Non-Starter

Directed by James Pyle

2024

Non-starter is the latest release from filmmaker James Pyle whose short sharp style and witty observations return once more in an unique short that showcases an end-of-the-pier entertainer.

Although known more for his animations here at Midlands Movies, Pyle has often combined live-action (often himself) into his films and here he plays the vaudevillian host on stage in a theatre.

Introducing, well, himself in an over the top manner, the well-dressed man receives a smattering of applause up top, as he speaks directly to the anticipating audience.

Often a one-man filmmaker, Pyle provides his solid acting chops to the old-fashioned stage-show singer with a pastel blue suit and large red carnation adding to his persona.

Demanding absolute silence from the audience, our host prepares to go into a song performance but after stifling one audience members’ cough, he takes a breath to begin but is interrupted once more - this time by far more people.

But moments later, he is also put off his show again - this time by a “jitterbug”. And it’s here where Pyle’s excellent animation comes to the forefront. A riff on Jiminy Cricket, our host pulls the animated insect from his pocket, and although he barges in, the cartoon bug actually provides comical asides and a few punchlines for the show.

Non-Starter is a little rough around the edges where a bit more polish, and perhaps filming in a real auditorium could add a bit of an authentic sheen. The idea of the host and animated sidekick is also a concept used by Pyle before but to be fair once again it works well here.

Pyle nails down the patter and banal mutterings of an outdated Butlins-style performer excellently, as his protagonist attempts to get his amateur stage show started. I’ve mentioned before I’d like to see a longer runtime from the filmmaker to develop his “sketches” further. But a big round of applause should go to Non-Starter as although too brief, for me, it’s a gentle, fun and wholesome short poking fun at some variety show shenanigans.

★★★

3 / 5

Michael Sales