Making The Day Movie Review | A Fun Film About Making a Film

Making the Day is a positive, light-hearted, uplifting film about making a film. I guess you could call it — film-ception. 

Making the Day Movie Review

I'll take the synopsis of the film straight from the movie website because they said it best: “A has-been character actor attempts to complete a movie honoring his deceased wife when divine intervention leads him to a free-spirited actress who just might be his perfect leading lady.”

This independent film hardly feels like one. The editing, the music, and the script are all so airtight and fluid, so incredibly well done. It was very easy to watch and enjoy this film.

The Actors

The main actor, Steven Randazzo, was incredible. His microexpressions were on point. You felt what he was feeling in the moment and “The Office”-like camera zoom-ins were well-timed comedically although they were used sparingly. 

The main actress, Juliette Bennett, her energy was so infectious and bubbly. But she also reminded me of Clare Crawley from the Bachelorette and I’m still trying to decide how I feel about that. 

The intimidating movie investor, Mr. Smith played by Dwayne Hill, was just hilarious to me. I enjoyed every scene he was in. 

The Story

The plot was so airtight. Practically every element that was introduced in the film was tied back into the conclusion in a satisfactory way. Everything came back full circle and I felt like I got a complete story. 

I loved how the journey was not easy at all. This film highlighted the challenges, setbacks, twists, turns, and all the obstacles that come with Nick trying to get his story told.

And I especially loved how the characters’ actions had consequences. People weren’t easily let off the hook. It made the story feel so much more realistic. 

So much goes into making a movie that I’ve never really considered before. The money that needs to be fundraised, favors in exchange for money, the casting, paying actors enough, getting people to want to participate, and the different pieces that need to be moved around to get it right. It was lovely to get some insight into that and appreciate all the blood, sweat, and tears that go into even the simplest of movie creations. 

The Technical Elements

I enjoyed the soundtrack. It complemented the lighthearted mood very well and made it so that even the anxious moments didn’t feel too heavy. As an audience member, you were still left anticipating a positive outcome. 

I adored the editing. It moved the story along fluidly and felt very expensive.

The camera angles and methods were hilarious, self-aware, and cleverly used.  

Also, the script was stellar. I loved the fast-paced, overlapping dialogue and there were no cringe-worthy moments. 

In Conclusion…

This film about making a film isn’t super memorable or out of this world but it is quality entertainment, positive, and got a few chuckles out of me. I loved the use of camera angles, and microexpressions, and adored the great actors, positive mood, and message. 

Making the Day is genuinely worth the watch. Check it out if you have the chance!

Rating: 7/10

Making the Day recently premiered at Cinequest Fest 2021. Follow their website and Instagram to catch the next screening opportunity.

Did you enjoy watching Making the Day? Know any more films about making a film? Let me know in the comments below!

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Peace, love, and lots of popcorn,

IMO