Review: ‘3rd Street Blackout’ Illuminates The Heart And Soul

 

Meet Mina and Rudy, a happy, young and tech-savvy dynamic duo of lovebirds with a vividly colorful relationship. But when tragedy befalls the Big Apple in the form of Hurricane Sandy, the city is left without electricity forcing the couple to reinvent their modern lives in the seemingly prehistoric confines of the non-digital world.

‘3rd Street Blackout’ lightens up the screen with a relatable cast of characters and an unending queue of LOL-worthy intellectual quips. Balancing the focus on the New York culture against the main character’s fun and quirky relationship makes ‘3rd Street Blackout’ an incandescent example of indie films done right. Simply put, this is one romantic comedy-esque indie that definitely doesn’t suck.

 

Cinematics (Cinematography, Acting, Story, etc.) – 4

‘3rd Street Blackout’ lets audiences say goodbye to the cliche romantic comedy tropes of the past and say hello to Mina and Rudy, two internet savvy and fun-loving nerds who are in love until… well, you’ll just have to watch the movie to see what happens.

Writers/producers/directors and lead actors Negin Farsad (Mina) and Jeremy Redleaf (Rudy) deliver in every category with a contoured and unfiltered dialogue, a humanistic story, highly relatable characters and a beautifully textured love-letter to NYC in regards to the film’s setting. ‘3rd Street Blackout’ is undoubtably a passion project as every second of screentime is both purposeful but also uniquely artful.

The motley ensemble cast marvelously supports the story by adding a depth of humanity and realism to the lead players often quirky antics. Negin Farsad as Mina Shamkali is outstandingly hilarious, quirky, endearing, flawed, relatable, cultured and one hell of an entertaining nerd to watch on screen. You cannot help but instantly fall victim to Farsad’s uber charming on-screen avatar. Essentially, she’s the bomb diggity. Jeremy Redleaf’s rendition of Mina’s other half, Rudy, is equally as witty and personable, but provides a good counterbalance to the flamboyant Mina. Rudy’s hacker team “Index” cohorts Ari and Christina “DUBS,” played by Jordan Carlos and Katie Hartman respectively, provide even more comic as if it were in short supply. Ed Weeks totally nails the charming creep with his spot on and seductive villainy as handsome money-man Nathan Blonket.

While delving deep into all things comedic, the film still stays mindful of real issues and interactions, the story never being cheapened by their half intellectual/ half juvenile brand of humor. Many films often win with content but fail to effectively piece the scenes together. ‘3rd Street Blackout’ uses the sights and sounds of the city to ideally transition from moment to moment, always with the transition supplementing the story or emotion currently playing out.

 

Entertainment Value – 4

Two minutes in and I was sold on the characters, their quirky personalities, excited for their new venture and salivating for more of the film’s nuanced cinematic architecture. Four minutes into the film I was majorly conflicted, in the best way possible, and could not stop watching until the credits began to roll. Needless to say, I was entertained from start to finish. My cheeks were sore from the unavoidable LOLs and LMFAOs, again, in the best way possible.

You punched my earlobe, who does that? I admire your passion though. – Nathan

The comedy and banter in this film was rejuvenating as it left behind all templates and aimed for a more artful, youthful and engaging product. The film will make you laugh, smile and love. The music and visuals transport the audience into the heart of New York culture; vicariously living the NYC experience. All the flavors, sights and sounds are there. 

 

Re-Watchability – 3.5

You will LOL, you will uncontrollably smile and you will definitely feel something, ‘3rd Street Blackout’ illuminates the soul of NYC and scratches at the core of our humanity with a song, a dance, and a black sharpie drawing. And I would do it all over again… and again. This is a film that can be easily  re-watched and shared with friends. 

Watch the official trailer for ‘3rd Street Blackout’ below: