Dean Slater: Resident Adviser was a great surprise. It is easy to assume mediocrity when a movie skips the big screens. Then again, I don't have much experience with these low budget films outside of nature documentaries on netflix. I am not the biggest fan of college themed movies either. Bearing biases, I enjoyed RA for it's creative filming, plot, and easy to watch acting.
The awkward moments of college were brought to life quickly. The movie actually hinges on awkward college life and this is a good thing. Growing up is awkward, and especially amidst your peers. Those that critique this aspect of the film are probably still reconciling their own youthful travails. The young cast had to have felt a tinge of red on their cheeks during the filming.
The highlight of the plot was when the internet was forcefully shut down, effectively halting access to text messages and facebook. The campus wide panic that resulted was beautiful, and a great tribute to the joys of interacting face to face (awkward or smooth), rather than through the hyped mediums of the 21st of the century (that decrease the stakes of an awkward interaction). The scene of great angst and confusion where the students lacked access to their phones was not exaggerated either.
The college students today would react similarly if they found themselves without access to facebook. I have seen my students use it voraciously when given free seconds. The social media snowball is racing downhill to create the next interactive platform into which the young and curious can stare into endlessly. But what about staring deeply into the eyes of your next best friend, or loved one? The writers of RA showed their concern in regards to the direction of everyday interaction on college campuses today. This made the movie for me.
The filming separated the movie from other non big screeners. It was tidy, clean and creative. The introductory scene and credits were excellent. 007 movies always kick off with an action scene and seductive opening credits. RA proved similar with less alterations and more props - which was impressive and had you buckling up rather than taking a bathroom break. Christian, Colin, and Scott are hopefully polishing up the plot of their second movie by now. I'm an eager fan.
