The Book of Caleb

I just watched this movie last night and thought it was awesome! The movie did spark some weird discussions with my significant other about upper deckers, but the point is that it generated conversation. It's rare to find a movie that makes you think about life, responsibility, and poop. Forget the dude that made the Sixth Sense -- this is the best movie ever made in Bucks County, and does far more service to its lovely citizens and scenery. Well done, especially considering this is director von Manahan's first full-length film. I, for one, can't wait to see what else he has in store.

Oh, and Bill Tanner is a freakin' matinée idol.

You have to hand it to independent filmmakers these days. Many of them do whatever they can to get the movie they want to make up and running. It can range from giving blood to donating sperm to using the cheapest film known to man to film the movie or to even begging for donations… it doesn't matter what it is as long as you're ambitious enough to do whatever it takes to make the movie the way you want it be made. Hell, it doesn't even matter how long it took you to make the movie, as long as the ending result is something you are proud of. Such is the case with Matthew von Manahan's film, The Book of Caleb.

In the film, our hero, Caleb Callahan (Jeremy Luno) returns home after dropping out of college… to the surprise of everyone as he was only six credits shy of graduating. Upon arriving, Caleb rekindles his relationship with his childhood pals; Montag (Michael Hampton), the prankster who believes he's figured out everything in life, and Swank (Nikitas Manikatos), the ever trusting sidekick. It doesn't take long before the crew is up to no good and pulling pranks like they used to… that is until one of them involving the gubernatorial candidate James Paddington (Paul Gleason of The Breakfast Club in one of his final roles), goes horribly wrong. After which, it is up to Caleb to man up, face his fears (namely the sinister Scar; played by Jeff Berg) and become the leader that everyone knew he could be.

The Book of Caleb is a surprising little slice of the independent film-making pie. The movie is finely directed by Matthew von Manahan, who spent six years making the film from the basement of his parents' house. By taking as long as he did to finish the film, one can tell that von Manahan is dedicated to his craft; which is a welcomed treat as many would have either given up on the project or rushed it out just to say that they made a movie. This is a missing trait in many filmmakers today… even the "named" directors who started out small and are now making big budgeted movies. Matthew von Manahan's direction skills are so impressive that they are able to save the movie from the randomness that it appears to have by bringing out some fairly decent performances from his cast.

The cast do a nice job with their performances. Usually, with low-budget films, the film is full of actors that attempt to actor but end up doing a subpar job; but here, no one in the cast, a few of which have done mainstream films before (i.e. the late Paul Gleason and Mackenzie Firgens of Rent) seems to deliver a bad performance. Sure, the movie has a case of overacting in Jeff Berg's portrayal of the villainous Scar, but, to be honest with you, the performance is so over-the-top that it's hilarious and doesn't hinder the movie in any way what-so-ever.

The randomness of the film, which could probably be attributed to the writing, is basically the only thing that tarnishes it. There are numerous moments in the movie when things just happen. You never really know why they happen, they just do. It's kind of puzzling when these moments occur, but they are actually pretty funny… to the point that you just go with it and forget the fact that it was totally random in the first place.

When I first heard about the movie, I wasn't really expecting a whole lot out of it, but after seeing it, I can say that I was pleasantly surprised with The Book of Caleb had to offer. So much so that I actually look forward to von Manahan's film… hopefully it doesn't take him another six years to make one. Sadly though, I fear that not everyone will like the film as much as I, but hopefully I'm wrong.

Got the DVD today - hilarious! We were absolutely so impressed and have already shared it with friends. The Book of Caleb is a successful, wildly entertaining coming of age film. Everything is topnotch - acting, directing, camera-work, editing, narration. Almost forgot the most important part, the concept and the writing. Great storyline that I feel many people can relate to on some level.

I'm a pretty anal artist and this movie really measures up. Loved the scene when "Scar" got his scar - beautifully shot, great use of combining black and white with color. The ONLY thing that bothered me a little was the use of people talking without hearing their words. The idea is good but I feel it could have been executed in such a way that it would feel more intentional.

Casting was right on. Best of luck & and I'll promote it without any reservations.

J. Sherman

When we watched this movie we did not know what to expect, other than it was an indie movie filmed locally in PA. When we were finished we were literally blown away by the quality of the script, acting, filming, score, etc.

This coming of age story has many light moments in it that make you laugh out loud (especially some of the out-takes), serious moments that make you reflect on life's choices and the path you take (is it the path you choose or is it chosen for you by the results of what is out of your hands?)and sadness for what is the past and what might have been.

We thought this movie was outstanding, professional and deserves to be recognized as such.

Should be submitted to the film fest circuit!

"Book of Caleb" is a refreshing film that enjoys it's own quirks and justly so; it is a film about a boy (Montag) who, with ever fiber of his being, is set on never joining the bored mediocrity of the adult population. So why should it fit neatly into a boring adult-oriented genre? Answer: it shouldn't. It won't. This film requires an open mind and the willingness to just let it exist.

Although I can understand that this film would tend to have more of a following amongst the male population, I enjoyed it very much for the humanity of the characters and the plot which accurately exposed the unpredictable nature of a life well-lived. I enjoyed it so much, in fact, that I watched it again a few days later.

Congratulations to the makers of this film on a job well done.