a very warm concept, and the production team manages to unfold the story in a way that makes it easy to watch.

Ten years ago, Chip Woolley (Skeet Ulrich) saved Mark Allen (Christian Kane) during a barroom altercation. Despite not knowing each other, Woolley made a spur of the minute decision to aid Allen in the fight. After the fight, the two bond briefly over their shared life in the horse race circuit before departing with Allen proclaiming that he owed Woolley one.

Who was John Evans? That is one of the many questions that American Interior addresses that you never knew you wanted to be answered. The more you learn about John Evans and his story, the more you will come to appreciate the beautiful intricacies woven into the tapestry that is our country’s history. In addition to a unique history lesson, the film also treats you to very stylized images and color schemes, keeping spectators engaged in both story and screen. Part narrative documentary, part concert film, part animation, and part music video: this charming film is a surprisingly pleasant ride with a Welsh musician and a dead-eyed puppet. 

Directed by Dylan Goch, American Interior stars Gruff Rhys (front man of the band Super Furry Animals), who also wrote the film’s content. Having learned he is the descendent of the Welsh explorer John Evans, who came to America in search of a specific tribe of Native Americans, Gruff embarks on a unique concert tour that follows his ancestor’s trail. The concert consists of songs inspired by John Evans, as well as a slideshow about his story, as narrated by Gruff. The farther Gruff follows the specter of John Evans, the more content he adds to his performances.

“You will be severely punished for your disobedience.”

Yeah, there is plenty of that going on in this film. What a fragile construct the mind can be, or at least that is how it appears in Bedlam. As the movie progresses, it becomes harder to tell who is more mad, the patients or the people in charge. However, the film does teeter between the line of real insanity and comical insanity.