Delco: The Movie

Went in with low expectations knowing it was a crowd funded, low budget movie and got what I expected. It played as what someone would submit for a class project. Not enough Delco stereo types. It only focused on the Aston section, no aerial shots of row homes, it made Delco look nice. Could have been funnier and a little disappointed in the casting. The female lead looked 32 playing an 18yr old. Funny that both male leads were THAT religious and went to public school. I didn't know any public school kids that much into their faith so to have the movie centered around two felt off. Not the worst was just hoping for better.

The movie is centered on coming of age in Delaware County, PA ,a suburb of Philadelphia and, honestly, one of the most unique and quirky places in the US.(Yes, the place whose dialect challenged Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown, the place that produced Tina Fey, birthplace of the hoagie AND the stromboli, and probably the least admired county in PA) It does drag a bit at times and it is apparent that it is a lower budget production from a new filmmaker making his first feature length movie, but the movie does deliver laughs and heart. If you are from Delco, you MUST see the movie. If you are NOT from Delco, give it a watch anyway... and pray for us!

Overall I enjoyed this film. It didn't need to be flashy, didn't need current events/songs shoved down its throat, it's just a movie with three teenagers in a county that people love to hate, but feels emptiness when they leave. The actors played their roles very well, and we also see the main three develop as they continue doing their nonsense. If you lived/currently live in Delco, you gotta see this at least once. For as quickly as this movie was made and with a very tight budget, it was very good and definitely had moments where I went "I know where that place is". It was meant to have people from multiple parts of the county to come together and enjoy this and it did just that and then some.

The opening is a montage of all Delco locations which will be familiar to anyone from Delco. Nearly follows a classical climactic structure, as the movie takes places in just a bit more than 24 hours. The inclusion of Brian O'Halloran definitely gives the movie a View Askewniverse connection, and Brian A Wilson is a "that guy!" character actor who has appeared in many shows and movies. You may also recognize original American Idol co-host Brian Dunkleman, and J. J Cohen from Back to the Future (dork thinks he's gonna drown!) shows up, and gets to call the teenaged characters "dorks!"

Chris is a talented guy, and I fully expect to see several more projects set in this universe. Also, if you're worried about this being "a religious movie", you may be missing the point of the movie, and the arc of Wayne, one of the three main characters. All the young leads are excellent, and the video game clerks steal the show in several scenes! Also, who knew Ms Skivo had such acting chops?

I saw the movie at the premiere and again at the latest showing and it is entertaining and nostalgic! I think even if you're not from Delco you can relate to the angst of that time of life growing up and feeling like there has to be more out in the world for you. A young man with a life path laid out for him by family finds solace and adventure with friends in his home town.

The acting was well done! It was a treat to see Dunkleman doing his thing as the not so supportive dad. As a comedic actor he plays a character many can remember from their own town when growing up.

The trio of Harding, Pfeiffer and Kuerzi were relatable as three teens looking for adventure in small town America! Oh how I remember doing some things I wouldn't usually attempt if it weren't for that one friend!

The backdrop of all the places I went to years ago and the places that hold special memories was an extra bonus!! Many of the laughs came from the nostalgia of things that happened at that time and the places that no longer exist.

It's a feel good movie with laughs and provoking memories we can all relate to no matter where you are from. Well done!