WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Facing the future. It’s on the minds of all of us during those formative years known as high school. Now, whether we take the notions of what our tomorrows might bring seriously or not might be a whole different matter altogether. But, there’s no denying that when the realities of adult life are beginning to draw closer, it just might be smart to ponder what’s coming. For high school senior Danny (Michael Grant), things are simple and straightforward, at least to him. Having found a flare for the artistic, his old school father Bruce (Eric Allen Kramer), however, has other, already in the works plans for his son that will keep Danny in town rather than heading off to college. Topping it off is the strange and somewhat erratic ideas being offered from his school guidance counselor, Mr. Mulligan (Jim Norton).
Feeling stressed and pulled in multiple directions, Danny heads off to Trout Camp with friends Scott (Jonathan Lipnicki), Todd (Booboo Stewart), Phil (Marco James Marquez), and stoner tagalong Stash (Spencer Daniels) for a weekend of unbridled insanity, despite advising his father he will be elsewhere. As the partying and general teen-based shenanigans ensue, though, a hectic and unforeseen circumstance leads Danny to encounter Alison (Samantha Basalari), a beautiful goddess who ultimately helps him have a clearer vision of what his options in life are. Yet, even with this new sense of lucidity, Danny has to make the choices to either let his father and other outside factors dictate his life, or stand up firmly for the true dreams he desires to follow.
Next, my Mind:
Fusing what this reviewer feels is a mashup between the evident 80’s teen comedies (the film is set in 1984, after all) and, thematically, more contemporary indie fare such as “The Spectacular Now”, director Jacob Cooney’s feature film effort certainly aims for the content of the former but the overall thrust of the latter in telling a tale of adolescent indecision, the pressures from peers and parents, dreams vs. stubborn practicality, and the fortitude in asserting yourself by championing goals to be attained. Now, I will state that the general style of humor presented in this film is not truly my preference, as the film is filled with the seriously off-color/irreverent comedic delivery and harsh language these types of efforts often do, which was distracting/off-putting for me personally. But, that said, there’s more to this narrative than only an excuse to be crude, and ultimately, there’s much more heart behind the film’s coarse veneer than the viewer might actually expect. It’s nothing brand new, mind you, and one could argue the effort sinks into multiple clichés, yet, thanks to the greater scheme of events and sum total of the characters involved, it does rise above.
Grant is perfectly suited to enact the role of Danny, presenting the quintessential good looks and smooth demeanor expected from a hot shot high schooler, but also a deeper, more responsible air as well that belies the attitudes and actions of his friends. Danny’s focus is on his aspirations and objectives, showcased by the oft seen hesitation to even “cut loose” like his compadres. Watching him battle the internal strife about where life is going is genuine, and Grant pulls this off well. Lipnicki, Stewart, and Marquez all fit the bill as Danny’s hard-partying yet extremely loyal friends Scott, Todd, and Phil, all of whom very much want Danny to succeed, yet don’t want him swallowed up in anxiety, but rather still live in the moment. Daniels is a total hoot as pothead Stash, whose completely insane perspective on things is both hilarious and somehow sad. Plus, finding out that he might not totally be all bravado like he portrays speaks strongly to how as teens, we struggled with identity. Basalari’s Alison is the beautiful foil to Danny’ confusion, and their connection is sincere and heartfelt, his newfound conscious that Danny falls for hard.
Kramer’s Bruce is likewise effective, presenting a father who truly wants what’s best for his son, but isn’t as open to listening to what his son actually wants. Norton’s Mr. Mulligan is a weasely guidance counselor who has his own messed-up agendas in play. Additional appearances are made by Kevin P. Farley, Vincent Pastore, John Farley, Chris Ellis, Julie Ann Dawson, Kabby Borders, Ashley Tramonte, Ashley Kate Adams, Kim Mulhauser, and a host of others. In total, past the crassness of its comedy, “Pitching Tents” handles itself with a poise and maturity that transcends its genre, giving us that picture of, yes, teenage craziness, but more so, a portrait of young people recognizing the importance of following your wishes while still delighting in friendship, fun, and actually–hope.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
