Frederick Von Scholar's How-to Series

A video that offers advice on how to make friends and also shows how these recommendations can go terribly wrong.

This is basically a short animated comedy film that contains a list of ways in which people can be sociable and suggests how each can go downhill if they are utilised in the wrong situation. The film is narrated and each sociable approach is called a 'step', which is numbered and introduced with title cards, along with a text that reveals the actions that the viewer needs to take. Every title card is followed by a scene in which the same male animated character performs the adviced actions from the previous title card and unfortunately, he does so while in the wrong situations. For instance, one step is about wearing clothing that stands out when going to a social event and the character is seen wearing a wacky costume, while attending a funeral. The dark and adult humour focuses on how trying to be friendly can lead to negative results if it is done at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The film is presented in a way that feels like it is been watched through an old film projector, with the image appearing damaged and scratched. This creative technique makes the viewing experience more interesting. Allison also worked on the animation and it looks great. Although most of the film operates as a structure that goes through a series of recommended actions for friendship, things change quite significantly towards the end.

The two voice actors who provide the narration do a wonderful job as they describe each form of advice and there is even a part where one gets upset, leading to an awkward situation.

As image is made to look like it is coming from an old film projector, there are sound effects that add to this idea, by making noises here and there and making the voices sound poorly at certain points. The music that was developed by Martinet A. Sunshi is amusing and accompanies the images appropriately.

This short offers approximately four minutes of entertainment. The most amusing parts are the ones with the characters, however, the film never loses its ability to have the viewer's attention and for those looking for a good laugh, they will probably be satisfied with this.