45 R.P.M.

I've had the pleasure of viewing this film before it achieves what I can only hope will be a larger audience.

It's hard to find a film about younger people that no only has a good cast, but a naturally awkward one. The stars of this film are neither especially pretty, nor very self-confident. Nor could they possibly be. Jordan Gavaris plays Parry, a boy who wants nothing more than to escape from his small northern Canadian town. His friend, Luke (Justine Banszky) wants to get away as well, but for different reasons. She'd be happy just to be anywhere else. They've been each other's only friends for quite some time, but things change when another girl comes to town. Debbie (MacKenzie Porter) catches Parry's eye, perhaps partially because she's the first girl to much notice him. At least, the first overtly feminine girl. But that's the basic set-up of the film. I'll leave the rest for you to discover on your own.

Dave Schultz, the writer/director, doesn't put a lot of style into his work. That is, if style is taken to mean anything that detracts from normal realism. That's where the cinematographer falls a little short, however. I feel as if more could be done to improve the photographic appearance of the overall picture. But in a time when most films look less impressive, that's not a big complaint. The writing is stunning, and very human. The dialogue never surprises more than people themselves would.

I can't say enough good things about the acting in "45 RPM". I picked up this film on a whim from my local library, and was more than pleasantly surprised at the great performances. Although there are several well-known faces (Michael Madsen, Kim Coates, August Schellenberg), who impressed me most was Justine Banszky. Her portrayal of Luke was truly wonderful. And with the thousands of films I've seen, that means something.

Watch this, if you can find it.

Caught 45 R.P.M. on the cable Aboriginal Television Network (ATN) the other night. Had never heard of it before but as it drew me into the story I was so impressed by the young actors portraying the main characters. Plus the supporting cast is terrific. If you're a little older (as I am), and were an awkward young teenager when rock'n roll (as broadcast through the radio airwaves) was in still it's infancy, then this movie will bring back a wave of nostalgia. The simplicity and poignancy in its delivery is outstanding. The characters as presented, behave and have dialogue that make them 'real people', so much so that in watching them you might believe you are vicariously being allowed to take part in their lives. I would whole-heartedly recommend this to any and everyone.

45 RPM is a wonderful indie drama that takes place in rural 1950's Saskatchewan under big Canadian skies, focusing on rebellious young lad Parry Tender (Jordan Gavaris, superb), his struggles as he begins to climb the long ladder of growing up, and his first conflicted glimpses into the realm of romance. He's an orphan who has been loosely raised and reigned in by a kindly Native man (August Schellenberg), and also finds somewhat of a father figure in rigidly strict RCMP Constable Able Taft. Genuine Saskatoon native Kim Coates brings heartbreaking complexity to the character, who easily could have slipped into caricature, nailing a show stopping key scene. He catches the eye of the new girl in town, Debbie Baxter (MacKenzie Porter), whose kindly father (a nicely low key Michael Madsen) is an air force major situated at the nearby base. Parry's moody tomboy of a best friend Luke (Justine Banszky gives the best work of the film, simply soul baring) hides a dark secret within her that threatens their predictable, idyllic teenage world. The emotion, both uplifting and despairing is handled beautifully by the two who are both skilled way beyond their years. With support from season pros like Madsen, Coates, Schellenberg and Amanda Plummer as well, they make it a story worth telling, and beyond worth watching, if you can find it.

An enjoyable and entertaining teenage drama set in 1960 which doesn't reach any great heights but doesn't need to. Story of course revolves about the 45 rpm music disk and explores teenage love/lust without anything being blatantly sexual and teenage fascination for new wave music which hits the radio waves. By the sound of things, this film has not been big on release and publicity but is definitely worth seeing, depending on your age and status, others will like it better. didn't the guy who played George also play Sitting Bull in bury my Heart at Wounded Knee? Screenplay and script are fine, this is a fairly low budget film but don't let that put you off. Definitely one for DVD and not the cinema