Ever since shows like "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation" gained a mass following, mockumentary style media has taken American entertainment by storm, for better or for worse. Because of this, it's become increasingly difficult to pull off a mockumentary successfully. "Elusive" however, does achieve this goal while also managing to pack, not only some light social commentary, but a heart felt message as well. Creating characters within satire that are more than just a joke is no easy task, but Sanford and McDonald took a hilarious buddy comedy duo and managed to create reason to care about and root for them.
Bradchad Porter's Wayne is a good natured cryptozoologist with a unique take on a troubled past, and Alex Sanchez's Jimmy is the perfect caricature of the pretentious film student types we either love to mock or relate to maybe a bit too much. Needless to say they brought an emotional message I can only compare to a warm and fuzzy Christmas movie, alongside humor that hits even better then some of the best mockumentary shows, and they did this all in only 93 minutes.
Beyond the main duo, though they obviously aren't going to have as much development, the supporting cast packed some wonderful punches. One of the keys to comedy is well placed pay off and call backs and this movie's use of the side characters to achieve said payoff is sublime. A special shout out is in order for Cherish Parker's Officer Sharon, who was a magical blend of awkward, charming, and downright hilarious in her odd air of confidence and straight forwardness. Speaking of the humor, fart jokes rarely ever land with me, but Elusive brought a fart joke that was not only good, but in context made me teary eyed. Yes, Sanford and McDonald found a way to make a fart joke tug at your heart strings. How you ask? You will have to see for yourself.
All in all, please support independent filmmakers and the art of comedy by finding a way to see this stupid big foot movie.
