Review of Motivational Growth (2013) by Larry G — 10 Oct 2013

Motivational Growth Review.

A very wonderfully done, unconventional film from the twisted mind of writer/director Don Thacker.

Motivational Growth sends you into the closed in world of modern day hermit, Ian Folivor (brilliantly portrayed by the talented Adrian DiGiovanni). Ian has been wallowing in his own filth and self-loathing for months and finds his only refuge in his television set, an old fashioned cabinet television affectionately named Kent. Once Kent, finally decides to call it quits, Ian decides to follow suit.

At this point, breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to the camera, Ian explains to us why his television meant so much to him, why he doesn't want to go outside, and how simple household cleaning products can be.

Mixed into a poisonous gas. Like all things in Ian's life as far as we know, things aren't that easy. He notices a working vent and attempts to plug it up. Doing so, he slips, falls, and bangs his head knocking himself out. He wakes up next to a large mold that has grown next to his sink that starts talking to him.

The aged voice of the mold is played by Jeffrey Combs, of The ReAnimator fame. To say his performance was unique and entertaining would be an understatement. For a very simple practical puppet that doesn't move the whole movie and still be able to steer the plot and keep me on the edge of my seat speaks levels for the screenwriting and the directing. Not surprising both from the same twisted mind of Don Thacker.

The ability for a character like Ian to be so like able when he speaks to the audience, and yet so unlikable when speaking to other characters is a very unique approach. It's like being one of the few friends of someone who hates the world, and for some reason, likes and respects you.

Not only does the main character make the movie worth watching, but so does the supporting cast. Pete Giovagnoli as Box the Ox, a bully-type landlord who gives Ian a lot of breaks. He is also surprisingly likable. Threatening Ian with intimidation and violence, he still is very supportive of Ian getting his life together, and gives him multiple chances to pay his rent. Also, Ken Brown has a small but very memorable role as the first TV repair man who shows up to fix "Kent." After trying to talk Ian into buying a plasma TV, he turns into this perverse paraphilic towards the cabinet TV. His orgasmic, euphoric reaction to this is both chilling and humorous. Ken's ability to contort his face and body in a spasmatic reaction to something that Ian does (watch the film) is one to remember.

The set also has a vital role in the film. Set inside of Ian's apartment, the filth from months of apathy really puts you into this world. Obviously, getting so out of control, the mold grows into a living life form, not only talking to Ian from the bathroom, but interacting with him and others from other rooms of the house. Even after Ian seems to clean up his act, it is merely on the outside, much like his apartment for the Mold lurks behind the walls.

All in all this film is great. Funny, gross, surreal, and entertaining. By for everybody, but has more mass appeal than most film in the genre. I hate to compare this film to others because it is so original, I explain to mainstream film fans that Motivational Growth is like High Fideltiy meets Little Shop of Horrors in a loser's one bedroom apartment. Definitely worth a watch. Can't wait to own the blu-ray and wear the t-shirts.