Platte F. Clark

Platte F. Clark’s name might not be on every marquee, but the guy’s got a knack for stories that stick with you. Take The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)—honestly, it’s one of those flicks that pulls off being both hilarious and strangely heartwarming without shoving cheesy holiday tropes down your throat. It follows a group of kids who turn a town’s “perfect” Christmas play into absolute chaos, and yet, somehow, everyone ends up learning a thing or two about family, forgiveness, and not judging a book by its cover. Classic, right? Then there’s Davie & Golimyr (2008)—an animated spin on the old David and Goliath tale, except this time the underdog’s got a lot more attitude, and the whole thing feels way less Sunday school and way more Saturday morning cartoon. Clark doesn’t just retell the story; he gives it this quirky, offbeat vibe, and honestly, the characters are ridiculously memorable. Not to mention, the animation style’s got a charm you don’t see every day. Jump back a bit further and you hit Jonah: A Great Fish Story (2005). Yeah, it’s a bit of a twist on the whole Jonah and the whale saga, but Clark leans into the adventure part, playing up the wild, unpredictable ride more than the preachy bits. The visuals have a playful energy, and the dialogue’s quick, never letting things drag. So, yeah, Platte F. Clark might not be a household name (yet), but his movies? They’re the kind of stories that sneak up on you—funny, weird, and just a little deeper than you’d expect.