Sudden Death! (2010)

Although it has been contained to part of LA County, Sudden Death Syndrome (formerly known as Musical Theatre Disease or The Gayest Disease Ever) is killing all in its path – causing song and dance to break out shortly before sudden death. Racing against time, two scientists come together to try and develop a cure, but while the world pirouettes and then dies, the only thing developing is perhaps the early stages of love.I'm not really a fan of musicals and indeed if asked I would say my favorite one is the South Park film, because it is. However with Sudden Death! we have a short film that manages to deliver a typically big and cheerful Broadway musical (all teeth and high-kicks) while also making fun of those very same things while delivering a plot that is as far from Broadway as possible – so I think you can understand why I mention South Park and why I enjoyed this film so much. The humor throughout is bang on, with a great tone but also frequent specific laughs and silliness.The music is also really well done although it perhaps relies a bit too much on one song in particular, but it is catchy and even watched "straight" (which is hard to do) it satisfies as an odd musical. The cast really go with the spirit and I enjoyed the appropriately named Lutz and the talented Hurlbert while Doug Jones was an odd find for someone more known for his creatures work. It is all filmed really well with great camera work and direction and importantly very good sound work. Hard to fault for a short film – it is very clever, funny, catchy and charming from start to finish.

As a married man who has been to his fair share of musicals on and off-stage, this was one from which I wish all others would take pointers!! Funny lines in the songs that actually developed the plot were a great way to keep the pace in such a short flick. And, I always wondered why no one seems to notice in most musicals when others around them break into song; this movie does an outstanding job tearing down that wall, with Doug Jones and the two great leads delivering some of the funniest, awkward moments of the film.My only complaint is with how quickly Mr. Larroquette's character appears, explains the situation and exits (though in a great way). I'm sure though that time constraints played heavily into this decision.Finally, keep your eyes on Wes Hall! After that outstanding performance as Billy the Coast Guard guy, he's destined for fame!!

I received my copy of this movie today(30 August 2010) in the mail and watched it as soon as I got home. The direction, Production and the actors were all Awesome! I love the main characters and the story line was consistent. Autumn Hurlbert has the best facial expressions. She just draws you into the movie. I was impressed to see so many well-known actors in this short film. The choreography was great, and I loved the small gestures made throughout the movie that some may have missed. Too funny..The songs were original and funny. If you are looking for a funny short film, this is a great view. I can not wait to see what else Adam and Melanie come up with. And thank you for adding the outtakes to the DVD, they were really funny too.

Beautifully shot, fast-paced and exciting script, expertly acted/sung, with amazingly witty lyrics and catchy music; this movie really has it all. Not just for the musical theater junkie, Sudden Death! is so funny that I literally missed half the jokes because I (and the rest of the audience, at a screening in Westwood) was laughing so loudly.The story follows two young scientists as they search for a cure for a terrible disease that is quickly spreading throughout LA. The only symptom of the disease is randomly breaking into song and dance before keeling over. Hilarity ensues, people fall in love, some get shot, and then everyone dies... all in 20 minutes!! It has to be seen to be believed! Hurlbert is a standout, and McCann steals the scene as a receptionist.Definitely check this film out if you get the chance!