Levelland

I was surprised by 'Levelland.' Despite the synopsis of the box which, at least for me, alludes to a depressing coming-of-age story in the tradition of 'Kids,' this movie is actually a light, much more realistic approach to teenage confusion. While, unfortunately adhering to some of the usual suspects of recent coming-of-age tales (the young student having an affair with an older woman or the subplot of teenage pregnancy--which was ultimately cut from the movie, but can be seen in the DVD 'bonus materials'), it does without the conventional teenage stereotypes. The characters, though possessing some of that teenage crassness, as teenagers naturally do, they lack all unnecessary stereotypes and actually turn out to be very normal mediated versions of a real teenager. There's no set aside roles that they fit neatly within and, best of all, they're hardly obnoxious characters. They're very likable characters that we may empathize with.

This is a story that plays true to punk ethic, using skateboarding as the metaphor for escape in the story of a handful of friends in a depressing suburb in Texas (it is a cleaner version of 'Suburbia' and 'Over the Edge' in a sense). Zach, the main bildungsromane character, is necessarily more complex, especially for a teenager (though all of his friends appear to have more depth than the usually teen fare likes to make known), knowing that the freedom of skating and his love of the activity is the only thing keeping his from going insane in the bland suburban environment. I think someone in the film accurately defined skating as their survival.

Matt Barr, a fine fellow, was perfect in this role and hopefully, will be able to show off his craft in other features. As the atypical concept of the "skater," at least as stereotypical as Hollywood (and the indie circuit, too) likes to define them, that was the most enjoyable feature for me. Clark Walker gives us real characters, and real teenagers to deal with. Though, he probably would have to if the story is to be about transcending the mundane atmosphere of the suburbs.

One other viewer writes that the supporting cast was left largely underdeveloped. If you hear the commentary for the deleted scenes, you'll see that writer/director Clark Walker wanted all the focus to be on the main character, Zach. This is essentially his story and everything told from his point of view. Nonetheless, there were some moments where we do gain some insight about the supporting characters, but not enough to really think about. Maybe Walker wanted to avoid the multi-character function that Larry Clark, for example, provides in his films of teen angst.

Nonetheless, this was a surprisingly good drama. I would definitely recommend watching it. Skate fans should also appreciate ample skate footage and nice old punk soundtrack.

Levelland sums up high school life in a suburban town very well and is to be appreciated by skate fans. The film is far from slick, but relies on the strength of the acting talents of the two brothers and the stifling boredom of subdivisions and strip malls. The actors are not Hollywood pretty boys - they appear to do their own skating - and after a few minutes I was settled in to see a film that did NOT feel the need to shock or insult the audience. Life goes on, but there's no easy way out.

The soundtrack is impressive, but more geared for those in their 30's and 40's than high school kids. Texas Instruments, Big Boys, Replacements, Defenestration, and Meat Puppets are just a few bands to be featured.

A small part of me wishes it could have had a bigger budget, but all in all it will be a good archive for the time and place.

First of all, Am I supposed to believe that Matt Barr is only 16 as they wish us to believe? I mean, I am 25 and I look closer to 16 than this guy does, I mean, When I first saw him, I thought he was the lead actors father, Not the lead actor. This movie was horribly written, Horribly shot. First let me discuss the dialog in this movie, The script sounded like it was a really bad 6th grade play. This movie had potential to take us into the world of skateboarders, A sport which I grew up with, But sadly, This movie centers around a supposed 16 year old (The obviously much older Matt Barr) and his School teachers sexual escapades. So instead of a good docu-drama, This turns into soft core porn with no point other than to show a couple of boobs and a few half hearted skateboard tricks. I rented this because it was the only new movie at BlockBuster I hadn't seen. Now, I wish I had just stuck with a favorite into venturing into the waters of this steaming cow turd.

It's ironic how most films portray teenagers inacurately, and then are attended by many teens. She's All That, probably the prime exsample. I was glad I caught Levelland (at Tribecca Film Festival) because it didn't suck, it wasn't pretenous, and it was very accurate. This is a film teens all over the country can releate to, enjoyable without sidestepping darker issues. Sure it had a few very small flaws, but this film lived and breathed. The cast was effective, as was Clark Walker's direction. The skateboarding footage was well done and some montages did play on a little too long (with in exception for one that coems near the end, which is great). Ultomatly I hope Levelland will get some level of distribution, and soon: it's the movie that teens should see, it's not escapest entertainment but it sure is inspiring. This is probably the best teen indie since "The Adventures of Sabastain Cole".

Zach Stanley is coming of age in a Texas Company town of subdivisions and strip malls. He spends most of his waking hours in school or "shredding" with his pals at the local skating venues. He's also worried about his clinically depressed older brother, his single mom on the verge of losing her job. Add to the mix the not unwelcome romantic advances of his high school English teacher.

Moreover, Zach feels that there is more to life than what he sees the local adults settling for. He is beginning to worry about his future and his current lack of any plans that measure up to the potential that everyone is telling him he has.

This film seems to be a realistic and not wholly dark view of coming of age in this type of white bread American environment. It will probably strike a chord with many teens and their parents while also providing some very well done skateboarding sequences.

Kudos to Clark Walker on his directorial debut.