Take a Hike is a genial short about a college dropout slash app designer (Taylor James Brandt) going for a hike with his prospective father-in-law (Todd Terry). Director Blitch occasionally slathers on the melodrama in the backstory or the details, but Brandt and Terry weather it admirably.
Terry, as the dad, immediately establishes his character–though the costume choice of a denim jacket helps a lot. Blitch’s script, besides the melodrama, is sparse. Terry and Brandt fill in the personality.
Brandt’s a little like John Krasinski, but without the sardonic self-awareness. He provides a good balance with Terry, who’s intense but also more Hike‘s protagonist.
The real star of the short is Blitch. His composition is sublime and the photography (Blitch assisted by Joey Williams) is stunning. Blitch is a very patient director. The camera sits and waits for the action to play out.
Hike‘s confident work.
Recommended
CREDITS
Written, edited and directed by Mark Blitch; directors of photography, Blitch and Joey Williams; music by Williams; produced by Blitch and Todd Terry.
Starring Taylor James Brandt (Adam) and Todd Terry (David).
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