GravyTrain reviews
Review by on 28 Sep 2010
Think indie, silly, slapstick humour and what are you left with, GRAVYTRAIN! (directed by April Mullen and written by Tim Doiron) this Canadian cult film is a cross between a detective spoof and a romantic comedy and has all the elements of a must see film for all. This movie has character and style and is comparable to Leslie Nielsen’s spoof films of the '80s. Its witty dialogue and jokes keep you entertained till the very end.
Its sets and props, soft pastel colours and bold prints give the film a 1970s feel though it is set in the present. This doesn’t necessarily add anything to the story line; however it did make it visually more interesting to look at! The additional close ups and black and white ‘grainy’ shots together with the sound made it a beautiful film.
The story is set in the town of Gypsy Creek and we’re met with the characters Charles better known as ‘Chucky’ played by Tim Doiron and his father Mr Gravytrain. The film centres around Ms Uma Booma (April Mullen) a sexy sassy new detective, and Chucky, a loved by all brave sheriff who believes only in ‘Truth and Justice’. Taken through numerous journeys we find ourselves trying to solve the mystery of who murdered his late father. The only clue is the smell of fish, which propels our characters to one prime suspect ‘Jimmy Fish Eyes’. They must overcome problems along the way, deal with many misleading people AND potential leads. They make new friends and discover who are their foes, but will they ever solve the case? We are kept guessing till the very end.
Ruth Lack
Its sets and props, soft pastel colours and bold prints give the film a 1970s feel though it is set in the present. This doesn’t necessarily add anything to the story line; however it did make it visually more interesting to look at! The additional close ups and black and white ‘grainy’ shots together with the sound made it a beautiful film.
The story is set in the town of Gypsy Creek and we’re met with the characters Charles better known as ‘Chucky’ played by Tim Doiron and his father Mr Gravytrain. The film centres around Ms Uma Booma (April Mullen) a sexy sassy new detective, and Chucky, a loved by all brave sheriff who believes only in ‘Truth and Justice’. Taken through numerous journeys we find ourselves trying to solve the mystery of who murdered his late father. The only clue is the smell of fish, which propels our characters to one prime suspect ‘Jimmy Fish Eyes’. They must overcome problems along the way, deal with many misleading people AND potential leads. They make new friends and discover who are their foes, but will they ever solve the case? We are kept guessing till the very end.
Ruth Lack
Review by on 26 Sep 2010
I’d been told by many people that ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS: THE WAY OF THE TOSSER by Tim Doiron and April Mullen had been a big hit during the 2007 Festival and that GRAVYTRAIN, which was from the same team, was sure to be just as successful. Having not seen, or even heard of Doiron or Mullen before today I didn’t really know what to expect.
The plot summary described a local cop called Chuck Gravytrain who was trying to catch his father’s killer with the help of partner Uma Booma but somehow they end up starring in a film. Honestly, I was more than confused and hesitant about seeing it. However, thankfully I did, and instead of being puzzled and lost I found an enjoyably unique story about a half-cop-half-actor; a bunch of hookers and a fish man.
GRAVYTRAIN puts itself in the comedy genre, and while I did find moments funny and worth a quiet chuckle, I wasn’t bowled over like some of my fellow viewers, who were in hysterics almost every minute. Despite this, I did thoroughly enjoy the film and found myself falling in love with Chuck, Uma and the unusual citizens of Gypsy Creek, silently encouraging them to succeed.
So here are my words of advice: If you’re unsure whether you will enjoy this film, forget those feelings, just jump on the GRAVYTRAIN.
Chloe Davidson
The plot summary described a local cop called Chuck Gravytrain who was trying to catch his father’s killer with the help of partner Uma Booma but somehow they end up starring in a film. Honestly, I was more than confused and hesitant about seeing it. However, thankfully I did, and instead of being puzzled and lost I found an enjoyably unique story about a half-cop-half-actor; a bunch of hookers and a fish man.
GRAVYTRAIN puts itself in the comedy genre, and while I did find moments funny and worth a quiet chuckle, I wasn’t bowled over like some of my fellow viewers, who were in hysterics almost every minute. Despite this, I did thoroughly enjoy the film and found myself falling in love with Chuck, Uma and the unusual citizens of Gypsy Creek, silently encouraging them to succeed.
So here are my words of advice: If you’re unsure whether you will enjoy this film, forget those feelings, just jump on the GRAVYTRAIN.
Chloe Davidson
Review by on 26 Sep 2010
GRAVYTRAIN, a 1970s style crime thriller with a twist of parody filled the film with sarcastic comedy and over the top acting and costumes, which emphasised and complemented the humour of parody. The town of Gypsy Creek was home to Charles Gravytrain Jr (Tim Doiron) since he was young, when his father, a local policeman, was murdered by the mysterious villain Jimmy Fish Eyes, who remained a mystery right up until the end where there was an unexpected twist! Later on, Charles Gravytrain Jr also known as ‘Chuck’ took over his dads’ role as sergeant, and was teamed up with the good-looking, sassy and clever Uma Booma (April Mullen). Together they worked on the case trying to find out who exactly Jimmy Fish Eyes was, and while trying to discover the truth there was a series of deaths to all those who knew something that would lead them to the truth. The film never failed to lose my attention with all the ridiculously obvious humour and of course the ongoing mystery of whom the villain really was, right up until the very end.
Rachael Humphrey
Rachael Humphrey
Review by on 26 Sep 2010
Next stop Gypsy Creek. GRAVYTRAIN is a retro ‘70s style adventure, following the righteous hilarities of Charles Gravytrain (Tim Doiron) on his quest for justice to find the elusive serial-killer, Jimmy Fish Eyes, after the murder of Gravytrain’s father. Things looked bleak until Gravytrain’s partnering with Gypsy Creek’s newest recruit, Miss Uma Booma (April Mullen). The unlikely pair strike gold, and hastily follow a promising lead and as fast as you can say ‘Where’s the fish?’ the bodies start piling up around town.
The eccentric town of Gypsy Creek contains some even more quirky characters to boot, almost all of which are considered as potential leads, as the plot gradually thickens. The film maintains a vibrant and energetic style, with the help of costumes and more importantly the passion supplied from each and every actor. The film both challenges and engages the audience with impatience to find the culprit. If ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS: THE WAY OF THE TOSSER captivated and thrilled you, then hop onto the GRAVYTRAIN, it won't disappoint! The film will keep you guessing from start to finish, and with a dramatic twist, there’s only one big fish to fry.
Harriet Roffey
The eccentric town of Gypsy Creek contains some even more quirky characters to boot, almost all of which are considered as potential leads, as the plot gradually thickens. The film maintains a vibrant and energetic style, with the help of costumes and more importantly the passion supplied from each and every actor. The film both challenges and engages the audience with impatience to find the culprit. If ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS: THE WAY OF THE TOSSER captivated and thrilled you, then hop onto the GRAVYTRAIN, it won't disappoint! The film will keep you guessing from start to finish, and with a dramatic twist, there’s only one big fish to fry.
Harriet Roffey
Review by on 26 Sep 2010
Big hair? Check! Flares? Check! Fish? …wait, what? Follow ‘70s style cops Charles Gravytrain and Uma Booma on their hunt for the illusive serial killer, Jimmy Fisheyes, in this absurd and hilarious comedy from the makers of ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS: THE WAY OF THE TOSSER. Imagine The Professionals, add a dash of Scooby Doo style slapstick and a generous measure of bad haircuts and voila, one heavily side-burned GRAVYTRAIN.
Set in the small, ramshackle town of Gypsy Creek, Charles and Uma must set aside their differences in order to get to the centre of this murder mystery, all whilst starring in eccentric avant-garde film director Hansel Suppledick’s new arty flick.
Fantastically thrifty prop work and brilliant use of colour make this film a must see for those with a passion for quirky set design. Cartoon style zooms, wipes and cuts immerse you into the wonderfully haphazard little town and Charles’ incredibly over the top facial expressions will have you beaming all the way though.
Fans of Who’s Line is it Anyway’s Colin Mochrie will get a kick out of his performance as the amorous mayor of Gypsy Creek, Chester Chubbins, while barman Full Serve, played by Tim Meadows, has an accent that will have the whole audience laughing!
This comedy knows it’s daft and that’s all part of its charm so if you want a hardboiled, no nonsense, challenging crime thriller then this isn’t for you but, if you are up for an outlandishly silly romp which isn’t afraid to be a bit saucy, then get ready for an awesome ride!
Jennie Devine
Set in the small, ramshackle town of Gypsy Creek, Charles and Uma must set aside their differences in order to get to the centre of this murder mystery, all whilst starring in eccentric avant-garde film director Hansel Suppledick’s new arty flick.
Fantastically thrifty prop work and brilliant use of colour make this film a must see for those with a passion for quirky set design. Cartoon style zooms, wipes and cuts immerse you into the wonderfully haphazard little town and Charles’ incredibly over the top facial expressions will have you beaming all the way though.
Fans of Who’s Line is it Anyway’s Colin Mochrie will get a kick out of his performance as the amorous mayor of Gypsy Creek, Chester Chubbins, while barman Full Serve, played by Tim Meadows, has an accent that will have the whole audience laughing!
This comedy knows it’s daft and that’s all part of its charm so if you want a hardboiled, no nonsense, challenging crime thriller then this isn’t for you but, if you are up for an outlandishly silly romp which isn’t afraid to be a bit saucy, then get ready for an awesome ride!
Jennie Devine
Review by on 23 Sep 2010
Excellent Seventies detail, terrible over-acting and a ridiculous plot! What more could a late-night film festival audience ask for? Oh, yes: the knowledge that they're the first audience in the UK to see this crazy film. Welcome back, guys.
Review by on 22 Sep 2010
Having mistakenly read relatively discouraging reviews on IMDb of GRAVYTRAIN, directed by April Mullen and starring (my favourite actor in MEAN GIRLS) Tim Meadows, I slumped in my chair far from excited to witness one and a half hours of what one reviewer called ‘a complete waste of time.’
However, when watching a slapstick comedy about a far from successful cop Charles Gravytrain (Tim Doiron) searching for a less than savoury crook named Jimmy Fish Eye, with help from his foxy partner Miss Uma Booma (Mullen), dressed in a one piece, one cannot call that a waste of time, especially after the originality of rhyming ‘Uma’ with ‘Booma.’
GRAVYTRAIN promises nothing more than a good laugh with Lynchian influences, a 1970s throwback and a search for a fish. Even though the comedy may not be to everyone’s taste (much like the fish) no one can deny the talent and comic legend of Tim Meadows – who in my opinion is the star and provides the genuine laughs in this movie.
At times lacking in substance and original comic talent, GRAVYTRAIN just falls short of being a truly wonderful movie. However, shot in fifteen days, with a low budget and no real space for improvisation GRAVYTRAIN delivers all it possibly can - a good laugh for what would have otherwise been a relatively dull Monday afternoon.
Catriona Hay
However, when watching a slapstick comedy about a far from successful cop Charles Gravytrain (Tim Doiron) searching for a less than savoury crook named Jimmy Fish Eye, with help from his foxy partner Miss Uma Booma (Mullen), dressed in a one piece, one cannot call that a waste of time, especially after the originality of rhyming ‘Uma’ with ‘Booma.’
GRAVYTRAIN promises nothing more than a good laugh with Lynchian influences, a 1970s throwback and a search for a fish. Even though the comedy may not be to everyone’s taste (much like the fish) no one can deny the talent and comic legend of Tim Meadows – who in my opinion is the star and provides the genuine laughs in this movie.
At times lacking in substance and original comic talent, GRAVYTRAIN just falls short of being a truly wonderful movie. However, shot in fifteen days, with a low budget and no real space for improvisation GRAVYTRAIN delivers all it possibly can - a good laugh for what would have otherwise been a relatively dull Monday afternoon.
Catriona Hay
Review by on 21 Sep 2010
There's something fishy going on in Gypsy Creek. Small-town cop Chuck Gravytrain (Tim Doiron), more Clouseau than Columbo, teams up with deliciously one-suited new gal in town Uma Booma (April Mullen) to uncover the identity of criminal mastermind Jimmy Fish Eyes and avenge the murder of Gravytrain's dear ol' pops. Whilst the comic logic might not always stick, this follow-up to Doiron and Mullen's 2007 festival vote-winner 'Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Way of the Tosser' rewards with a madcap ninety minute dash through juicy clues, camp cameos and glorious seventies fashion. Half farce. Half thriller. All comedy!
Review by on 20 Sep 2010
All aboard the GravyTrain!
This delightful slapstick comedy, Brought to you by April Mullen and Tim Doiron, is one of the funniest comedies I’ve seen in 2010.
Way back in 2007 they rocked Cambridge Film Festival with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS: THE WAY OF THE TOSSER and in 2010 they have returned with their latest lesson in comedy, GRAVYTRAIN.
GRAVYTRAIN is the story of Charles Gravytrain (Doiron), the #1 cop in Gypsy Creek. When he is partnered with Miss Uma Booma (Mullen) the two set out to solve the mystery of Charles’ father Houston Gravytrain Senior's death. Upon finding new evidence the two are blackmailed into starring in a film by controversial director Hansel Suppledick, and it all plays out from there.
Tim Doiron is a writer that I would like to see more of, there aren’t many good comedy writers today who can put pen to paper and then put paper to screen in such a well organised way. Obviously having his best friend as a talented director will really help but when you can write a 2 minute Scooby Doo style chase scene with no dialogue that will have an audience in hysterics throughout, you know you’re onto a winner.
The bright sets and wacky production design really give this flick a sense of being in its own little universe. Like there’s no world outside of Gypsy Creek and you know the area and people like you know the back of your own hand. Anybody who grew up in the '70s and '80s or is a fan of classic television might compare GravyTrain to Starsky and Hutch. But it seems that GRAVYTRAIN has something all modern buddy cop movies lack. A good sense of humour!
Judd Apatow and Kevin Smith better watch out because there are new sheriffs in town and their names are Tim Doiron and April Mullen. Expect big laughs, big hair and a few very stylish one piece suits for April Mullen.
5 out of 5.
Sam Tomlinson
This delightful slapstick comedy, Brought to you by April Mullen and Tim Doiron, is one of the funniest comedies I’ve seen in 2010.
Way back in 2007 they rocked Cambridge Film Festival with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS: THE WAY OF THE TOSSER and in 2010 they have returned with their latest lesson in comedy, GRAVYTRAIN.
GRAVYTRAIN is the story of Charles Gravytrain (Doiron), the #1 cop in Gypsy Creek. When he is partnered with Miss Uma Booma (Mullen) the two set out to solve the mystery of Charles’ father Houston Gravytrain Senior's death. Upon finding new evidence the two are blackmailed into starring in a film by controversial director Hansel Suppledick, and it all plays out from there.
Tim Doiron is a writer that I would like to see more of, there aren’t many good comedy writers today who can put pen to paper and then put paper to screen in such a well organised way. Obviously having his best friend as a talented director will really help but when you can write a 2 minute Scooby Doo style chase scene with no dialogue that will have an audience in hysterics throughout, you know you’re onto a winner.
The bright sets and wacky production design really give this flick a sense of being in its own little universe. Like there’s no world outside of Gypsy Creek and you know the area and people like you know the back of your own hand. Anybody who grew up in the '70s and '80s or is a fan of classic television might compare GravyTrain to Starsky and Hutch. But it seems that GRAVYTRAIN has something all modern buddy cop movies lack. A good sense of humour!
Judd Apatow and Kevin Smith better watch out because there are new sheriffs in town and their names are Tim Doiron and April Mullen. Expect big laughs, big hair and a few very stylish one piece suits for April Mullen.
5 out of 5.
Sam Tomlinson
Review by on 20 Sep 2010
Brilliant, awesome in fact. just as good as tosser. as well as being hilarious, it looks amazing. good job April, Tim and the rest of the crew. Liked it so much, a I got the DVD
Review by on 20 Sep 2010
A great effort from an enthusiastic team. I felt it was disjointed at times trying to do too many things. Still a good film.
Review by on 20 Sep 2010
Fun film to watch. Funny too:) It was refreshing to experience the creative production of talented young artists. I'm so excited to see the next film.
Review by on 20 Sep 2010
SO GOOD ! OH SO VERY GOOD !!!
Film details
GravyTrain
Actor: Tim Meadows
Actor: April Mullen
Director: April Mullen
Actor: Tim Doiron
Actor: April Mullen
Director: April Mullen
Actor: Tim Doiron
Canada, 2010.
84 mins. English
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