Delco: The Movie

Got to see this at the 4th Annual Smodcastle Film Festival, and what a great film. The story is simple (home schooled kid living in Delco is now going to public school with his friend, hijinks ensue), but it's all just an excuse to show off both the town of Delco, PA, and the talents of the cast. Who are all great. Has a "4:30 Movie" vibe, but this film still has its own voice.

Looking forward to taking more journeys with these characters.

The opening is a montage of all Delco locations which will be familiar to anyone from Delco. Nearly follows a classical climactic structure, as the movie takes places in just a bit more than 24 hours. The inclusion of Brian O'Halloran definitely gives the movie a View Askewniverse connection, and Brian A Wilson is a "that guy!" character actor who has appeared in many shows and movies. You may also recognize original American Idol co-host Brian Dunkleman, and J. J Cohen from Back to the Future (dork thinks he's gonna drown!) shows up, and gets to call the teenaged characters "dorks!"

Chris is a talented guy, and I fully expect to see several more projects set in this universe. Also, if you're worried about this being "a religious movie", you may be missing the point of the movie, and the arc of Wayne, one of the three main characters. All the young leads are excellent, and the video game clerks steal the show in several scenes! Also, who knew Ms Skivo had such acting chops?

I literally burst out laughing several times throughout Delco the Movie and a few heartfelt scenes near the end had my eyes tearing up. Great ensemble cast with truly great writing and ensemble cast...I was fortunate to see the movie twice during opening weekend in Media and absolutely fell in love with the main cast Jess, Adam, Wayne, Bob Hess, the Paster, Reverand and Officer Winnie - truly excellent casting choices and performances all around. Plus as a music guy I'm sometimes critical of the soundtrack choices especially in an independent film but oh my goodness the songs chosen for different scenes were a perfect fit. Can't wait till Delco the Movie comes to streaming so we can see it again...

Overall I enjoyed this film. It didn't need to be flashy, didn't need current events/songs shoved down its throat, it's just a movie with three teenagers in a county that people love to hate, but feels emptiness when they leave. The actors played their roles very well, and we also see the main three develop as they continue doing their nonsense. If you lived/currently live in Delco, you gotta see this at least once. For as quickly as this movie was made and with a very tight budget, it was very good and definitely had moments where I went "I know where that place is". It was meant to have people from multiple parts of the county to come together and enjoy this and it did just that and then some.

I saw the movie at the premiere and again at the latest showing and it is entertaining and nostalgic! I think even if you're not from Delco you can relate to the angst of that time of life growing up and feeling like there has to be more out in the world for you. A young man with a life path laid out for him by family finds solace and adventure with friends in his home town.

The acting was well done! It was a treat to see Dunkleman doing his thing as the not so supportive dad. As a comedic actor he plays a character many can remember from their own town when growing up.

The trio of Harding, Pfeiffer and Kuerzi were relatable as three teens looking for adventure in small town America! Oh how I remember doing some things I wouldn't usually attempt if it weren't for that one friend!

The backdrop of all the places I went to years ago and the places that hold special memories was an extra bonus!! Many of the laughs came from the nostalgia of things that happened at that time and the places that no longer exist.

It's a feel good movie with laughs and provoking memories we can all relate to no matter where you are from. Well done!