Citizen Duane

I attended the world premiere of "Citizen Duane" at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was nothing like I'd imagined. Even the Festival Guide doesn't do it justice -- "Duane's family has a history of tilting at windmills..." Yes, it's a coming-of-age story. Yes, it has an endearing protagonist in Duane Balfour (Douglas Smith). Comic relief is ably provided by Devon Bostick as Duane's little brother Maurie, in a film that's already riotously funny, which is quite a task in itself. It also has a political message, and morals abound. But mostly it's real -- it's funny, it's poignant, it's meaningful on so many levels -- and isn't that what life is all about? This is a film that refuses to allow itself to be pigeonholed, and that is a triumph of Michael Mabbott, directing a script and story co-penned by Robert DeLeskie and Jonathan Sobol.

It was also intensely personal for me. Duane has a huge record collection (yes, vinyl), as did (do) I. I was deeply involved in politics growing up, which is central to the story. I even have a degree in geology, which plays a role as well (trust me, it all makes sense). "Needle drop" is a term used by filmmakers to describe songs placed on the soundtrack from other artists. In this film, the term is used literally -- we see the needle drop on a record, Canadian artists, and that surprisingly includes classics like Barry McGuire's 1968 political anthem "Eve of Destruction." That one gave me goosebumps. "You tell me over and over and over again, my friend...ah, you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction..." The film carries its weight largely on the shoulders of young Douglas Smith, known mostly to US audiences from "Sleepover" and HBO's "Big Love." He's stunning, sharp, and witty as a teen perhaps too big for his britches, on a mission to save his small town from its own ignorance. But this is no conventional Hollywood dramatic comedy. No, this film has more twists and turns than just about any film of the 30 I'd seen in Toronto. It is a thoughtful film, sometimes hilarious, sometimes sad, and one which I believe will expose the talented Douglas Smith to a wider theatrical audience. He has a bright future on the big screen, and his tackling of this complex role is nothing less than a show of pure talent.

Please do not let this little gem slip off your radar. Watch for it, and be prepared to set your expectations of a "typical teen comedy" to rest. "Citizen Duane" is different, and it will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.

Citizen Duane is one of those films you have never heard of. If you ever happened to stumble across it, the cover would lead you think that it was some manner of strange kids' fare that wouldn't appeal to anyone over 12. However, the truth is that this is a brilliant piece of cinema that strikes every chord it goes for perfectly.

Douglas Smith and Devon Bostick as the dysfunctional brother team are outstanding. Alberta Watson is believable, sweet, funny, strong, and real every moment she's on screen. Donal Logue is great. This is one of the strongest casts you'll find assembled anywhere. Douglas Smith in particular is a breakout here. He's like a very real, quirky, and strange Fred Savage if Wonder Years were written with a slightly psychotic flair. He conveys a world of emotion with his face and is utterly charming.

The plot is clever even if not the deepest material around. It's a tad predictable, but well-paced which prevents it from being tired. There are a number of extremely good laughs pulled off perfectly by Smith. The ending is sweet and touching. I recommend this movie to anybody that loves a good, funny, underdog film with likable characters. You won't be disappointed by this unheard-of gem!

I saw this movie at TIFF. Just a quick comment. The movie is definitely worth seeing. Very strong performances by Donal Logue and Alberta Watson. Douglas Smith does well, but seems a little too intense for the subject matter.

The movie has some genuinely hilarious moments, and overall, has a very breezy and clever script. My complaint is that this movie should have been a straight up comedy, and somewhere along the line Michael Mabbot took it a little too seriously.

All in all, funny, entertaining and quite original given the familiar subject mater.

Sure it had problems here and there but at the end of the day I really enjoyed myself. It's a charming film, not too impactive but charming nonetheless. Douglas Smith does a pretty great job as the film's lead character Duane and he is surrounded by a team of excellent supporting actors. Could this movie have been better? Of course. But then again, so could everything.

At times Michael Mabbot (the film's director) captures some really original moments. While at other times he seems to miss the mark completely. The script does a good job of introducing it's character but it seems to have a harder time keeping them around. For example: Molly (duane's girlfriend) has a string of interesting scenes towards the beginning of the film then mysteriously vanished for a about 45 minutes.

The more I think about it the more things I find wrong with Citizen Duane but then I remember a joke, or a scene or just a moment between Duane and his little brother Maurie and I start to chuckle. I guess I shouldn't think about it too much.

Bottom line: It is an unexpectedly sincere film.

This film was fantastic. Very funny and also very much to the style of what life is like these days. I seen this movie at a film festival with a friend and we loved it instantly. The further I got into the movie the more Duane Belfour (The main character) became my hero. The style of the movie is very humorous and at the same time deals with real-life situations. I think that it balances out the comedy and the seriousness quite well. This movie is surprisingly rather original considering the familiar subject matter. This is truly a great movie and I'm disappointed that it has received such a low rating and that it is not very well known. Do not let this "diamond in the rough" go unwatched as it is truly a must see.