Tracktown

'TRACKTOWN': Four Stars (Out of Five)

An indie sports comedy-drama about a long-distance runner that twists her ankle while preparing for the Olympics. She's then forced to take a day off, for the first time in her ambitious young career. The movie stars debut actress Alexi Pappas, who also co-wrote and co-directed the film (marking her directorial debut as well). It was also co-written and co-directed by sophomore feature filmmaker Jeremy Teicher, who previously directed and co-wrote (with Pappas) the 2012 indie drama 'TALL AS THE BAOBAB TREE'. The film also costars Chase Offerle, Andy Buckley and Rachel Dratch. It was filmed all in Eugene, Oregon and it tells the story of a Eugene college athlete. I really enjoyed it.

Plumb Marigold (Pappas) is a young college athlete, who's been obsessively preparing for the Olympics for several years now. She lives with her father (Buckley), a former track star himself, who also excessively helps his daughter train. Plumb's mother (Dratch) had a mental breakdown years earlier, and she now lives with her own parents. Plumb twists her ankle, just a few days before Olympic trials, and she's forced to take a day off from her normal obsessive daily routine. On her day off she deeply contemplates her lonely life, as she also falls for a local young man named Sawyer (Offerle).

The movie is highlighted completely by Pappas' performance. She's excellent in the film and she really makes you feel for her character, and totally relate to her personal drama. The other actors do a good job as well, but their only purpose really is to support Pappas. The movie is completely about her personal issues and struggles, with loneliness and self identity being the primary ones. I think it's a really positive film for that reason. It's also beautifully shot and directed. I also love the fact that it takes place all in Eugene, Oregon (being from Oregon), and I think Pappas is definitely a talent to watch out for.

Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://vimeo.com/221789603

This movie is full of heart and originality. Tracktown explores a story of growth from the perspective of a young female athlete struggling to find balance. Plumb learns to step outside of her comfort zone and make decisions for herself. It also features many Olympic athletes and shows off the unique world of Tracktown, USA!

I really enjoyed the movie over all. The cast is good and brings quirky, but lovable, characters to life. I love that they brought me into the life of a runner. Who knew they ran that much? Alexi plays such her character so well and uses her own experiences as a runner to enhance her acting and story telling. Plus it's really cool that they used other Olympic athletes in the film. I would def suggest this movie as something to see.

An interesting movie. A strange coming of age story about an athlete who had trained all her life to become an Olympic style racer, but she gets an injury and is force to take a day off. She gets to live the life of a young girl for one day. This mostly initials a relationship with a guy she has a crush on.   The movie in itself was a good lesson on dedication and how it's good to take a break once in a while but never let distractions keep you from your goals. The  Filmmakers obsession with the athlete's body very strange but interesting, but I did love those awkward moments with the Athlete's attempts to be normal outside of training.

Tracktown is a wonderful run through the world of Plum Marigold as she tries to find her stride. The movie is quirky, entertaining and inspiring. Great camera angles and creative edits make this an up close and personal movie, like a documentary. It will become a classic as I already want to see it again!