The Crusades

Having gone to an all boys private high school, this hit close to home. So many little nuances that brought me back to my youth. First off the film looked amazing. I think it's an indie? But would not be able to tell based on the production value. Was shot very cinematic with a classic Hollywood feel to it. All this makes it hard to tell what year you his story exactly takes place but that makes me kinda like it even more. Feels timeless and relatable no matter your age. Very strong performances and some genuine laugh out loud moments. The second half of the film is wild and well worth the build up. Was pretty shocked how far the filmmakers took the action. Overall very fun and nostalgic, will definitely keep this in the rotation.

The Crusades feels like a perfect adaptation of the quintessential 2000s teen comedy, updated for the 2020s. It is expertly acted with a break-out cast, and debut director and writer Leo Milano hit an absolute home run. Producer Brent Madison pulled together a terrific team and the film is beautifully shot by Dillon Schneider.

Nicholas Turturro stands out as the hilarious Coach Krieger, guiding Leo, Sean, and Nozak (Pankow, Everage, and Ashton) every step along the way. Leo Grecco is caught between a childhood crush on his teacher, Ms. Kerpial (Anna Maiche) and a girl from their fellow school, Ryan (Ashley Nicole Williams). Sean must decide between his friends and his girlfriend Jess (Indiana Massara). Jack Nozak is constantly trying to stay out of trouble with Dean Whitman (Greg Davis Jr.). What happens to the crew will keep everyone on the edge of their seat all throughout the film.

I watched this for Rudy Pankow but eventually was robbed of 90 minutes of my life. This movie is so badly written, the story line was an awful mess and the acting was unexpectedly poor if you compare it to Pankow's performance in Outer Banks!!! I cannot even look at him anymore without being reminded of his poor performance in this horrible movie. I wouldn't be surprise if this pick is going to kill his career. He should consider changing his management. When we were laughing, while watching it, we did it for all the wrong reasons. I am sorry, but the actors embarrassed themselves starring in this, so did screenwriters and the director (who supposedly graduated from Notre Dame?!). I cannot believe this was fit enough for release. More like a really bad Highschool production made by amateurs. I feel a bit sorry writing this because I recognize that there is always a lot of work involved, but the poor quality of the film genuinely upset me. Do yourselves a favor and give it a miss.

In Leo Milano's THE CRUSADES we experience a semi-autobiographically tale, told through the director's personal and artistic lens of what it was like to come of age at private all boys school in Chicago.

Those with similar backgrounds and experiences will surely resonate on a deeper level, while all audiences will take joy in seeing such a unique and personal perspective of high school brought to life in uncompromising style.

As a female viewer, I appreciate getting a ticket to ride a male coming-of-age rollercoaster that's chock full of the usual jokes and hijinks, but also emotional depth. While the film is set in all-male spaces and perspectives, it refreshingly avoids "male fantasy" tropes and offers more complex, authentic, and bittersweet takes on coming-of-age milestones.

Rather than paint over his past with happy endings and easy triumphs, Milano offers up the insecurities, neuroses, mistakes that are the true tenants of adolescence. Any confidence, personal growth, or female adoration that protagonist Leo (an irresistible Rudy Pankow) is able to cultivate for himself, is true to life: messy and hard-earned. It's a testament to the beauty of indie film and this team in particular, that THE CRUSADES brilliantly avoids the sense of entitlement and self-indulgence that oozes from so many films in this category.

Even more commendable is the fact that the filmmakers seem to genuinely care about including all audiences along for the ride. The movie manages to hit high-stakes antics and big comedic swings while also using the storytelling to give us thorough understandings of the characters and their journeys. Fans of Superbad, Everybody Wants Some!! And Ferris Bueller's Day Off will all be satisfied by this artfully told, unapologetically fun, coming-of-age chronicle and refreshed by a narrative that properly honors the rough patches of growing up.

A fresh take on a high school comedy. Great acting, writing, cinematography and directing. Many quotable lines that stick in your head for weeks! Additionally, there is a good bit of action throughout the film. In this movie, as in real high school, boys are getting into fights and fleeing from the cops as a house party gets busted.

The three main characters deliver a heart felt performance and are supported by a cast of extremely talented actors you can't help but fall in love with.

We will be watching Leo Milano films for years to come. Can't wait to see what he does next!

The Crusades will not disappoint! 10 out of 10.