Home Movie (2001)

Whereas American Movie, director Chris Smith's look at a would-be low-budget horror director, earned some measure of critical ire for seeming to condescend to or make fun of its hard-luck subject, this short, sweet follow-up offers no such possible pitfalls. The ordinary people who open up their extraordinary homes to Smith's crew are clearly in on the joke. In fact, like all hobbyists, from role-playing geeks and medieval revivalists to nudists and animal-rights activists, they seem to relish the chance to talk about their singular obsessions. Tales of gator attacks, expatriate media stardom, and a life spent pushing the boundaries of consumer technology intertwine with talk of cat cohabitation and the challenges of redecorating a missile silo. In the end, what emerges is not a treatise on home decor, but a compelling portrait of American individualism at its homey best. Barely long enough to be considered a feature, the film's theatrical run included showings of the classic short Heavy Metal Parking Lot -- a perfect companion piece in celebrating the charm of folks whose enthusiasms border on lunacy. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide