Social Misfits

I picked up this film at the video store. I was not bothered by its cheesy package design nor the even cheesier provided synopsis, designed to pull in curious viewers no doubt. Did it work? Maybe it did? I mean, I wanted to watch it, but I guess since Blockbuster was all out of "The Wedding Planner", I had no other choice. Kidding. BB'd never be out of that pearl! Alone on the shelf "SM" sat, so I wanted to dust it off and give it a fair shake. I wanted something that no one had seen before. I wanted to know that I was not alone in my views. I was identifying with what I knew about the film but only from reading the back. So I took it home and popped it in the VCR and began to become part of the world of these characters. Somewhere along the line, they led me astray and I was lost. Who are these people? What are the representing? Why are they there? Who are they? What are they fighting for? The characters are changing for the film? Reality is bending. It is an independent film. I dig indie films-I make 'em! That's not the problem-polish, smolish, I dig plot and interesting it shot for, but it fell short, I think. A lot of potential to say a lot and it tried but maybe too hard. All the world's problems? Big topic, that's a lot to shoot for, a lot to live up to. I'm not saying I could make a better film, (although I do have some ideas) but if we all we all watched it, maybe we could all make it better. Mistakes are great teachers! You learn from yourself!

Even if it was rented for the shallow reason of seeing a former newsie, Social Misfits is almost hysterically funny in it's blunt stereotypes and prejudice. White supremacist brothers in their swastika and confederate flag shirts, one black man convinced the white man is bringing him down, two Hispanic guys just randomly spitting up wise-cracks, one drug dealer, one suicidal kid from an abusive home, and then of course there are the random quirks such as the pyro, the nympho, the klepto, and the girl who thinks she can fly. Sob stories abound that one may find in a psychology textbook that would link to problematic children; hence Camp Resurrection in this film. It's tough love for walking, talking stereotypes. You may cringe at the Hispanic and black stereotypes, laugh at the pyro and her "attention-seeking" ways. Textbook cases and a former newsie... I was amused, and the movie should be seen solely for the ending alone. Granted, if you didn't enjoy the ending to the Attic Expeditions (with Seth Green- another amusing and utterly pointless movie to watch when feeling brain dead) then you won't enjoy the ending to this flick.

Not quite utterly pointless, but it was an after-school special with a lot of four-letter words. It was more to the point than School House Rock ("We just need attention!"), but it had its moments. The nifty camera work and added er... effects (I guess one would call them) during the sob stories was worth it.

Overall, it's a flick to see once, and maybe only once just to say you've seen it. It certainly won't be the greatest thing you've ever seen, and it won't rank up there on characterization quite like Malcom X or American History X with the racism, but it's worth a chance. Look for the good in the bad, the little moments that make the movie worth seeing.

I had come across this movie in search of actors from the Newsies musical. This movie had a great concept. If it had been a book, it would for sure be a best seller. The actors in the film left little to be desired. Most were what appeared to be over-acting. It was hard to believe the actors. I put that aside and followed the movie. The end was very very good. I love a twist. For the most part I did really like this movie.

I rented this movie soley for the purpose of checking out Gabriel Damon. I enjoyed the movie. it has an interesting premis, and good character development, however i would have prefered if it could have been done without so many monologues. as and actor and as a viewer i have never liked monologues. A few of the actors were gave really good performances, but a few didn't.

"Social Misfits", as many of you are already aware, is a small-time independent flick. I found the film quite enjoyable and even poignant at times. Some of the writing, especially amongst the counselors and between the warden and the mother, was stale. The theme and premise of change of character through suffering slips away, as some of the violence that continues to occur throughout the movie suggests.

Still, the film has a slew of young actors with great potential. Tann is excellent as the leader of the group, as are Damon and De la Fuente as the Hispanic hoodlums. All the female roles were played wonderfully, and I'll give high esteem to the very young Huett, who played the girl who though she could fly.

What really saved the movie, for me anyway, is Charlie Talbert, in a very rare showing. Talbert is of "Angus" (1995) fame, and is rarely seen in movies. Even though his performance and his "moments" were short, he took great advantage of it. Throughout the movie, he is sweet, assertive, and charismatic. Through tone, physical features (he looks huggable), hand gestures, emotions, and body movements, he expresses his character (Kyle the klepto) perfectly! Talbert once again (alongside "Angus") demonstrates that he truly has a talent for acting. He would surely be appreciated if we see him in more key films.

All-in-all, "Social Misfits" is a great movie to rent. Take it home, and I bet you'll enjoy it, if only a bit.