The E-Listers: Life Back in the Lane (2020) User Reviews

A mild and entertaining comedy.

[crazyreader-19922 · 7/10 · 13 April 2020]

Michael Mueller's first feature film, 'The E-Listers: Life Back in the Lane' is a short but entertaining comedy. It is a humorous take on the life of a bunch of people considered insignificant in the entertainment industry: the E-Listers or the background extras. Most of it takes place on set, where a diverse group of background extras are waiting for their turn to make their appearance on the big screen, however insignificant their role may be. The movie revolves around how their day is spent on set, with some of them thriving on trying to put others down while others are just trying to overcome their fright of working with a star they are obsessed with. All the characters are enjoyable and seem natural and realistic. The PA, Derrick (Keller Fornes), is a hilarious character; he tries to manage the extras as they get on his nerves. The storyline is not complicated and that is reasonable since it is an entertaining movie, filled with witty humor that seems believable rather than silly and its heartwarming ending complements it. The cinematography and sound effects are pleasing and the only thing missing is a good soundtrack. It is an amusing film perfect for a movie night with the family. Mueller has done a great job giving the viewers an enjoyable experience, not too long not too short.

True to the core

[majakrdzik · 8/10 · 13 April 2020]

Have you ever wondered what happens on one movie set? Is it an open door to meeting your favorite actors and being part of their glamorous life or something completely different? Well, it is the latter one. And it all comes perfectly described in this movie. As the name tells it: The E-Listers: Life in the backline, it speaks for the troubles, struggles, and life of the extras that appear on one movie set. Very important for the success of one movie, their presence and treatment are far from glorious. They are the ones being in the backline, last served and last recognized. Anyone who knows crew life and extras can relate to this movie. Alongside that, they have their own lives to think about. Presented from the funny side, it is a relaxing and hilarious movie that is very true. The concept revolves around the people being in a movie, that you don't recognize and seem far too unimportant, but it is the extras that do lots of work. Always yelled at, unrecognized, sometimes humiliated and far underappreciated - all comes down nicely wrapped with a dose of fun and excitement of what comes next. Even though it might be a short film, it is one that comes very close in production to the world-famous blockbusters. The acting and the actors are amazing - a true and honest image of movie extras, many in situations that we can all relate to sometimes. Each one is perfectly chosen for the role they play. Jack is the rebel, always looking for quality on the set. Kathy is the newbie, a positive person, that is full of life and looking to make something of herself. Herman is the businessman that with his bad decisions is left to do the background work. These and lots of more characters are spending a lot of time and long hours in extra's holding, where the person in charge is Derek. Whatever power he thinks he has, he unleashes it on the poor extras. If you are looking for something fun, interesting and very true, then The E-Listers is definitely worth the watch!

Caveat into the life of a background actor

[sereneleesng · 8/10 · 25 August 2021]

It's hilarious to see what attracts different groups of people to the film industry. And it's even more eye opening the situations these backgrounders actually go through just for their seconds to be on-screen.

One star because I couldn't give 0

[bfulfilled · 1/10 · 19 August 2021]

Complete garbage - poorly done, insulting. Pathetic.

A must see!

[drgary-92338 · 10/10 · 16 March 2020]

This is a fantastically written movie that has great clean comedy from start to finish. The actors are extraordinarily good and perfectly chosen for their roles. I cant wait to see it again and I hope a sequel comes soon.

Excellent film about the life of background actors.

[lightenupjack · 10/10 · 11 August 2020]

I don't understand the negative reviews, I suspect they are someone trying to bring the ratings down on purpose because there are no negative written reviews.

People as I know in this industry are quite deranged and jealous.

This was an accurate and funny film about extras. It's really a family feature as well. There's no bad language. It is simply an enjoyable, well-written film that I would highly recommend for a family night.

Setlife Atlanta : Hollywood Production Center

[legendarydesign5 · 10/10 · 19 August 2021]

There had always been 10 or 12 Hollywood productions in Georgia since Jimmy Carter initiated a film commission. Today Georgia is a leading production center and the general public gets a chance to get on sets and participate as moving props. Sometimes getting a line. Sometimes being a stand in. From all walks of life they come. Great illustration of this world.

A definite watch

[over-72192 · 10/10 · 18 August 2020]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film all the way through. I always wondered what extra work was like and this seemed to really show what it is like in a realistic and funny way.

Hilarious

[crystaljohnson-27826 · 10/10 · 22 August 2021]

This movie was as hilarious as it is true . Set life is the best life .Being an extra is hard ! Everyone is clamoring to be featured .... By any means necessary.

Awesome independent Film

[afpgatlanta · 10/10 · 12 August 2020]

Great quality, very funny, talented actors and I truly enjoyed the film.

Highly recommended!

Highly recommended

[Joannahaley · 10/10 · 11 August 2020]

A must watch. Great independent film. Really fun narrative that move quickly and is really high quality.

One hell of a film!

[shekebsekander-25400 · 10/10 · 23 August 2021]

If you really want to see what "extras" holding is all about? This is the film for you. Every little myth and legend gets debunked and you'll see the real life of an extra. Hands down one of the coolest films out there and deserves some attention. You'll love the wide range of diversified cast and storyline. Get off this review and go watch the movie now!

WOW. Very funny, and a GREAT Concept.

[kreeper93 · 10/10 · 16 August 2021]

So I usually don't give a perfect 10 review, but I was so surprised at how funny and well written this was. The concept is really good, and if I'm not mistaken the writer/producer of this wrote another great series called The Grand Prince of Moscow. This one is definitely worth the watch. Sort of has an "The Office" vibe.

Watch the extras and laugh; be an extra and cry.

[NoPathos · 10/10 · 20 August 2021]

If you have ever wanted to be an extra on a movie or TV set, this is a MUST SEE. This movie was written by extras who actually walked the walk.

From the perspective of extras who fully believe that every Production Assistant thinks that every background extra is a worthless and stupid 3-toed sloth-monster, along with the cast and crew from the 1st, 2nd (and 3rd 4th and 5th) AD's on down to the craft services folks, this is a realistic view of an extras daily life on set.

The writing allows you to get into the mental space of a background actor, and actually see and hear the sometimes mundane and often ludicrous (and even hilarious) life on a set.

Since the majority of the actors in the film are usually background on many local sets in Atlanta and metro then you are seeing the real thing; and if you want to be a background actor then this is BG-101.

Otherwise just a good funny movie to watch alone or with friends and family. Safe for all ages.

Definitely recommend.

CLOSE AS IT GETS

[coreyjustingrant · 10/10 · 22 August 2021]

If You've ever experienced background work then this movie will put you right at home with some comedic humor and accurate depictions of how it is.

A must see.

Extremely Fun Filled and Very Informative

[southernstunts-67693 · 10/10 · 22 August 2021]

If you've ever wondered what a film set is"actually" like; then this film is for you. It not only shows the true scenerios that takes place on set, but this fun packed film packs a punch for everyone, of which includes action, and comedy. This is a must watch for anyone curious about what the film industry is really all about.

So Funny

[tbdan · 10/10 · 20 August 2021]

This indie film is a hilarious view of background extra work. Derrick, the PA, makes me laugh with every line. Randy Riggles is such a funny character. I tell all my friends that this is a must see.

Extra review

[roybeecham · 10/10 · 22 August 2021]

A great movie that kept my interest up the entire time. The stories and events that goes into production of a movie as background and extras were amazing.