Cashback (2006) - Movie Review

A couple of years ago, I reviewed a horrible film called Dorm Daze 2, that was (at best) a weak attempt to make a pornographic film that could manage an R rating from the MPAA. That film had no redeeming qualities, save the rampant nudity and sexual themes. However, it was neither here nor there. If someone wants a porn film, they'll rent it...and they won't expect any Oscar-worthy performances. Dorm Daze 2 might very well be at the top of my list of worst films ever.

Cashback has nearly as much nudity and sexual contact as the former film, but does it intelligently. This is the film that the former could have been if any of the writers actually had talent. Sean Ellis wrote and directed this film and seemed to have a clear vision of what he wanted to create. Rather than bogging down in inane antics or weak situational pranks, Ellis managed to eke out a love story while incorporating some interesting special effects and keeping the saucy material contextual. The characters are engaging, although not evenly developed. While the lead has depth, there are several flat characters in support. But I didn't expect perfection going in. In fact, I thought this film might quickly devolve into something "Lampoonish."

Ben Willis, played by Sean Biggerstaff (okay...now we could really go into the whole porn thing here again...with a porn name like that, he should have been in the Dorm Daze films), doesn't know if he has what it takes to make his girlfriend Suzy (Michelle Ryan) happy. After a brutal breakup, Sean clicks onto autopilot and lets the world around him pass by. He isn't sleeping well. Between his art, school and moping, his sleepless days drag past. In order to fill some time, Ben takes a job at the local supermarket.

The supermarket is populated by a group of Dorm Daze cast-offs with accents. They are flat characters that battle their work boredom engaging in whatever "grabass" game they can concoct. The somewhat attractive cashier (Sharon Pitney, played by Emilia Fox) passes the day by refusing to look at the clock. Ben takes an opposite approach. He learns he can stop time and weave himself in and out of the frozen seconds. During this time of standstill seconds, Ben begins drawing Sharon. He draws her relentlessly until he becomes helplessly in love with her. The relationship has potential to develop, but circumstances almost steal that opportunity away. A practical joke back-fires and Ben ends up lucking into everything he dreams of.

The story is a bit simple, but manages to be interesting. The sidekick characters manage to keep things a bit off kilter. There are some minor side stories that are more distraction than anything, but the overall plot worked for me. Part of the success of the story rested on the incredible special effects. I don't know how hard the effects were to create, but they were well done. The ability to freeze time is intriguing, but can be fun when you incorporate motion. By allowing the character to move around a frozen set, we are treated to a surreal world (slightly perverse), but interestingly presented. Some of the other camera tricks that were not tied to the time topic also added visual appeal to the film. Essentially, Cashback is a visual treat...and the nudity is incorporated into that visual aspect. In one respect, it has artistic flair.

Biggerstaff was excellent. As the central character surrounded by quite a few flat roles, it was important that the lead be well cast. It was. I enjoyed Biggerstaff's performance and he sold the concept. The illusion was managed well and it appeared that Biggerstaff added to the illusion. His performance was convincing. I liked Fox, but wasn't wowed by her. She was okay, but I think her role might have had some room for improvement. It may have been the chemistry...something just didn't seem convincing with her. I could take Michelle Ryan or leave her. She is attractive, but she didn't accomplish much in her limited screen time. The rest of the cast had little to work with. They were one dimensional and their performances were equal to the roles. A little more character development would have helped the film and given the rest of the cast an opportunity to be good.

Cashback was rated R by the MPAA. The graphic nudity and sexual themes probably came close to crossing some magic imaginary lines somewhere. However, the nudity was contextual and added an artistic element to the film. Even though it was sometimes intentionally presented in cruder forms, it felt like art in its entirety. It probably had a lot to do with the context. There was some strong language, although I can't remember if the words were simply mouthed or actually said. The film also had a little bit of violence. However, nudity and adult themes clearly earned this film the R rating. Definitely not for young viewers.

I was surprised that Cashback managed to incorporate as much racy content while presenting a story that was worthwhile. The story wasn't perfect and the characters had room for improvement. It is hard to complain about the acting when the writing prevents much latitude, so I won't. The special effects complemented the story being told and were executed exceptionally well. Sean Biggerstaff interacted with the effects convincingly, adding to the illusion. The film was well produced with a nice quality. This film could certainly be made better, but it was not disappointing, either. A mild recommendation. 5.5/10.

Photos and trailer courtesy of Magnolia films.