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The best talents out there are those who have a genuine love for what they do. When I interviewed film writer/director Adam Rifkin, his love for movies radiated through the phone as much as it does through his films. “I’ve always had a passion for movies,” Rifkin said. “I used to make movies in my backyard when I was growing up, and pretty much taught myself principles in movie making.”

Everything he does has that touch of originality, proving that one really can earn a living doing what they love their own way. From his tale of the bizarre comedian in Dark Backward to the outcast Caveman in his current film, National Lampoon’s Homo Erectus (aka, The 40,000 Year Old Virgin), Rifkin tells stories that tickle your funny bone, and stretch it in different ways. Even when writing for projects outside of his own – like Masters of the Universe and Underdog, he’s able to bring familiar stories to life in a unique way. “I love the challenge of taking a concept that wasn’t originally my own, and creating a story that the originator is happy with. When you have a love for films like I do, the ideas flow freely.”

He currently has shared his imagination with the world of comic books in his graphic novel Shmobots (published by Boom! Studios), about degenerate, lazy robots. This robotic tale follows the misadventures of robots (they preferred to be called Mechanical-Americans) Rusty, Eyeballs, and 69.5 as they try to find their place in a city that despises them. Their only human friend is a guy named Miles, who equals them only in his own stagnant laziness. The story flows like a movie, and the hilarious dialogue is done with timing that only Rifkin’s mind can pull off. The comedic twist kept me engaged in the story and when I finished, I was looking forward to see how he will expand on the world of Shmobots. The artwork by Les Toil compliments the story, adding to the tale of recluse robots. The comic book is in stores now, and if you go to the website you can read some behind the scenes commentary from Rifkin on the book. “We are currently exploring the possibility of turning Shmobots to a TV show or film, so people will have to stay tuned.”

National Lampoon’s Homo Erectus – which Rifkin wrote, directed, and co-stars in – also stars Ali Larter (Heroes, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back), David Caradine, and Tom Arnold. The movie is about the first genius caveman, Ishbo, played by Adam Rifkin. The film tells the comedic story of how it is for this inventive caveman living amongst those who don’t appreciate his intelligence, and want to keep the status quo. Scene after scene follows Ishbo as he realizes he just can’t gain the acceptance of his peers no matter how much he tries to make their life easier. Like with all inventions, Homo Erectus was made from Rifkin’s own creative desire to tell stories his own way to the masses. “A friend of mine jokingly told me that my movies would be easier to make if I starred in them myself, and I thought why not just star in this one myself. Then things kind of fell into place from there.” National Lampoon’s Homo Erectus hits DVD this winter. For more information on Adam Rifkin and his work, you can visit his myspace page.

-Copyright 2008 Keneteph Entertainment

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