This clever, goofy little comedy by Greensboro filmmaker Thomas Barker (with assistance by Asheville Disclaimer writer Dave Cole, who also plays the title role of Morris) is not a great film. By the end, in fact, it’s slightly worn out its welcome. But it does show what a little inspiration, a lot of making-do and close to no money can accomplish.
The story — based on comic-book character Harold P. Kranch (here played by the director’s little brother, Nathan Paul Barker) — is a kiddie-esque mish-mash about an 8-year-old boy, a jokey robot (Michael Driver), a bogus fairy godmother (Carmen Dubnik), a time traveler (director Barker) and a plot by the villainous (and none too bright, but very pretentious) Morris to start WWIII by having the American president appear to assassinate the king of Spain (Tommy Trull).
The script attempts — and occasionally succeeds — in pulling a Rocky and Bullwinkle, being aimed at kids, but including enough adult references to keep older viewers engaged. And any movie that boasts a Satan who is prepared to drop everything because “the hot light is on at Krispy Kreme” has something in its favor from the very onset.
— reviewed by Ken Hanke
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