Roller Town

"Roller Town" is the first film from the genius sketch comedy group Picnicface. I became a big fan of the group when they exploded on Youtube with viral hits like "Powerthirst" and "Hey Africa." I'm the kind of guy who started subscribing to individual members' channels, watching every obscure, random video they'd post, and I have loved every minute of it. So there was obviously some anticipation for this movie on my part.

In short, it did not disappoint.

The writing on the film is excellent. 90% of the jokes are good to great, a few, not so much. I was giggling throughout the movie. The goofy style and lighthearted spin on 70's pop culture was great fun. The soundtrack was surprisingly excellent. All of the Picnicface members in the film did a great job. Watch for a great scene-stealing performance from Brian MacQuarrie as Grandpa.

There are a few minor sound and pacing/editing issues, but these do not detract at all from a hilarious, entertaining film. Looking forward to more from these great humans in the future, collectively or as individuals.

The good thing about this movie is that it doesn't take itself seriously even as a comedy. Yes, some of the humor is juvenile, vulgar even or just plain not funny but Imo their are just as many parts where this offbeat comedy completely works. It makes fun of itself as well as the entire decade of the 1970's especially the disco era. I loved the music especially sung by the guys that are spoofing the Bee Gee's known here as The Boogaloo's. I literally cracked up when they sang "It's F*** O' clock!". The actors,writers and director did a good job of making this a fun movie to laugh and make fun of. Just go into this knowing that it's a completely stupid movie and you should enjoy it if you have a wacky sense of humor. I hope to see more from them in the future.

"Roller Town" is a modern roller disco film that was made in the hotbed of roller skating, Nova Scotia. In many ways, it's a parody of "Roller Boogie", though I think "Roller Boogie" is a funnier film simply because it was never intended as a comedy--but was so unintentionally funny. Occasionally, "Roller Town" almost managed to be a good film...almost. I will admit that it did make me laugh a few times (such as with the Roller Skating Conservatory and talk of the girl being a 'classically trained' skater!), but most of the time the jokes fall very flat. And, a few times the jokes are just disgusting and stupid--such as references to oral gratification, urination and the OVER-FREQUENT use of words for genitalia instead of actual punchlines for the jokes. In many ways, it seems like a homemade film made by some middle schoolers--albeit reasonably talented middle school kids! My recommendation is that if you'd like to see a 70s retro film, try "Black Dynamite". It's so much funnier and better made and a much better sendoff of decade.

"Rollertown" is nothing short of a sublime masterpiece, operating on multiple levels to grant an audience the time of their lives. Performances offered by Mark Little and Evany Rosen stand out, yet the entire ensemble cast shines brighter than any star in our universe.

It is as impossible to count how many times I have watched this movie, as it is to number how many times this film has brought me to tears, laughter, and expressions of pure joy.

The Canadian feature has earned not only a place in my personal all time favorite films, but a place in my all time favorite experiences. Without a shadow of doubt, pinicface's bold and courageous film will live on throughout history as a unique and thrilling comedy ride. I count myself fortunate to have been taken along for that ride, and I recommend anyone with the means to have a crack on the heavenly roller coaster that is "rollertown" as well.

This film had me "rolling" with laughter. So light hearted and inspiring. Definitely one of the best skating movies ever made.