The Ballad of Straw Hat Sam

Just how many ballads get written these days? It seems romantic sentimentality is determined to rival ‘The Book of’ as the 2020’s most common film title prefix. Though it must be said, it’s unlikely any of them can quite match the oddity and uniqueness of The Ballad of Straw Hat Sam – Duke Ross’ obscure animated odyssey.

The eponymous Sam (Ross) embarks on a quest to find the world’s greatest bourbon – a concoction named ‘Angels Teeth’. Partnering with avid writer Bucket (Victor Acosta), he ventures out with a map to find the drink – encountering unusual allies, adversaries and plains of reality along the way.

Mixing crude animation with psychotropic live action performances, The Ballad of Straw Hat Sam is distinctive and likely divisive – though admirably unafraid to aim at something original and unique. The film is less of a defined narrative story as an opportunity for Duke Ross and Victor Acosta to experiment with humour and visual aplomb.

Harkening back to late-night stoner cartoons of the 80s and 90s with its basic outlined character designs that intentionally jank through their scenes, whilst overlayed over vibrant live action backgrounds, audiences are likely to find the imagery of the film discombobulating. Whilst it won’t be to everyone’s taste – it is certainly never dull, and certain scenes like those in Birdie’s (Jennica Anusua) diner stand out in way their inanity is made interesting.

The undoubted highlight of the film is the voice acting. Duke Ross echoes H. Jon Benjamin’s work as Sterling Archer for Sam – the film’s wisecracking, world-weary and unpredictable protagonist. Acosta as Bucket works brilliantly as Sam’s sidekick, and their pair’s clear enjoyment in playing their parts is transmitted into the film making both characters an enjoyable watch. The rest of the cast add their own touches of character into their roles – making the unusual journey of the leading pair an engaging experience thanks to the vibrancy of the performances.

Where the voice work will please the majority of viewers, the script itself is likely to be more divisive. The film’s comedy is as crude as the artwork at times – never shying away from innuendo or toilet humour. It does feel there are some symptoms often seen in adult animation of creators who work on the assumption that because cartoon characters are saying something crass, that this adds to the wit. Some viewers may agree, but this was hit and miss for me. The film isn’t reliant on this, and there are some genuinely well staged moments that will guarantee laughs.

The Ballad of Straw Hat Sam isn’t for everyone, and some viewers will find its tone of humour and animation style off-putting. However strong voice acting, and a commitment to the abstract means this bizarre creation will find an audience. It’s better to be divisive than boring, and it is commendable that Duke Ross’s animated short is willing to take risks.