Serenade4U Mixes Business With Hilarity At AFM

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When and where did you see the Sasquatch Dumpling Gang?
I saw Sasquatch Dumpling Gang at the American Film Market (AFM) in Santa Monica. The AFM is not a film festival, but an actual market for independent films to find deals for international distribution. It screened at the Loews Broadway 4 Cinemas on the Promenade. You either had to have a market badge or an invitation to attend. I was lucky enough to get a badge, and I couldn't pass up the chance to see this screening. I was so excited to finally get a chance to see SDG after all the great things I'd heard about it. At the screening, though, there were only a handful of people in the whole theatre. I was later to find out that this seemed to be the case for most of the screenings. For one thing, three other movies were screening at the same time, and still, the theatre lobby when I got there was practically empty. Once the movie started, I did notice there were about 6 other people in the theatre, and I heard others laughing along with me. It turns out, most of the "others" consisted of Rob Pinkston and some of his friends. So, as far as audience reaction? Yeah, Rob and I, we enjoyed it quite a bit. LOL!

Did anything surprise you about the film once you finally saw it, and was anything different from what you imagined, or heard beforehand?
Well, I had a tinge of worry because I'd read so many reviews beforehand, and knew what I thought was quite a lot about the film already. I was afraid that I might have ruined it a bit for myself. But luckily, that wasn't the case. There were still so many wonderfully funny and unexpected things that happened in the film. Something that did surprise me is how lovable Jeremy's character was (though why that should surprise me is hard to say, because he seems to always, at least before An American Crime, play "lovable"). I guess because of the comparisons to Napoleon Dynamite, and descriptions of Gavin and his friends as total geeks and nerds, you inevitably think his character is going to be somewhat like Jon Heder's in Napoleon. But Jeremy's natural good looks, and his character's underlying sweetness do more for nerd sex appeal than all of Bill Gates's billions.

What was your favorite scene in the film?
Oh, man, hard question, there were so many. I really liked Hobie's version of how events surrounding the discovery of the poo and footprints transpired. It's so funny how through his jealousy, he's warped the events in his mind so that Gavin is an underhanded, credit-and-girl-stealing double-crosser.

Speaking as a film student, what did you think of the out-of-sequence style the film was presented in?
I knew about the non-linear style beforehand, so I knew what to expect, and didn't find it hard to follow. I think I'd heard others mention they were a bit confused by it at first, but I think most viewers will get into the swing of it right away. It's a great device for presenting each character's point of view, and to really develop all the subplots. You get a lot of bang for your buck...essentially lots of cool, funny little stories all wrapped up into one hilarious movie.

Name one(or more) of your favorite moments involving Jeremy's character Gavin.
I loved all Jeremy's scenes with Addie Land. Gavin and Sophie are just so cute a couple. Their stumbling, awkward first meeting and subsequent dates are funny and adorable, and will probably remind a lot of people, geeks or not, of their less-than-cool, halting first steps into the dating world. I also loved how protective he was of her in the face of teasing by the bullies. One of my favorite lines of his, because it was so dorky, so cute, and so chivalrous all at the same time, was when Sophie is being teased and he defends her with, "She's NOT a dog. She's a FOX!" Awwwwww.

The comparisons to Napoleon Dynamite are destined to be made, but how would you compare SDG to ND? And can it, or should it be compared?
Well, I've heard Napoleon kind of launched a new sub-genre called "geek chic." In which case SDG would definitely fall into that category. And like Napoleon, it's a comedy that doesn't rely so much on slapstick or really absurd situations for laughs, as it does on characterization. But I do think there are definitely different tones to the two films. Napoleon's main characters, Napoleon and Pedro, were kind of obtuse and spend a good part of the movie staring blankly or talking in a sluggish monotone. Which was funny in it's own way. But the nerds and geeks in Sasquatch are almost the complete opposite, especially Gavin, having almost too much energy to burn. With these funny nerds of action, we have a much more interesting storyline to follow. Even the look and the style is different. Napoleon had a lot of wide shots (with almost no panning) of vast, empty spaces, or lifeless looking buildings and houses to kind of mirror the monotone of the characters' dialogue. But Sasquatch, with its livelier characters, was shot against the much more vibrant, even pretty backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. So aside from both being "geek chic," no, I don't think the two movies are all that much alike. I liked Napoleon Dynamite, but I found Sasquatch to be funnier, more engaging and with a lot more heart.

What stands out as your personal laugh-out-loud moment of the film?
There were so many, but if I had to pick out one, it's the last fight scene with the bullies. It was freakin' hilarious. It's one of those scenes that will have you laughing and cheering at the same time. And don't misunderstand. Jeremy is NOT Peter Pan in this movie. As much as Gavin likes to think of himself as a brave and conquering hero, he's not going to have an easy time AT ALL battling his enemies. But, yeah the whole movie was laugh-out-loud hysterical. Justin Long cracked me up every time he was onscreen, every time he opened his mouth. I just have to picture him saying, "What the crap is this?" and I want to laugh.

Do you have a favorite character?
A lot of people said Zerk or Shirts were their favorite, but Gavin was definitely mine. Maybe I'm biased. I just enjoyed watching Jeremy's performance so much. He reached deep, deep down and pulled out this hidden inner nerd and played him so well, he was almost breathtaking in his geekiness. Or, maybe he didn't really have to reach down that far, who knows? LOL! Ah, it would only make Jeremy even more adorable, wouldn't it?

Describe SDG in one sentence.
It's an epic tale of nerds and turds. Oh, wait, that's been done already. How about: It's the most good, clean fun you can have with poo.

Out of all the characters, with who do you identify the most?
I think I really identified with Sophie. I identified with her self-image issues. I think it's something most girls and women have had to deal with at some point in their lives. Sophie was lucky in that she found her Prince Charmingly Dorky who liked and accepted her as she was. But ultimately, I think she had to find a way to accept herself, as we all do. And come to think of it, I also identified with Gavin and his friends. I am, and will always be, a proud nerdette. I not only fully own my nerdiness, but I glory in it. Gavin and his friends are who they are, and you can take it or leave it. They aren't ashamed or self-conscious about their geekiness, and there is something to be said for that.

Now that you've seen the film, has your excitement/anticipation eased at all, and what feeling were you left with when the screening was over?
Surprisingly enough, my excitement has not diminished. In fact, I think it makes me more anxious for the film to have a proper theatrical release. For one thing, after seeing the film for myself, I see very plainly the potential this movie has for success. Not only do I think it would be great for Jeremy's career, but I also want the rest of his fans to have the opportunity to see how funny and versatile he is. And for another thing, I enjoyed the movie so much, I just plain want to see it again. I know. I'm terribly greedy!! That is the feeling I left with. If it was a DVD, I probably would have worn it out by now.

SONY BMG, the US distributor of SDG, is clearly indecisive over SDG's fate. As someone who has seen the film, give them your reasons why SDG deserves a theatrical release.
Sasquatch Dumpling Gang deserves a theatrical release for the simple reason that it is a very entertaining, hilarious, wholesome film that will find a wide audience, given the proper marketing. It's good-natured, campy fun that will appeal to teenagers and adults alike. Teens will like and identify with the awkward, nerdy characters, and adults will find the underlying message of friendship and loyalty (as well as the lack of foul language and minimal gross-out factor) to be a welcome and refreshing change. Come on and realize a big return on your investment, Sony! Release it!!!