OK. I do enjoy a bit of silliness, and in Dennis Lee Flippin Jr.’s short film Flatters, silliness is on tap. Lenny (Doug Wyckoff) is a loner who lives in an RV park. He wishes life was easier, for a better RV and someone to share his existence with. Today, the determined Lenny grabs the bull by the horns and opens an account on Craigslist, a dating service.
Instantly, Lenny’s wishes come true when he meets Georgia (Teresa Wyckoff). She is an author with a book coming out. She loves the RV lifestyle and is looking for adventure. Before you can blink an eye, the two are in a whirlwind courtship leading to a whirlwind wedding.
Every appears to be going Lenny’s way…until Georgia’s book arrives. The subject of the book? Check the title of the film.
“She loves the RV lifestyle and is looking for adventure.”
Flatters is a silly story of getting what you wish for. Running at a brisk ten minutes, director Flippin hits the ground running with lead Doug Wyckoff’s script. They beautifully set up the character of Lenny, and before you know it, you sympathize with the guy and root for his happiness. The fun of Flatter is watching it all crumble before our eyes.
What works is the natural relationship between Doug and Teresa Wyckoff. Somehow they have some great chemistry as actors…married actors. Director Flippin also knows his way around shooting in an RV. The ending is a bit sudden, but the punchline point is made crystal clear.
Flatters is a delightfully silly and quick-paced short film that delivers laughs and unexpected twists. It’s a fun watch that leaves you smiling, even as it all crumbles hilariously for Lenny.
"…delightfully silly and quick-paced..."
