This film followed a relatively unoriginal story structure of teens in a small town, finding their way and trying to make their way into the world. Despite that - one of the only flaws of the film - Skateland has been one of my favorite films of the festival. It follows a small group of friends, showing everything from average experiences to worst case scenarios, using the eighties as a McGuffin style backdrop for the film. Being one of the few films that remained subtle in its historic context, refusing to become kitsch or over the top, I appreciated Skateland for what felt like a motivated, genuine, and realistic story line - dealing with problems of college, divorce, death, parties, girls, and getting out. Sporting a classics eighties soundtrack, the film ends in what was for me one of the most climactic, fulfilling, and perfect endings accompanied by The Cure's 'I'll Stop the World to Melt With You.' Having no big name actors, besides maybe Ashley Greene (who plays a supporting role in the Twilight films), this film was fantastically acted, led by an actor, highly reminiscent of Joaquin Phoenix (in his better days). I liked this film for what it meant to me and how it affected me personally and truly hope that distributors recognize it for the great film it was.
In attendance: Director Anthony Burns, and actors Shiloh Fernandez, Ashley Greene, AJ Buckley, Heath Freeman, and Taylor Handley
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1/26/2010
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