A review of Bottom Floor
by Drew Lindo

By Jove, I think they’ve done it.

At the time of it’s production, Bottom Floor was without a doubt Dastoli Digital’s best film. Some may argue that it still is. Justin Lader portrays Joseph Cardiff, a businessman without a conscience. Gee, what do you think happens to guys like him? This film works for many reasons. It tells a simple story, but one that is carried by a character, that while not very likable, has a certain charisma that makes us want to follow him on his journey into the dark depths of the bottom floor. Justin Lader provides the best lead performance a Dastoli Digital picture had ever had by this point, carrying the film effortlessly and naturally. Dominick Vicchiullo does excellent work as the chilling Receptionist of the bottom floor, and Chuck Kerrigan provides a bittersweet element of humanity in a small scene that is surprisingly emotional. It is safe to say that Bottom Floor contained the best performances to date, with a talented cast that keenly delivers the mood of the story. The Dastoli’s visual style evolves again, with a striking, washed out color palette, an incredibly cinematic feel (thanks to swanky office settings and my nifty wheelchair-dolly,) and a satisfying climax. The look of the Bottom Floor is something I had never seen before: a hell like no other, devoid of flame, encased in darkness. The tone of this film is fantastic. It’s a solemn, foreboding piece, and the percussion score fits like a glove. This film knows exactly what it’s doing. Bravo, Dastoli’s.

THE GOOD: Fantastic visuals, fantastic performances, a great pace, and a simple story that satisfies the journey that we have invested in. Bottom Floor is an example of Robert & James firing on all cylinders. This is a Dastoli Digital film that can be taken seriously, not just as geek-make-believe-entertainment. Bottom Floor has it all. Not to mention a killer last shot. That’s how you end a movie.

THE BAD: This is a strong film, but a predictable film. It is simply a morality tale, and some might find it pedestrian and basic.

THE DASTOLI: No film is perfect, but the truth is, this is an excellent short film. Four and a half out of five Dastoli’s.