Review of Cashback (2007) by David S — 21 Mar 2010

This is an insightful film with a unique and advant garde perspective. It puts a new and surreal take on the way people, especially college age adults, deal with the inevitable monotony of menial work for stereotypical employers.

This film bears elements of John Hughes' adolescent classics with the fantasy-imaginary elements of Fight Club and Momento. It is sincere, sweet, humorous, and charming in its own, irreverent way.

It is easy to like and identify many of the characters, yet the fantastic and embellished elements help to create a world where anything can happen. Many tender, beautiful scenes. Many films inspired this piece: "The Breakfast Club" (or "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"), "Fight Club", "Momento", "Donny Darko", "Office Space" (or the TV series "The Office"), "Big Fish", and many others.

It mocks the modern middle management types and the menial work under their charge in a sharp, whitty bite that's in touch with contemporary young adults. The abundant nudity is a bit gratuitous, but isn't overly sexualized and an empasis is made on how humanity has long been inspired by the beauty of the female form, and how it's a critical role in the protagonist's psyche'.

It is acceptable and believable in that it's congruent with the overall feel of the film. Excellent an excellent blend of humor, drama, fantasy, and surrealism, with a touch of suspense.