A FILM REVIEW OF LAZY SUSAN (SHORT 2019) BY NYAKROM (GROUP 5)

 FILM ANALYSIS BY:NYAROM (GROUP 5)

FILM TITLE: LAZY SUSAN (short 2019)

 SCREEN TIME: 7:27

 DIRECTOR/ WRITER : TERRI TIMELY

 CAST: MONICA HONG AS SUSAN

             JULIA MORIZAWA AS ANNIE

             CATHY CHANG AS MOM

            ROGER LOWE AS DAD

           BILL LEE BROWN AS TED WOOD

Watching Lazy Susan made us feel a mix of emotions. We were slightly annoyed by Susan’s behavior ;she was lazy, rude, and constantly made excuses. However, as the movie went on, we saw how she was able to save her family’s restaurant, even though she was lazy. The film didn’t grab our attention right from the start; instead, it slowly developed in a way that made us curious about Susan’s journey and whether or not she would change. Lazy Susan is one of those movies that you need patience with in order to appreciate its humor and character growth.

      Lazy Susan is a quirky comedy about a middle-aged woman stuck in a cycle of laziness and excuses. As her personal and professional life starts falling apart, she’s forced to take a hard look at herself and consider making real and significant changes. The film resonates with a powerful message ,it’s never too late to turn your life around, and taking care of yourself can lead to better relationships and a greater sense of purpose.

       The film focuses on character driven humor, emphasizing realistic situations over big plot twists. The main characters are clear and easy to understand, and their relationships feel believable. Susan and Anne are opposites  Susan is slow, calm, and lazy, while Anne is energetic, hardworking, and constantly on the move. The two lead actresses, Monica Hong as Susan and Julia Morizawa as Anne, do a great job showing their personalities through strong and funny performances, even with limited dialogue. The way they act out their emotions and reactions makes the film enjoyable and relatable.

       Lighting and colours contribute to a warm and homely atmosphere, much like a family kitchen. This softness adds a feeling of safety and familiarity, which resonates with the story’s growing sense of renewal. A memorable shot of a spinning Lazy Susan tray symbolises the concept of life’s cyclical nature emphasizing that we all go through phases and routines before we can grow. Close-up shots of food and hands highlight the simplicity of these routines, adding texture to the film’s overall feeling. The soundtrack in Lazy Susan plays a big role in setting the mood and adding depth to the story. The musical score resonates with each character’s emotions faster tunes reflect Annie’s energetic moments, while softer ones align with Susan’s more thoughtful and lazy periods. This careful matching of audio with action helps bring humor forward while adding tension during difficult moments, especially when the restaurant’s future hangs in the balance. The balance between sound effects and dialogue was achieved through careful mixing; first, the dialogue was recorded in a quiet setting to make sure it’s clear, then the sound effects like the spinning tray were added in a way that supported the scene without overpowering it.

      Repeated musical motifs helps make it more memorable and resonates with its comic style. The soundtrack feels naturally integrated with the story, adding character and texture. Lazy Susan met my expectations it was short, funny, and creative. The mockumentary style made it feel unique and engaging from start to finish. The film had a funny and original idea, creative visuals, strong and clear storytelling, and an excellent use of satire. However, it was very short, and there wasn’t much character development. The music was not very memorable or a standout feature when placed alongside its strong visuals and humor. While it made us smile and laugh, the film didn’t produce deep emotional reactions — instead, it focuses more on delivering a light, enjoyable, and amusing experience.

by: NYAKROM GROUP 5

Romaine Dodoo-BFATP28002

Micaiah Milady Orlanda-BFAMP28009

Caleb Duse-Anthony BFAMPP28005

OSEI OWUSU HENRY-BFAMP28002

Emelia Mawuena Akorli - BFAMP28041

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Albert Quarm -BFAMPP28033

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