While watching Have You Seen Calvin? it only takes a few minutes to realize you’re in for a treat. The picture-perfect Davis family comes across like the Cleavers (Leave It to Beaver) on speed. A lovely caring mother, a hard-working father, and two well-behaved children go about their day -- each one with an ultra-sweet attitude that makes you laugh at practically everything they do. Plus, they are all clean and sparkly. But then there’s Calvin. Dressed like an S&M bad dream, he walks like a dog. Clad all in black, Calvin’s eyes and mouth peek through, but his mouth can be zippered shut.

Despite his weird appearance, Calvin is loved by the entire family, so when he disappears, a serious search begins. Where is Calvin? Well, he’s on a wild journey of his own. It’s quite a sight to see this unique character interacting with so many different situations and people. However -- believe it or not -- you will be happy when he arrives home. With Calvin (Ted Lewis), the eyes have it, and those eyes definitely charm you.      

Director/writer Andrew Lawton proves again that he’s an expert at making a short movie. His previous Wake, one of the best short films ever made, deals with a young boy’s grief over the loss of his brother. And now we know Lawton can handle comedy just as well. Lawton realizes the importance of performances, so he casts actors who deliver the goods. Stand-outs in Have You Seen Calvin? are Mr. and Mrs. Davis, played to the hilt by Jeremy Folmer and Sara Antkowiak as well as Joshua Kaufman in the role of their appealing son. Lawton also makes sure his films contain excellent cinematography, editing and background music. More power to him.

Don’t judge this film by its short length.

Have You Seen Calvin? boasts such strength!

Eighteen minutes fly by so fast.

It’s such a hoot. You’ll have a blast.

It tells a comic, absurd tale

of a family that looks stale.

Too perfect are the mom and dad

as well as daughter and the lad.

Still, just watch Calvin, their odd pet.

The Davises may be fun yet.

When Calvin’s gone, they all feel grief.

When he returns, they breathe relief.

Don’t judge these folks until you see

why they can live so happily.

Their secret? At the end revealed.

But sorry now -- my lips are sealed.

(Released by Kinetic Studios. Not rated by MPAA.)