Frog Pimp Review from Gwendolyn Pictures!
As a fan of B-movies, extreme cinema, and obscure independent cinema I frequently use the internet for researching films, new and old. Being the seasoned fan of trash cinema I am, it is becoming increasingly rare that I find a film mentioned online that can grab my attention with just its title. I thought I had seen it all. That is, until I stumbled upon a little film titled Frog Pimp. With a campaign adorned with photos of a man in a frog hat with a frog umbrella among others of a bloodied woman with similar headwear the more I investigated the film the more I became interested. After contacting the head of Gwendolyn Pictures, the production studio behind Frog Pimp, I was graciously given an early screener copy of the film in exchange for a fair review. So finally, dear reader, I have an answer to the question “what the fuck is Frog Pimp?”
Frog Pimp is a short mockumentary comedy film following a production crew who are making a documentary film about a man named T’Oadem who refers to himself as Frog Pimp. Frog Pimp is as he sounds; a man in a frog hat that is also a pimp. Oh, and he truly believes he’s an actual frog. As the crew follows Frog Pimp we are introduced to his way of life, as well as the prostitutes that work for him. The primary focus among these prostitutes is a woman known as Lolli, named for her affinity to red lollipops. Lolli eventually goes off on her own, which creates a conflict with Frog Pimp. I won’t spoil it here, but this all culminates in a rather dark end to the tale. If it seems simple, it is because it is. At around 15 minutes in length the short film doesn’t allow for an elaborate plot. However, this isn’t a film you would want to last for an extended period due to the premise. The film is set up like a reality show that you would see on MTV during the mid-2000s, and an extended runtime would not fit this style in the slightest.
Frog Pimp is a short that feels very heavily inspired by the humour of something like a Tim and Eric sketch. Full of frog puns, awkward humour, and bizarre imagery the film is an exercise in low budget eccentricity. The concept is funny on its own, but the true standout is Domenic Kim’s performance as the titular Frog Pimp. Kim’s straight-faced portrayal of Frog Pimp is nothing short of hilarious, with Kim delivering lines littered with frog puns and subtle (and not so subtle) insanity bringing a smile to my face for the entire run time. The performances by Madi Collins (who portrays Lolli) and Mily Mariena (who plays a prostitute named Pixie) are decent but are nothing to write home about. I wish Collins’s portrayal of Lolli was a bit more memorable given her important role in the film’s story. This is not to say her performance is bad per se, it is simply underwhelming. Still, the film looks great as well. For a low budget production, the movie looks great with well-done special effects and a style that truly fits the vibe of a reality tv show/mockumentary.
Of any new film I’ve seen this year, Frog Pimp might just be the one I recommend the highest. No, it’s not perfect, but it is unique. That truly counts for something. With a memorable lead performance, wholly original premise, and a style that oozes mid 2000s reality tv this is a film that is well worth checking out when it becomes available. Frog Pimp is my favourite discovery of the year. I will certainly be keeping an eye on those involved in its production going forward. With the film relying on crowdfunding, I will be supporting it when it’s campaign officially begins on Kickstarter on April 20th, and I encourage you all to do the same. Love it or hate it, Frog Pimp brings an originality that is a welcome breath of fresh air.
Directed by: Gwendolyn Bastien
Written by: Gwendolyn Bastien
Produced by: Samuel B.
Cinematography by: Samuel B.
Editing by: Samuel B.
Sound by: Mason Scott Heller
Cast: Domenic Kim, Madi Collins, Mily Mariena
Year: 2023
Country: USA
Language: English
Colour: Colour
Runtime: 16min
Studio: On Da Street Docs, Gwendolyn Pictures
