Matthiew Klinck (Canada 2008)

Easter has never been a big source of comedic cinematic fodder—until Hank and Mike, that is. The titular characters, roommates and best friends, work year-round as chocolate-toting bunnies for a multinational corporation that owns all holidays. During their downtime, prankster Hank (Thomas Michael) prefers dissolute behavior—swilling beer, smoking and watching porn—while goody-two-shoes Mike (Paolo Mancini) prefers cleaner living and longs for a steady girlfriend. After being downsized by their employer, they are left with only their fuzzy pink costumes and trusty baskets and must consider their respective futures. In the search for new employment, the pair has a variety of odd—but riotously funny—adventures with self-help groups, strippers and preschool teachers. Continuing in the vein of quirky Canadian comedies that boasts films such as Phil the Alien and Fido, Hank and Mike uses absurd situations, wry humor and committed performances to entertain and amuse. Leads Michael and Mancini also wrote the clever script and managed to snare notable actors Joe Mantegna and Chris Klein for terrific supporting performances as, respectively, a quirky CEO and an oily middle manager. Expanding on a short they made with director Klinck in 2000, the result is a truly eggs-ellent comedic endeavor.

Written by Paolo Mancini, Thomas Michael. Photographed by Glen Keenan. With Thomas Michael, Paolo Mancini, Chris Klein, Joe Mantegna. (86 min, Magnolia Pictures)

July 4–10, Sundance Kabuki Cinemas