Michael Shelton (left) as Donnie Chuck Hartsell (at right) as Will Walker

Seven Year Switch is a short comedy/drama from Crewless Productions. Although it moves in the realm of science fiction, I wouldn't classify it as a 'sci-fi' flick. A young man has come up with what he believes is a workable theory for time travel, one that he thinks he can actually make work. What sounds like a potentially cliche' retread of an oft-used device turns out to be anything but in this well-made short film.

Suspension of disbelief is only necessary for the time travel aspect of this story. The people in it - their thoughts, words, actions - seem natural and unforced. This ability to appear natural - as if one isn't "acting" - is of course essential to good acting, and something that doesn't come easily to many of the actors that appear in indy, low-budget films. And not to a good percentage of famous television and movie actors, either, for that matter.

The humor is lowkey and natural. Most importantly, it's funny and it works. Not laugh out loud, roll-in-the-aisles funny, but smile and chuckle-to-yourself funny. Chuck Hartsell as Will Walker, the story's main character, plays his role to perfection. Michael Shelton as Chuck's friend, Donnie, is very credible and believable in his supporting role.

The subtle quality of this film can be seen throughout, in the details. Although there are only two major roles, the actors with lesser roles perform well, too. Effective and creative cinematography, including very effective use of camera angles; simple but well-chosen locations; solid sound and good dialogue - all come together into a great little 12+ minute package that simply works.

An entertaining well-made short that leaves you wishing for more. When so many of today's films leave you wondering why you ever watched them in the first place, what more could you ask?

The trailer for Seven Year Switch can currently be seen on the internet at its' official site: http://www.viewmonster.com/crewless/switch/trailer.asp

"An amusing shot-on-digital video short that just goes to show that you don’t need a mountain of money or a flux capacitor to make a good time travel film." (rated 3 stars) -- Eric Campos, FilmThreat

Seven Year Switch (2001, Crewless Productions) (out of 4)
directed by Chuck Hartsell and Chance Shirley
written by Chance Shirley
original music by Kenn McCracken, Daniel Farris, Tim Boykin and the Shame Idols
Chuck Hartsell as William Walker
Michael Shelton as Donnie
Patrick Sheehan as Lt. Gordon
Stacey Sessions as Janet
Chance Shirley as the power company guy

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