WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Don’t you just love it when a nation’s plan comes together? Everyone is in agreement, the path to succeed in the given endeavor is likewise embraced by all, and there is total, unimpeded harmony moving forward in it. Yes, it IS true bliss. When someone finds this to actually be occurring, please let us know as soon as possible, because in Simpletown, USA, it ain’t so pretty. The local community has gathered at City Hall to “discuss” the imminent threat of illegal aliens wanting to move into town. Citing standard concerns that illegals introduce crime and drugs, an overtly vocal proponent (Logan Martin) emphatically encouraging the council to “build a fence!!” also makes waves, despite Mayor King (Bick Smith) attempting to maintain order.
Even as the other two council members, White (Adam H. Ruben) and Anderson-Sanchez (Caitlin Weber) argue with the attendees and each other, the proceedings are further thrown into chaos by the arrival of two aliens, Zenya (Adrienne Thomas) and her male counterpart Zander (Andra Knox). From the start, and in despite of a racially charged insult hurled by Councilman White, Zenya begins to explain about all the benefits that would come about in being allowed to settle in Simpletown, trying to emphasize the kindness they’ve been shown since their arrival. As the debates heat up yet again, and the vote to ban or not ban comes around, the unexpected arrival of celebrity Ethan West (Sam Heyn) influences events, but to ends ultimately not intended.
Next, my Mind:
The first question that would most likely need to be addressed when it comes to co-writers/co-directors/co-producers Justin & Kristin Schaack’s riotous and oh so appropriately timed 10-minute yuck-fest is what exactly ISN’T covered thematically in this film when it comes to the currently raging debate over illegal aliens in America? With tongue-firmly-in-cheek, this is an exercise in utilizing some fantastically hilarious, over-the-top execution to highlight the wealth of arguments being offered, from “building the fence”, “making them pay for it”, disruption of the nation this would cause, Amendment-related rights, how aliens are just “the same” as the rest of us”, the impact on jobs, and the concept of foreign babies being born here, all the way to celebrity/liberal Hollywood swaying voter’s decisions. Top it all off with a laugh-worthy ode to “ID4” plus a potent stab at sports event celebrations–folks, this is truth run hysterically amok!
Bick, Weber, and Ruben make a wonderfully entertaining team as the Simpletown Mayor and councilmembers in that they play off each other so distinctly well, while assuredly portraying the differences of opinion and means of resolution to the situation that we expect from politicians. Their willingness to each try to get their way, but then mostly cave to placating the masses overall, is SO spot on. Thomas is likewise completely uproarious as one of the illegal aliens, Zenya, who makes every effort to come across civil and pleasant with her intentions so as to try and win over the angry townsfolks, so often the side of these immigrants we are shown, or perhaps the polar opposite of what so many people argue will be their manner if this country gives in to them coming here. Jovial turns are provided with the characters enacted by Martin, Heyn, and Knox, so accurately presenting sides of America we have seen and heard consistently these days!
Overall, “Illegal Aliens” is a ridiculously timely, side-splitting, jocular, priceless piece of indie film comedy that does need to be witnessed in order to appreciate the truly nonsensical levels this debate about illegal aliens has actually gotten, regardless of which side of “the fence” you’re on. It is a testament to the fact that, while we may not think this or want to admit it, the Schaack’s have found a way to illustrate in an innocently satirical yet biting way, that we actually might BE the “Simpletons” the film depicts so rollickingly well!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
