The Duel

Whilst 'The Duel', Diego Hallivis' feature debut, is undoubtedly flawed and overly clichéd, I still found it to be an enjoyable 'overcoming-odds' story. Despite Hallivis' minimal budget to work from and without any notable star names, The Duel is still surprising dark and edgy, a step ahead of the usual 'Straight to Video' fodder around. 'The Duel' centres around Vance, a teenager who moves away from Wisconsin with his mother to escape his violent father. In New York, he learns of 'Duelling', the violent street version of Baketball. Alongside his partner, they compete to get to the gathering, the biggest 'Duel' tournament in New York. 'The Duel' is loaded with clichés- bullying at school,Daddy issues, Girlfriend who doesn't want anything to do with 'Duelling', big climax at the 'Gathering tournament' etc. Just like so many other films of its kind, its predictable and formulaic. It takes itself too seriously with little comic relief. But what separates this film above its peers is its engaging subplots, its insight into street life in New York. Yes, the acting is amateur, the soundtrack is nothing special and we've seen the exact same story a dozen other times. But amidst this there is heart, something that makes me inclined to follow the fledgling career of Diego Hallivis. Not exactly a 'slam dunk', but this one is sure to win you over by the 'final buzzer'...