YOUR WEEKEND: ‘Thor at the Bus Stop’ premieres tonight

In addition to writing for The View, I have done a number of odd creative projects over the years. Last spring and summer, much of my free time was spent creating props and set dressing for a film made by a group of very talented local filmmakers. I was particularly proud with my work on the yield sign, shown right. That film, "Thor at the Bus Stop," will be playing at the Brenden Theatres in the Palms starting today.

Even if I hadn’t been involved in the production, I would be encouraging everyone I know to see it. It’s just the sort of weird and funny film I like. My shorthand description of the film is that it’s like "Magnolia" or "Crash," but funny. Very, very funny.

The film follows the Norse god Thor on the day he is destined to die saving the world. Along the way, he interacts with a bunch of odd characters who are all involved in their own little dramas. The story essentially takes place in real time. If you watch closely, you’ll see that the story is like a baton in a relay race. The story follows a character, who meets another character, and then it follows that other character.

The film is really an ensemble piece, with bunch of standout performances by local actors. I suspect many of them won’t be local for long. They may find themselves in bigger places playing bigger roles in bigger budget films. Several, however, are committed to staying in Las Vegas and making the films they want to here, their hometown.

The film premiered at a Singapore film festival and had two sold out performances at CineVegas. One of the things local audiences have commented on is the setting of the film. It’s a movie quietly set in Las Vegas that never goes to the strip. Most of the film is set in the strange little edges of the town, where suburbia and the desert meet and intermingle.

How well the film performs here this month will affect future distribution nationally. The film was produced on a shoestring budget: less than the cost of a used car. Without a big advertising budget, it's success rests primarily with word of mouth. Fortunately, In my opinion, the movie is good enough that it seems likely that word of mouth may be enough.

For movie times, visit the Brenden Theatres Web site.

--F. Andrew Taylor