Twin Leaps

Directed by Wayne Kelly

2024

KLENS UK and Spoon Jar Films

A fun opening parody of 80s workout videos (think Mr. Motivator, or if you’re old enough, “Mad” Lizzie) set to synth music is a more than appropriate introduction to new comedy short Twin Leaps from Wayne Kelly.

In their day-glo gymwear and tight cycling shorts, we are introduced to overly-tanned brothers Jimmy and Timmy Trim (both Gabriel Lockwood) who run through exercises, before we jump to the present where Jimmy is now out of shape and slobbing on the sofa.

Reduced to day-dreaming about his former glories, he is scolded by his wife Pavi (Rita Jagpal-Mohan) even as his still successful - and in shape - brother is on local TV news promoting his physical fitness.

The short does well with its set up, placing the characters in an entertaining situation, plus we get an added dash of mystery as to why the brothers fell out and their paths went in different directions in the first place.

And the comedy is suitably broad with visual jokes, some over-the-top acting and a few nice puns for good measure.

But whilst being interviewed Timmy takes sole credit for his health regime much to the chagrin of his personal trainer. She is played by Lauren Cornelius in a splendid turn as the brilliantly-named “Rhonda Gauntlet”.

A chance encounter in a park between wife Pavi and an angry Rhonda, leads to the women hatching a plot to payback Timmy. They hope to return the out-of-shape Jimmy to his former glory and sabotage his brother’s book launch.

The film to be fair isn’t about fancy cinematography as the style is much more sitcom-based given the thick layers of heavy humour it delivers. But the technical elements are still solid with fine editing and cuts to keep the jovial pace up and the jokes come sprinting at you from the start.

There’s even a well put together (and obligatory given the nods to the 1980s) musical montage showing Jimmy working out - rocking guitars, pumping drums and all. Albeit this one is less “sweating in the Rocky gymnasium” and far more running in suburban streets with some added baked goods from Greggs thrown in.

And as we head towards the final confrontation, the build up then leads to a surprising revelation from Rhonda who has engineered some ulterior (and much darker) plans for her selfish benefit.

Away from the camera, Twin Leaps was inspired by the producer Keith Large’s own battle with weight loss. And this honourable goal translates well in this well-meaning story and comes across in the script and the quality delivery by the cast.

Lauren Cornelius’ turn as Rhonda is a particular highlight - earning herself a nomination at our very own Midlands Movies Awards for Best Supporting Actress. The actress moves effortlessly as a scorned - then revenge-seeking - personal trainer and it’s a delight to see her manipulation and bursts of anger come alive on screen.

In the end, Twin Leaps is a bit of a “Ronseal” short of sorts - it does what it says on the tin. Never jumping (jack) beyond its humorous station, comedy often has a tough time getting the respect it deserves. But here, with plenty of silly Midlands playfulness, viewers could do far worse than enjoying the (six-pack) belly laughs of this fun fitness film.

★★★★

4 / 5

Mike Sales