Stonebrook

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Film
Review: Stonebrook is one of those movies inevitably called "a sleepy little film," and in this case, it's an apt description. A low budget indie that evidently went straight to video without hitting cinemas, Stonebrook is well worth the rental money, and is in some ways more satisfying than a lot of big budget blockbusters.

Erik Landson (Brad Rowe) is working as a farmhand when a friend of his late father's, a police detective named Oliver Franklin (William Mesnik), wrangles him a scholarship to Stonebrook University, a fictitious branch of the Ivy League. Erik is accepted at the college, so he packs his meager belongings into a battered Ford pickup, and hits the road.

Unfortunately, he soon learns that the police department scholarship is contingent upon a blood relationship with Franklin. His funding suddenly revoked, Erik has to produce some money fast, and his nerdy roommate Cornelius (Seth Green) proposes a get-rich quick scheme.

The two immediately run afoul of a small-time swindler, Alexander Tali (Stanley Kamel). Tali is cynically charmed by the two boys' chutzpah, and hires them to work for him. After a couple of easy successes, Erik realizes they've gotten in way over their heads-- Detective Franklin turns up in the dorm, and tells both guys that they stand to face a five-year prison sentence if convicted of their crimes. The only way to clear their records is to turn against their ersatz employer and give the DA evidence that will help convict him.

The story gets somewhat muddy at points, and I found a second viewing necessary to clarify who was scaming whom, but the dialogue is crisp and witty-- and remarkably free of obscenities. Likewise, the violence and bloodshed are kept to a bare minimum. It pays to keep your eyes open during this film; even small details turn out to be important.

One thing that particularly impressed me is the depiction of college life. There's not one beer bash, frat-house orgy, or gratuitous shot of naked female students in the entire film. Further, Erik is shown going to classes, studying, and wonder of wonders, even scrubbing pots in the university dining commons. These down to earth touches make the story easy to believe, and make Erik a likeable hero.

Another notable feature is the music-- in an age where movies practically exist as advertisements for their own soundtracks, the music in Stonebrook-- mostly acoustic country and rock-- stays unobtrusively in the background, highlighting each scene without taking it over. Similarly, the directing is simple and straightforward, lacking obnoxious trick shots and weird angles. Again, because the characters are presented in such an ordinary, human manner, it's that much easier to sympathize with them.

If you're looking for a quirky, well-acted film that's thought provoking but not preachy, Stonebrook may well fit the bill. It's refreshing to see a movie stripped of typical Hollywood excesses; Stonebrook is as notable for what it doesn't do as for what it does.

Rating:
Summary: Good for Indie fans & a must for Seth Green fans
Review: While this independent film is flawed, it is nevertheless a gem and time worth spent. If you like suspense-yarns that don't spoon-feed you all the plot connections, you will have fun watching this one. On the other hand, if you need to have everything spelled out for you, this one may be a brain-struggle. Personally, I favor movies that let me do a bit of the work myself. But whatever camp you're in, I think you will ultimately walk away having enjoyed it. Another reason to check this one out is Seth Green who, as always, is in top form. What I like about Seth is how he always brings flair and depth to his characterizations. He is a charming and talented actor, so I wish he had had more screen time. Brad Rowe is well suited as the farm boy lost in a big city, but his performance lacks dimension. For those who haven't seen it, try not and read too much on this movie before seeing it. I've deliberately not delved into what the movie is all about here...you'll have fun finding that out yourself! Unfortunately, the DVD has no extras. So all you're getting is the movie with scene selections.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: You don't see many indy films like this anymore. What sets it apart? Great acting, great directing, and yes great writing. Shot for just under 750,000 dollars this gem stars Brad Rowe and Seth Green. As it is a mystery (of sorts) I wont explain the plot (plus you can read that in other reviews), however let me just raise my hand and say "wow."