In today’s age of everyone seeking their fifteen minutes of fame and fortune, social media has set many on the right side of success, while others fail to find their niche and struggle for greatness, even more fall into obscurity and even various stages of embarrassment. Social media has become the portal for all walks of life to record anything and everything, all in search of a lot of luck and popularity.

Influencers like Jake and Logan Paul have gone on from social media personalities to boxing and combat sports. Bella Poarch is getting into music and music videos. Poppy, in all her weirdness, started with strange videos and now is doing her own music and stage show. Then you have others like Ashnikko that started her entire music career from her online presence. They all found their audience and fame through the online communities, which brings us to Paul Dood.

Paul Dood’s Deadly Lunch Break follows a want-to-be influencer on his journey in an attempt to find fame. As an employee of what appears to be a thrift store, with a coworker that sarcastically mocks him and a boss that is a want-to-be therapist, Paul’s mom is his only real supporter. Well, other than the strange janitor. Paul leaves work to rush to essentially a talent show on his quest for immortality. While pushing his crippled mother through town, Paul finally makes it, all after dealing with a “what can go wrong, will” scenario. With all things considered, these events lead to Paul’s subsequent “rampage”.

Now I say “rampage” in quotes intentionally, as Paul seeks revenge against those that caused his issues and, in his eyes, caused his failure. This is really where the film shines. Think of his revenge plot as Michael Douglas in Falling Down if Douglas accomplished absolutely everything by accident and unintentionally. Sure, everything that happens is completely ridiculous and over the top. However, that is why this is such a fun and amazing movie. You think you know what is coming in the buildup, but you really have no idea. In an almost Simon Pegg and Nick Frost style adventure, Paul Dood really shines in its absurdity.

Now the downside to this movie is the progress in the beginning. It doesn’t ruin it, but it does make it a bit slow and at times awkward. You see everything going wrong and unraveling, leaving you cringing in some cases. All the while it feels like you’re watching a train wreck and just can’t look away. At times you even wonder if something is wrong with Paul himself, like possibly being a little mentally handicapped. This, however, is all part of his charm. When the snap finally happens, you’re rooting for the underdog the entire time.

As an entire adventure, Paul Dood’s Deadly Lunch Break is a fun ride from start to finish. It’s only weak point ultimately plays in its favor, as it leads a character that you may normally find annoying and absurd into the underdog you wish the best for. From the beginning, I started to regret watching this. As the credits rolled, I was absolutely happy that I did. Finding this gem was a high point for me and left me wanting to watch it again. When you turn your flaws into a path that makes you root for the best, you did something right. Paul Dood scored with high praise from me on a comedic level that surprised me from start to finish.

Rorschach Rating 4.5 out of 5

Mental Health Moment: Paul Dood loses his mother during the event leading to the breakdown. The events leading up to the failed audition and his loss lead him essentially to a mental breakdown. Recently in my own life I lost an uncle. A good friend lost his wife. To say it has been a rough year would be an understatement. We all deal with that loss differently. It’s put on a comedic twist with Paul, but in real life it takes a different toll on the mind. Some people can rationalize it with medical conditions and religious beliefs, while others may dwell and end up sinking deep into depression. In any case, having a strong support structure is a key to getting through it. Confide in friends, seek out therapy, and just find what works best for you.

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Paul Dood’s Deadly Lunch Break is property of The Film Collaborative. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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