Movie Recap (03.17.24)
Summer shenanigans, fame, and clinical trials
This week’s batch of recently released films offers a little bit of everything, ranging from a nostalgic teen comedy to a documentary about the rise of a Justin Bieber-esque tween sensation, along with a thriller/horror flick that might make you skeptic of medication.
Snack Shack
R | Comedy | 1h 52m | Theaters
Directed by Adam Rehmeier
Starring Conor Sherry, Gabriel LaBelle, and Mika Abdalla
The Gist of It: This coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of early 1990s Nebraska centers on a pair of teenage friends (Sherry and LaBelle) who win an auction to manage the snack shack at the local swimming pool. The shack becomes not just a place for hustling money but a symbol of friendship, rebellion, and heartbreak.
What Works: The two incredibly talented leads steal the show, hinting at a promising career ahead. Right from the opening scene, we sense a rich, deep, and storied history between them. The film simply wouldn’t work without their chemistry. The gorgeous cinematography, bathed in a crisp, golden hue, creates an unmistakable sense of time and place. It screams vintage summer to such an extent that you can almost hear the ice cream trucks and smell the sunscreen. Songs by alternative mainstays Dramarama and EMF further accentuate the '90s vibe.
What Doesn’t: There’s a notable shift in tone near the second half of the film that might bother some viewers. I didn’t mind it because it felt like it matched the rhythm of the characters’ emotional journey.
My Verdict: Raunchy and nostalgic, yet also heartwarming and self-reflective, this little gem of a movie brims with a contagious "boys-will-be-boys" energy that's rare in the era of bulldozer parenting. I laughed, I was moved, I felt transported.
Kids Are Growing Up
PG-13 | Documentary | 1h 25m | Prime
Directed by Michael D. Ratner
With Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard (“The Kid Laroi”) and appearances by Post Malone and Justin Bieber
The Gist of It: This documentary chronicles the overnight rise of The Kid Laroi (TKL), also known as Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, from obscurity to stardom. It offers glimpses of his journey from adolescence to adulthood, struggles with mental health, and the burden of fame.
What Works: The low brow, psychedelic, Mike Allred inspired animated graphics subtly illustrate TKL’s deep thoughts. TKL’s music, which we get a sample of through concert footage, is catchy and echoes shades of Post Malone and Justin Bieber—and I mean that as a compliment.
What Doesn’t: I wish it delved deeper into the trade-offs of achieving fame and global celebrityhood at such an early age. As a non-fan (I actually had no idea who The Kid Laroi was until now), I found it fairly informative but it failed to convince me to care.
My Verdict: Part concert film, part celebrity journal, this entertaining yet somewhat superficial documentary sheds light on the life of a new(ish) breed of artist: the internet celebrity. Fans might rate this more highly.
Double Blind
R | Thriller/Horror | 1h 30m | Rent
Directed by Ian Hunt-Duffy
Starring Millie Brady, Pollyanna McIntosh, and Akshay Kumar
The Gist of It: Chaos ensues at an isolated research facility when test subjects learn that the new drug they’ve been ingesting for days has a sinister side effect: death awaits those who fall asleep.
What Works: The cast, largely comprised of lesser-known yet skilled actors, convincingly convey a sense of desperation. We can’t help but empathize with their predicament, prompting some of us to look away during some of the most intense scenes. Director Hunt-Duffy's trippy and claustrophobic shots, coupled with the blend of minimal and progressive techno music, gradually dissolve the boundaries between dream and reality. We feel fully immersed in the facility’s sterile and cold environment from the get go.
What Doesn’t: The climax feels a bit rushed and unrealistic.
My Verdict: The clever premise delivers precisely what it promises: surprising twists, psychological warfare, and a growing sense of hopelessness. Not recommended for those with sensitive stomachs.
