Writer/director James Dubbeldam is reviewed fairly regularly by The Independent Critic and he's back this month with the six-minute short film A New You. It's a familiar yet clever little short starring Diamante Clarke as Bob, a sort of ordinary joe whom we first meet as he's lounging on his sofa snacking away in a stained t-shirt and watching late-night infomercials. 

We don't exactly like Bob. We don't exactly dislike Bob. He just sort of exists. 

When an ad comes on promising "A New You" in one pill for $19.99, well, Bob can't resist. Before long, his package arrives and his journey begins. 

Like nearly all of Dubbeldam's films, A New You takes an entertaining story and brings to life both personal and universal themes. It's probably not a surprise that our friend Bob doesn't exactly get what he bargained for, however, Diamante Clark nicely brings to life this guy who likely rings as familiar to many of us as he exists somewhere between the mundane realities of life and trying to become the perfect version of himself. In six short minutes, there's not a lot that unfolds here but what does unfold leaves an impact. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic