SLAUGHTER NICK FOR PRESIDENT (Rob Stewart, Liza Vespi, Marc Vespi, Canada). 72 minutes. Saturday (June 16), 7 pm, NFB Sunday (June 17), 12:30 pm, NFB.
NXNE FILM FESTIVAL at the NFB Mediatheque (150 John), the Royal (608 College) and Toronto Underground (186 Spadina) through Sunday (June 17). $10, NXNE wristband or $25 films-only wristband. nxne.com. See listings. Rating: NNN
Two decades ago, the TV series Sweating Bullets – syndicated around the world as Tropical Heat – introduced viewers to beach bum detective Nick Slaughter, played by Canadian actor Rob Stewart. The show became a huge hit in Serbia, and “Slaughter Nick” became an unlikely pop icon during that country’s political and social convulsions of the 1990s.
Upon discovering he’s still regarded by the Serbs as a superstar, the 50-something Stewart leaves Brampton for Belgrade to explore his prospects. The result – narrated by Stewart in dazzled voice-over – is an endearingly weird consideration of niche stardom from the inside out. Yes, it’s a marketing tool for Stewart’s domestic comeback. But he kinda deserves it.
