Regionrat

I saw this film with my wife at a screening in Northwest Indiana, aka the Region. My wife had read the book and was interested in seeing how it adapted to the big screen. She was very happy with the result. I went in not knowing what to expect. Having lived in the Region my entire life, I thought it would be interesting to see how accurately the era was portrayed on film. The area has for decades been riddled with pockets of despair since the decline of the once strong manufacturing base of the 50's, 60's, and 70's. The tough reputation of the residents has always been equal to the compassion they display in taking care of each other. Over the years that compassion has slowly been tempered by a touch of despair that nothing will ever really get better. I was pleasantly surprised by the authentic depiction of the characters. Connor Williams' performance as Ray is truly outstanding. He depicts the reticent attitude so common with people growing up here in the 80's and 90's. He is believable and comes across as truly authentic to the Region. This film probably would have a wider audience appeal if the relationships were depicted more like those in a Mentos commercial or even "Good Will Hunting" with it's fairy tale happy ending. However, that wouldn't be authentic for the region any more than it was for Southie in Boston. True authenticity makes a much more powerful impact in a story, even if it isn't as palatable to the masses.

After reading the other user reviews, I really question how anyone can give this film a 9 or 10/10 unless they are part of the cast or crew or have some type of close relationship with the production. The production went so far as to brag about its "reviews" on its Facebook page. This isn't a bad film by any stretch of the imagination, but it is not worth wasting about two hours of your life unless you are really into indie films and can watch it for free. Don't be fooled by the obvious attempts to inflate the ratings of the movie by those who are most likely associated with the production.

RegionRat is a raw, gritty, original, and dark story about growing up in the Midwest. Director Javier Reyna makes you forget that he was working with an extremely low budget. You'll see dozens of movies with ten times (or more) the budget of this movie that aren't shot half as well. The cinematography, acting (mostly by newcomers Connor Williams, Natassia Halabi, And Harry Holmes) and story are all outstanding. I watched this movie in the area known as "The Region" which is where the film takes place, in a packed theater with the author of the book. The movie was accepted with applause and a standing ovation. I look forward to seeing more Mr. Reyna, Williams, and Halabi in the near future.

I wasn't expecting much when I saw this but I was VERY pleasantly surprised! Connor WIlliams really sold this movie in a fun, unexpected way. For being low budget, this film delivers on storytelling in an area of the country that doesn't get too much exposure. My only complaint is that it feels like it ends too soon, leaving me wanting more, wanting to see what more becomes of Ray's journey. I highly recommend!

This a film about a teen in a Northwest Indiana wasteland who ultimately breaks free of his childhood friendships (and enemies) to finally live his destined path. But not before going through the angst of adolescence. This was a well-acted, ensemble film with amazing cinematography as well as touching closeups.