A review of Errand Boys
by Drew Lindo

Wait, this is a Dastoli Digital picture? But, it doesn’t make any sense! Not, the movie, just the fact that it could have come from them! Justin Lader and Diego Kontarovsky portray Martin and Shorty, a pair of low-rent hitmen working for “The Boss.” They’re the boys who do the dirty work, as evidenced by the stereotypical black suits and guns. As of July 19th, 2004, Errand Boys is still my favorite Dastoli Digital short film. First of all, it’s a dark comedy. Second of all, it is funny. Third, the humor is both character driven, as well as situational. Lader and Kontarovsky have a fantastic chemistry, and the setup for their misadventure is fucking hilarious and clever. Lastly, this is the least predictable film they’ve ever made. Some have complained about the ending, and I suppose that since I came up with it for the Dastoli’s (after reading no script, only hearing their description of the story in my car,) I’m a little biased. This is such a radical departure from the rest of their endings, that for me, it’s quite refreshing, as well as darkly comic. This is an entertaining film that feels more organic than most they have made, as it for once depends almost completely on the characters, not on the special effects that surround them.

THE GOOD: Lader and Kontarovsky do their thing, and it’s a joy to watch. Carl Fieler almost steals the show in a small role. The tone of this flick is fantastic. There is a subtle, natural feel to the dark proceedings. Again, this film just seems to throw the Dastoli clichés out the window and spawns something different, something original, something…funny. The score really works for the mood of this flick, too.

THE BAD: I will simply say this, a certain someone who makes a certain cameo in the final scene is a little over the top. I would have preferred to see a real actor in the role to maintain the film’s “Outside of the Dastoli Box” vibe. One could also argue that at times, Lader’s performance is a bit too much of a caricature of the person upon whom the character is based, but for average viewers, it’s good to go, I’m sure.

THE DASTOLI: Unpredictable, irreverent, obscene, and immoral, Errand Boys is entertaining from beginning to end. Five out of five Dastoli’s. Just to clarify, this is not a perfect score, merely the highest recommendation based on this reviewer’s enjoyment of the film. Now shut up and watch it.