Love Hunter

A former singer for the Love Hunters, Serbian musician Milan Mumin stars as himself in this semi-autobiographical low-budget musical. Planning to record an album, NYC-based Milan drives a taxi to make ends meet, and sibling co-directors Nemanja and Brane Bala tag along as Milan picks up a variety of passengers—from the kind to the condescending—with each encounter playing like a short film. When Milan isn't driving and shooting the breeze with passengers and fellow cabbies, he's drinking mango lassies, working on lyrics, and video-chatting with his girlfriend, Lela (Jelena Stupljanin), who lives in Serbia. After he gets the money together, Milan plans to rent a studio for a couple of days, but first he has to find a new bass player. While staying with a friend, Milan overhears her sullen roommate, Kim (Eleanor Hutchens), practicing bass, and decides she'd be perfect, so he recruits her. Shortly afterward, Lela comes to visit and things become complicated. Lela feels that Milan is wasting his time (and wonders if there isn't something going on with Kim). And single mother Kim doesn't know if Milan's ever going to pay her the $500 he promised. As the recording date draws near, Milan finds himself at risk of losing both women. Although the acting is a bit rough around the edges, Milan's natural charisma goes a long way, as do his songs. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)