Red Flag (2013)

It surprisingly abandons its obvious meta elements and unfolds as a straightforward road-trip flick, opting for an exhibition of self-loathing rather than self-reflexivity.

Establishes Karpovsky as the Woody Allen of the digital media generation: As he presents himself here, he is as self-absorbed as Allen, but his comfort with new technology results in a lo-fi video diary that the perfectionist Allen would eschew.

When Red Flag really hits its stride, which happens somewhat late in its second act, it becomes the film it should be through and through -- a funny, well-observed, keenly acted feature about drama, trauma, and second chances.