Joe Versus the Volcano

The evolution of a boy named Nicolas seen through the wishes he makes at his birthdays. (Fais un voeu: Make a wish)

A disgruntled psychologist, his karaoke-hosting secretary and their most screwed-up patient (who believes he's a demon) set out to destroy a small town using the tools of mind control available on the Internet and a cultish karaoke night. Each one, with their minds set on different goals, create disarray and confusion while the town dances and sings their way into oblivion with the help of some pretty great tunes. This is playwright, musician, and actor Chris Churchill's first absurd leap into the world of extremely low-budget film making. An extremely talented Chicago ensemble, including some of the best in Chicago comedy and some expert musicianship by Churchill and two members of the Irish rock band 'The Tossers' makes this film a unique comedic treat.

Based in a multi-national school in the Caribbean the film takes us through 3 separate tales of how teenagers confront and overcome their fears, with a little help from fairies, forest guardians and goddesses, amongst others. The Good Goddess explains how her sister the Bad Goddess has almost filled up a magic well with children's tears. If the well overflows it would trigger a time where she could rule over the world with her evil magic. By transporting the children to the magic well and introducing them to pirates, guardians of the forest and demons they realize the root of their problems and vow to stop crying, saving the world from the Bad Goddess. It tackles the 3 most universal teen angst problems of anorexia, bullying and lack of confidence. The story culminates with a big birthday party for the students where they are joined by fantasy characters singing the theme song.