User reviews

Fell, Jumped or Pushed is a mockumentary about a team of filmmakers creating a real documentary. Really? Really. While the plot line meanders, the cast of characters is simultaneously goofy and heroically endearing. The multi-layered reality will keep you guessing what the truth is...while you're rooting for the main character to fall in love, you may very well find yourself wondering who is real and who is scripted.

Fell, Jumped or Pushed leverages the visual richness of the small town much like Napoleon Dynamite used Preston, Idaho. The camera shots are well crafted to draw you into the story that these big-fish-in-a-small- pond could be picked up like marionettes for the amusement of the reprehensible genius documentarian.

I loved this film. FELL, JUMPED, or PUSHED is a very clever and fun mockumentary with seriously fantastic performances and a lot of heart. Todd Peters (also the director/writer), Caroline Hall, Jeremy Rabb, Mark Boyett, and Blair Sams as the core crew of the documentary that is the subject of the film – and Andrei Belgrader as the over-the-top auteur – all gave seamless, grounded performances. And the grandmothers! There is a scene in a bar with one of the grandmothers - I want to bottle her voice. She's amazing. (The blending of actors with "real people" is interesting and effective.) The movie's tone is akin to Christopher Guest films at their most real moments, and I laughed out loud more than once. This is a well done, entertaining indy film that I highly recommend.

This clever little film features the hallmark of a good mockumentary: a solid ensemble of actors who create a vivid, zany crew of characters. In this case, they're brought together to film a documentary that's destined to change tracks -- if not go off the rails altogether -- as their amateur-but-earnest leader (Todd Peters) wades deeper into his own unfulfillment and his family's unsolved mystery. And all of this is framed as a documentary-within-a-documentary directed by an Eastern European auteur (the inimitable Andrei Belgrader). Filmed near the top and the bottom of the west coast, in Spokane, Washington, and San Diego, California, this movie is well worth your viewing.

"Fell, Jumped, Or Pushed" has a specific look and feel directly evocative of amateur documentary filmmaking. That's because this cleverly ingenious film is in fact its own mockumentary cheerfully flogging amateur documentary filmmakers, and it therefore demands none other than this precise visual presentation. Here we have a send-up of people who aren't good at filmmaking, and it's at its most hilarious when it implicates even its own filmmakers! Terrific.

To extend the joke to its threshold, director Todd Peters is also the star of "Fell, Jumped, Or Pushed" -- and his character, too, is named Todd, blurring the lines between lampooner and lampooned (the layers of self-deprecation and insinuation here are gonzo). Who knows what Todd Peters might be like in his real life, but film character Todd is most assuredly a clueless non-starter: He reads a how-to book authored by filmmaker Ivan (Andre Belgrader), and instantly empowered, he knows he's destined to make movies himself. Ivan soon becomes privy to all this, and sensing the seismic tremors preceding Todd's cataclysmic on-set disaster, he voyeuristically gathers his own camera crew to document Todd's film shoot. Todd's intentions for his movie may or may not have something to do with the empowerment of women, but we do have a title: "A Journey to Courage" features ladies from Todd's own family tree, and it goes nowhere fast until cousin Marcy -- while herself on set -- finds the filmmaking bug has bitten her, too. She adroitly grabs Todd's movie by the scruff, redirecting it in the thematic vicinity of the family's long-disappeared military grandfather Curly.

Assuredly, "Fell, Jumped or Pushed" is a very well-acted film, thanks to its fine actors' collective willingness to completely lay out for the script's great character development. The roles they inhabit are at times ludicrous, and in the next moment immersive and freshly fascinating, with no better example provided than Todd himself: He's at his best once his composure mudslides as a result of his film having dovetailed away from him, eventually hitting the proverbial fan. From concept to completion, "Fell, Jumped Or Pushed" is an exceedingly smart, self-aware, and inventively funny film, and one that sits squarely in its own space. -(Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)

Fell, Jumped or Pushed is a funny meta-mock-documentary that follows a bunch of likable, if not competent amateur documentary filmmakers pursuing an impulsive passion project. The joke is that the rookie documentarians are being documented as well, by a "legendary" documentarian, who is disgusted by the DIY enthusiasts who think they can read one of his books and suddenly produce follow in his footsteps. The mockumentary style has become the domain of television, (The Office/Park & Recreation ...) but it's easier to sustain in the investment of suspending reality when it is shown in a movie style. The acting and commitment to the characters carries the film. Writer/director Todd Peters gives a solid lead performance. HIs cast is interesting, likable and believable. The direction is crisp. The jokes don't draw blood, so much as tickle you with a feather. The reason the jokes work so well is that the characters are worthy of emotional investment. You want to see these people succeed. Thee are some genuinely clever twists as well that make this film worth watching to the finish. You want to see these people succeed. The setups take a little bit longer than sitcom mocumentaries and the obvious low budget of the film makers (real) lend a charm to the film that makes it actually look more like a real independent documentary than the modern style of sendups. In that sense, the film comes off like early Albert Brooks comedies. If you are tired of watching bloated budget green screen spandex extravaganzas, this fun little movie is well worth your time, and it gives you something to cheer for.

Oh my gosh. I sat here and laughed out loud. If you're a fan of mockumentaries, you need to put this right next to your favorite Christopher Guest films. Such a nice chemistry within the cast, and so fun to watch them interacting with Todd's actual family. I can't wait to watch it again! Great characters, great story lines, great one-liners!

The entire odd squad was fun to watch, but I thought the performances by Todd, Mark, Caroline and Blair were standouts. They created a wonderful blend of angst, fear, naiveté and attraction. And what a thrill to see Andrei Belgrader playing the delightfully nasty guru.

Todd's family members deserve their commendations as well. They were such good sports, and it was plain that they were enjoying the experience of being in the movie.

One of the most enjoyable films I seen last year! Brilliant writing! An absolute must for anyone who likes witty indie films! It's a story that you will still be thinking about a week later. Hats off to the director for bringing together not only a great cast but also a very enjoyable and entertaining story. I went into the theater not knowing anything about the film. Being in the film industry myself I am sometimes a tough critic however I was laughing out loud almost the entire time and I left hoping there would be a sequel. ( I never leave hoping for a sequel) I would recommend this film to anyone but especially to the entertainment and film industry crowd. Get your popcorn and get ready to laugh out loud!

Fell, Jumped or Pushed is a hilarious spoof of a documentary. Main character, Todd, an earnest fan of a cynical documentary filmmaker, is documented by same as he follows his dream of making a documentary of female empowerment based on women in his family. So many comedic situations ensue as Todd gets a group to work together. This is something everyone can relate to. The characters are endearing and the romantic aspect is sweet. I love indie films and documentaries and found this to be a fun take off on both. The film within a film concept works well and is fun to watch. My whole family loved it - some strong language - suitable for teens and up. We'll be watching it again.

I've never seen a film like this. The idea is original and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what's going to happen next. I look forward to seeing more films from these actors and the director. I'm so glad I saw this film and will be sure to tell my friends and family about it. I hope it gets released so others have the chance to enjoy such a great film. I know these films often don't get the audiences they deserve, so I'll do my part to get the word out that this film needs to be seen by movie lovers out there. The music is really great too. I really enjoyed the whole thing Really original, really fun!

Ahhh, that was fun!! I'm a sucker for the mocu-drama and mocu-comedy mocumentary, or as we have here a mocu-dramedy? yes? yes. Well acted, great story, and well produced. Todd was a joy to watch, kudos to the sound guy! There was a chaos and urgency surrounding Todd that was real and palpable,setting the tone for the film, I loved watching him deal with all that was crashing around him. There is loads of 'realness" and honest moments that are rewind worthy. The film kept me hooked, eager to get to the next scene which is often hard to do for a relatively low budget film with unknown actors, that deserves accolades for sure. This is a fun, good time watch!

This film looks amazing! Fell, Jumped or Pushed is a perfect example of all the things an indie production can really be; it's a documentary about making a documentary, for crying out loud! How great is that? Sure this has been done before, but it never gets old. I especially find the subject relatable, having been involved in several short film productions myself. This film highlights all of the struggles and hi jinks of small film endeavors, and all of the great material that takes place both on and off set. Hopefully, the subject matter in this film is on par with my expectations. I have high hopes for this film. I'm most certainly looking forward to watching this production as soon as I can!

We recently attended the premiere of this movie in Hollywood. We fought traffic for four hours, but it was worth the trip! We enjoyed everything about this unique mockumentary, especially the endearing quirkiness and wit. There was something to laugh about in almost every scene, and the humor was the type that lingered. I get the feeling I would catch even more of it the second time around, as it was sprinkled everywhere. The dialog was well-written. The setting of the character's home town was a character in itself. And the acting was top-notch. This is a fun movie for a Friday night and a nice glass of wine! Highly recommended.

This was a surprise. Sometimes I pick random, unheard of indie flicks to watch. Partially for my ego (as I still pride myself on being hip), partially because I think everything out there is overly commercialized, partially to support less known (or in this case, completely unknown) films, partially to shake things up. And this movie was not only unique, but funny as heck and warm. What a bunch of endearing bumbling misfits! All possessing characteristics that we either possess ourselves or know of someone in our lives that posses them. I plan on telling everyone of my friends to check this film out as the storyline is an as unpredictable as it is entertaining. Thank goodness for indie films.

This film is like a breath of fresh air!! The concept is an original twist on a familiar conceit ( the mock documentary ) and the performances are endearing and hilarious. Trust me, you will love this! I have no doubt this film will find an enthusiastic following. As the plot progresses you will become more and more invested. I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions... something I ordinarily don't do! It's an impressive and auspicious beginning for director Todd Peters. The cast works together like a finely-tuned repertory company. It's as if they had known each other for years! I look forward to more films from this fine young artistic team.

"Fell, Jumped, or Pushed" is documentary about a famous documentary film-maker making a documentary about a wannabe documentary crew trying to make their first documentary. Did you catch all that? Actually, it is a mix of mocumentary and reality when the main character ambushes his REAL-LIFE family. It's a good story line that keeps you entertained, but where "Fell, Jumped, or Pushed" really shines is in the believable, self-centered yet team oriented, sometimes cringe worthy, and always very funny characters. And I'm rooting for every character (well, almost). Think Parks & Recreation, The Office, or Waiting for Guffman. "Fell, Jumped, or Pushed" takes place partially in Spokane, WA. I am from Spokane and they do a good job of capturing the feel and small-townness of Spokane.

This is a seriously great movie. A movie in a movie. A very clever mock documentary it follows the earnest and hapless Todd (well played by Todd - Very meta) and his crew (Caroline Hall, Jeremy Rabb, Mark Boyett, and Blair Sams ) as they try to make a documentary celebrating strong women. Along the way a cynical and jaded filmmaker (Andre Belgrader) begins to make a documentary about Todd making his documentary and the movie slowly becomes something bigger than any of them could have envisioned. The acting is amazing - so real it is easy to forget you are watching a movie. It's smart and funny and wonderfully awkward. I highly recommend it.

This is a really fun movie that I was extremely proud to be a part of. You can trust me on that since I'm of course not the slightest bit biased. If I were, man would I go crazy about how awesome it is! You'll just have to watch it and decide for yourself whether it's simply terrific (my unbiased opinion) or amazingly mind-blowing (my biased opinion). It's the story of budding documentary filmmaker, Todd, trying to unravel the mystery of his grandfather's disappearance. His journey to make sense of what really happened is compelling, but what's even more intriguing, is the bumbling crew trying desperately to navigate their own quirky journeys simultaneously. I think you'll really enjoy it and appreciate its capacity to be both hilarious and poignant.