We join a pair bound with their heads covered. Once the bags are removed, we meet Eric and Sean. While tied to chairs and in their underwear, they panic and start cycling through all the reasons they could think of that caused them to be in this situation. Then it cuts to them sitting on a couch, recounting what lead up to that moment and what came after. What follows is seventy-five minutes of crazy hijinks and slapstick, as we learn that Sean and Eric are failed writers that are trying to write an action movie.

If that set up sounds more like a comedy then an action movie, you’re not wrong. In Action is a comedy with hints of action throughout. This whole film is set through the eyes of people who know how ridiculous action movies are. With nods, gags and callouts peppered along the entire run time. With an over-the-top script and off the wall comedy, you would think the jokes would land more consistently. But In Action adopts the “throw everything at the wall and see what sticks” form of comedy. Some moments are funny and well crafted while others wear out their welcome after the first line.

Sean (Sean Kenealy) and Eric (Eric Silvera) have a hard job of carrying almost the entire film. Most other characters are portrayed as silhouettes and disconnected voices, while this could have been a misfire, Eric and Sean are more than capable of doing the heavy lifting, which is even more impressive considering this is Eric’s only acting credit. Not to say the others are wasted, even just hearing them is enough to convey the ridiculousness of it all.

One part that In Action shines though is through the clever editing. This isn’t a big budget action movie, and you can tell. But instead of showcasing poor special effects and the likes, we’re treated to poor animation and models used in place of elevator fight scenes or massive shootouts. And it actually works. As does the fact that most of the more intense scenes are simply narrated. It just goes even further to show how action movies require a good amount of suspended belief.

In Action isn’t without its faults though. The humor misses the mark just as much as it lands. Jokes get worn out and having a character acknowledge that jokes are worn out doesn’t make them funny. And the humor is more of a crude variety so your mileage will vary depending on your sense of humor. The sound is also in a in a rough spot as it’s inconsistent and sometimes is hard to hear.

The film was a pleasant surprise. With some actual insight into the action genre and clever jokes and storytelling. Though some humor falls flat and isn’t for everyone, there is no denying that Sean and Eric had a lot of fun creating this. And if you’re a fan of slapstick and self-aware storytelling, give this a shot and you just might have a lot of fun watching it.

6 out of 10