Optimism is making a comeback, but perhaps not as big a comeback as air-drumming after audiences see Adventures of Power.  Writer/director and star Ari Gold (yes, the filmmaker Ari Gold, not the fictional a-hole agent on HBO’s Entourage) plays Power, a factory worker with a dream to one day be the best at what he’s best at… which happens to be air-drumming.  In what is perhaps the most hilarious opening to an indie comedy ever, Power air-drums his way to work and throughout his day powered by, what else, a combination of the best cereals known to man.  Fueled by a passionate love of the skills of master Rush drummer Neal Peart, Power is unswayed by the lack of support from friends, family or even his dad.  In fact, they all think he’s an idiot.  But that does not stop Power from continuing his quest for air-drumming excellence.

After a series of setbacks and losing his job at the factory, Power finally has a chance to go for his dream by entering the ultimate air-drumming competition.  The only thing standing in his way of achieving greatness, is douche bag drum king and pop idol Dallas Houston, ironically played by Entourage’s leading man Adrian Grenier.

Without apologies or irony, this is the kind of earnest go-for-your-dream movie that might have been made in the 1980s like Flashdance or Karate Kid.  And that’s what works so well about Adventures of Power, it is simultaneously hilarious and heartfelt and better yet, it all feels real.  This film will single-handedly bring newfound respect for the art of air-drumming and dreamers everywhere.

On a side note: Ari Gold is also known for making one of the best shorts to ever play the Sundance Film Festival more than 10 years ago.  Audiences stood up and applauded after seeing Culture, a one-minute short done in one-shot that says more about the state of cinema in 16 seconds than the best critic could write in 60,000 words, but take a look for yourself.

By Chris Gore